On 15 December 2023, the 13th Hong Kong International Financial Forum & the Hong Kong International ESG Annual Awards Ceremony was held in Hong Kong. The event was organized by Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group in partnership with China Certification & Inspection Group, HKU Institute for China Business, and the HSBC Financial Research Institute at Peking University. During this ceremony, COSCO SHIPPING Energy received the prestigious "Best ESG Pioneer" in recognition of its exceptional achievements in the field of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG).

The Hong Kong International ESG Annual Awards, in collaboration with respected ESG institutions and experts with extensive expertise in the field, is dedicated to acknowledging companies that have demonstrated well-rounded, multi-dimensional development in areas such as environmental protection, social responsibility, and governance capacity. Furthermore, the awards aim to establish ESG criteria tailored to China's distinct national context, the principles of high-quality development, and the prevailing global trend of international cooperation. Ultimately, this initiative strives to enhance the ESG leadership of Chinese enterprises playing in the highly competitive global business arena.

The Best ESG Pioneer Award comprehensively evaluates the participating companies based on industry characteristics and horizontal comparisons within the industry. Award-winning companies are expected to play a significant role in driving the advancement and growth of ESG within their respective industries. The fact that COSCO SHIPPING Energy stands out from a wide array of companies underscores the professional recognition of the company's ESG strategy and governance competencies. COSCO SHIPPING Energy remains steadfast in its commitment to the building of an ESG value system. The company has progressively developed a profound understanding of various ESG rating systems. It has conducted meticulous and comprehensive assessments and enhancements of its operations, encompassing safety, technology, management, innovation, and development. Furthermore, the company has established quantifiable data frameworks and assessment tools optimizing its internal ESG initiatives and communication mechanisms. Since 2008, the company has published sustainability reports for 15 consecutive years. The ESG disclosure is continually expanding with comprehensive data collection and richer presentation formats. This proactive approach aligns with the demands and expectations of various stakeholders.

Besides, the company has consistently strategically positioned and managed substantial issues of concern to its stakeholders. In addressing climate change, the company conducts continuous assessments of risks and opportunities. It actively expands its LNG transportation business, conducts research on CO₂ shipping, invests in the construction of LNG dual-fuel Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), and places a strong emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its tanker fleet. The company is actively attentive to the potential effects of ship operation processes on marine organism habitats and reproduction. To address this concern, it has developed a Biodiversity Conservation Plan and issued a statement pledging to engage in responsible route planning, minimize emissions into both the atmosphere and the ocean, manage oily wastewate, and enhance the maintenance of ships throughout their entire lifecycle.

Looking ahead, COSCO SHIPPING Energy is committed to implementing the shipping industry's decarbonization strategy. The company will proactively engage with international standard initiatives, and advocate for lower-carbon technological and management innovations. Ultimately, the aim is to deliver value to stakeholders as a resilient, sustainable, and responsible energy carrier.