Business

Emergence of China’s marine fuels industry challenges Singapore’s dominant position

Former Zhoushan Customs official forecasts China’s marine fuel sales will increase to 20 million tons in 2021, further narrowing the gap with Singapore.

Published

5 years ago

December 26, 2021

Admin

Disclaimer: An online translation service was used in the production of the current editorial piece.

Singapore has long been Asia’s largest bunker fuel supplier, but this situation may change due to the emergence of China, according to a recent report by an independent Singapore publication.

The report also noted China, the world’s second largest economy, now having the ability to attract more ships to refuel after building a large number of oil refining facilities and ports.

In late July, Bloomberg reported China’s marine fuel sales almost doubling in the past five years. However, Singapore is still the first within the global bunkering sector with annual sales exceeding USD 30 billion.

In 2020, Singapore sold 50 million tons of marine fuel, while China sold 16.9 million tons.

“Singapore has an advantage over other Asian ports in all indicators, and other ports have been trying to catch up. For example, Zhoushan, China will definitely do it; and get a piece of it,” said Drewry Maritime Advisory Director, Jayendu Krishna, as quoted by Bloomberg.

According to the report, Zhoushan is an important supply centre for China’s marine fuel industry.

To date, the Chinese government has spent USD 80 million to increase local anchorage capacity while expanding its shipping channels.

Recently, another 10 marine fuel companies have obtained licenses to operate in Zhoushan.

The price of local bonded bunker fuel is slightly lower than that of Singapore, and the location is geographically closer to major shipping countries such as Japan and South Korea, thus enhancing the port’s market competitiveness within the Northeast Asia region.

A woman formerly employed by Zhoushan Customs stated: “China’s fuel supply business is closely following Singapore.”

She predicts China’s marine fuel sales will increase to 20 million tons in 2021, thus further narrowing the gap with Singapore. In addition to Zhoushan, Shenzhen has also begun to make efforts in the bonded fuel oil sector.

However, Bloomberg also pointed out Singapore to be a better location for bunkering – geographically speaking. The country is located in the middle of busy trade routes connecting Europe, the Middle East and the Gulf Coast of the United States that have been formed over the centuries, and plans to build the world’s largest automated pier.

In addition, Singapore has a huge refining and storage network that can ensure a steady flow of bunker fuel to ships. Hence, industry observers generally believe the republic’s leading position will remain for a long time.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Source: ZS Bunker
Published: 27 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