The company last week held a steel cutting ceremony marking the beginning of the construction of the two vessel - the first of its kind to be deployed in Hong Kong.

These two standby vessels will be designed, equipped and maintained as seagoing vessels to provide 24x7 services in order to enhance the safety and security of marine operations and carry out rapid evacuations in the event of an emergency, HUD said in a statement.

The vessels are being constructed to support the future operations of the first offshore LNG terminal in Hong Kong.

Built pursuant to a long term charter party and services agreement between HUD and Hong Kong LNG Terminal Limited, the vessels are currently under construction by Cheoy Lee Shipyards Ltd in Zhuhai and of Robert Allan RAStar4200-DF design.

"By using LNG as opposed to traditional forms of marine fuel, harmful emissions such as particulates, nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides will be reduced by 80 per cent, which will help keep skies blue and the air clean in Hong Kong," says Paul Fan, CEO of HUD.

Hongkong Salvage & Towage (HKST), a division of HUD and renowned in the industry for providing multi-disciplinary marine services, will take multiple roles in designing, owning and operating the vessels.

To support round-the-clock operation, HKST will link the vessel's surveillance system with its control centre which connects to real time marine traffic and weather conditions to allow for better safety precaution, ensure efficient control and provide immediate response and assistance.

In response to the Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2030+ Report and in support of the increased use of natural gas for power generation in Hong Kong, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP Power) and The Hongkong Electric Co, Ltd (HK Electric) are currently constructing an offshore liquefied natural gas terminal, which will be the first of its kind in Hong Kong.