Alternative Fuels

China: Enterprises optimistic of bonded bunkering market expansion, but highlight challenges ahead

Sinopec’s 2021 China’s Energy and Chemical Industry Development Report forecasts fuel oil demand to increase from 43 million mt tons to 49.5 million mt tons in 2025.

Published

5 years ago

December 16, 2021

Admin

The following article first published by Manifold Times on 16 December was sourced from China’s domestic market through a local correspondent. An online translation service was used in the production of the current editorial piece:

The State Council of China recently gave permission to start bonded bunkering operations for international sailing vessels at Shanghai and Guangzhou, said a Sunday (12 December) report by China Energy News.

A number of local enterprises applauded the development, and believed it marks the expansion of the Chinese bonded marine fuel oil market.

In 2020, seven domestic Chinese ports ranked among the top ten global port throughput. Ningbo Zhoushan Port was the largest marine fuel oil filling port, with an annual filling capacity of 4.7 million metric tonnes (mt).

“The oil supply business [bunkering] process of each single ship in China is more complex and less convenient,” says Yu Xiao, fuel oil analyst at Jin Lianchuang.

“At the same time, China’s bonded marine fuel oil has been highly dependent on imports for a long time, resulting in a lack of price competitive advantage.

“This prevented, international sailing ships docked at domestic ports from conducting bunkering operations, so the market size [for bonded bunkering operations] did not match the economic development level of Chinese domestic ports.

In recent years, in order to improve the efficiency of oil supply, Chinese customs, maritime affairs, border inspection and port free trade zones have introduced a number of innovative measures in terms of customs and policies to improve the bonded marine fuel oil market.

Guangzhou Port is the largest comprehensive main hub and container port in South China. At present, it is linked to 131 international container liner routes.

In 2020, the cargo throughput at Guangzhou Port is 636 million tons, ranking fourth in the world. Therefore, Guangzhou also has unique advantages in developing its bonded marine oil market.

A 2021 China Energy and Chemical Industry Development Report released by Sinopec predicts China’s fuel oil demand to increase from 43 million mt to 49.5 million mt in 2025.

Sinopec Fuel Oil company said it will improve its supply capacity and the quality of marine fuel oil production to prepare for the expected increase in China’s bonded marine oil market

“With the continuous decentralisation of the international ship bonded refueling permit, more oil supply enterprises will enter the relevant industries in the future, and it is also necessary to effectively improve the storage, distribution and fleet renewal,” says Sinopec.

“Infrastructure and equipment should be improved to reduce the oil supply operation time and to improve the quality and efficiency of bunkering operations.

“The most important thing is to optimise the regulatory environment, improve the regulatory efficiency, and provide greater regulatory convenience for the receiving vessel so as to greatly reduce cost inefficiencies of the bunkering industry.

“Overall, on the whole, in the era of low sulphur China’s bonded shipping oil market will develop well and the prospects are relatively optimistic.”

Photo credit: MarineTraffic / kapoor nischint
Published: 16 December, 2021

LNG Bunkering

Singapore: Eastern Pacific Shipping hits 700 LNG bunkering milestone

Since commencing LNG bunkering operations in November 2020, the company said it has completed a total LNG bunkering volume of 2,920,191 cubic metres.

Published

11 hours ago

August 18, 2026

Admin

Singapore: Eastern Pacific Shipping hits 700 LNG bunkering milestone

Singapore-based shipping firm Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) on Monday (17 August) said the company has successfully completed its 700th LNG bunkering operation, carried out for vehicle carrier Lake Victoria in Emden, Germany.

Since commencing LNG bunkering operations in November 2020, the company said it has completed a total LNG bunkering volume of 2,920,191 cubic metres (m3).

“Reaching 700 LNG bunkering operations reflects not only the scale of our investment in alternative-fuel capabilities, but also the experience, coordination and commitment of our teams at sea and ashore,” EPS said in a social media post.

“As we continue to grow and diversify our fleet, every operation adds to the practical experience needed to support shipping’s energy transition.”

Manifold Times previously reported the company completed a total of 530 LNG bunkering operations with over 2.4 million m3 of LNG bunkered, from the start of recorded data to 31 Dec 2025.

In its 2026 ESG Report, EPS said its fleet is among the largest dual-fuel fleets in the industry, with over 170 vessels designed to operate on alternative fuels.

In 2025, 25% of the fuel consumed by EPS fleet were alternative marine fuels, including LNG, LPG, ethane, and biofuels.

Photo credit: Eastern Pacific Shipping
Published: 18 August, 2026

LNG Bunkering

Yang Ming dual-fuel vessel completes first SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation in Shanghai

“YM Willpower” successfully received around 2,000 mt of LNG alongside active cargo handling, significantly enhancing operational efficiency during the port call.

Published

11 hours ago

August 18, 2026

Admin

Yang Ming dual-fuel vessel completes first SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation in Shanghai

Taiwanese shipping firm Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (Yang Ming) on Monday (17 August) said its 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessel, YM Willpower, successfully completed its first-ever LNG bunkering operation via SIMOPS (Simultaneous Operations) at the Port of Shanghai.

Through close collaboration with Shanghai International Port (Group) and SIPG Energy Shanghai, the vessel successfully received around 2,000 metric tonnes (mt) of LNG alongside active cargo handling, significantly enhancing operational efficiency during the port call.

With LNG dual-fuel technology, the company said it is continuing to expand alternative-fuel bunkering capabilities, enhance operational flexibility and efficiency and advance lower-carbon shipping solutions.

Manifold Times previously reported YM Willpower completing its first bunkering operation in Singapore.

In 2026, Yang Ming will progressively introduce newly built 15,500 TEU class container vessels primarily fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) into its operating fleet.

The lead vessel, YM Willpower, completed partial LNG bunkering at the shipyard prior to delivery and was officially deployed on 8 February into Yang Ming’s Far East–Mediterranean MD2 service.

Photo credit: Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation
Published: 18 August, 2026

Methanol

Fratelli Cosulich launches methanol-ready bunker tanker in China

Designed with MarineLINE-coated cargo tanks and methanol readiness from the outset, “Carlotta Cosulich” combines operational flexibility with future-fuel readiness.

Published

11 hours ago

August 18, 2026

Admin

Fratelli Cosulich launches methanol-ready bunker tanker in China

Genoa-based marine fuel supplier Fratelli Cosulich on Monday (17 August) announced the launch of its new methanol-ready bunker IMO II tanker, Carlotta Cosulich.

The launch of Carlotta Cosulich, the third of four sister vessels, took place at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard in China, bringing together the project team, partners and stakeholders.

Silvia Bordon, General Manager, served as the vessel’s godmother during the ceremony.

“Designed with MarineLINE-coated cargo tanks and methanol readiness from the outset, Carlotta Cosulich combines operational flexibility with future-fuel readiness,” the company said in a statement.

Equipped with a five-tonne cargo crane and dedicated arrangements for Single Point Mooring (SPM) operations further enhances her versatility across a wider range of bunkering operations.

“Following the successful delivery of her two sister vessels, she brings us one step closer to completing this four-vessel programme and reinforces Fratelli Cosulich Group’s commitment to safety, innovation, sustainability and operational excellence,” the company added.

Photo credit: Fratelli Cosulich
Published: 18 August, 2026