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Integr8 Fuels: Zhoushan as a new Far East bunker hub

Zhoushan is becoming the key port for bunker-only calls in China, where they plan to sell 7 million tons of bonded fuel via 11 suppliers in 2020, reads report.
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Integr8 Fuels, the bunker trading and brokerage arm of Navig8, on Thursday (14 May) published an analysis on China’s progress into turning Zhoushan Port into a self-sufficient bunkering hub; it was written by Senior Research Analyst, Anton Shamray:

For decades Singapore has been the gateway to Asia, a major hub offering bunkering as well as other various shipping services. There have been a number of attempts to rival it, particularly when it comes to bunkering, however bunker sales in Singapore remain strong, at around 50 million tons per annum out of the global total of 300 million tons.

Recently, however, certain developments in China and particularly around Zhoushan mean, while unlikely to fully rival Singapore, it may become an attractive bunkering alternative for some.

China as an importer of fuel oil

For a long time China imported fuel oil to help meet its domestic consumption, including bunker sales and as a feed for the secondary refinery units. The consumption as well as the sales tax were applicable on all bunker sales, and given that the majority of fuel oil was imported from Singapore, this was evident in the premium at which bunker fuel was priced in China.

Figure 1 shows the Zhoushan HSFO price premium to Singapore. Zhoushan has the share of around 30% of all bunker deliveries in China.

Integr8 Fuels figure 1

For the most of 2018 the premium held at around $10-15/mt, widening significantly in 2019 due to a number of factors.

However, this is now changing as the Chinese government has a vision of creating a bunkering and a service hub in the port of Zhoushan.

Certain steps towards achieving this goal have already been made and the market has reacted accordingly.

Creating a bunker and service hub

In an attempt to promote Zhoushan as a bunker and service hub, a free trade zone was established in 2017. This helped reduce the customs clearance time to avoid delays in supplying vessels.

Further to this in July 2018, a country-wide tax incentive was introduced for marine fuel blending using imported feedstocks. Zhoushan benefited the most as, unlike many other Chinese ports, it boasts substantial storage and blending capacity and there is more under construction. Access to storage was one of the key factors which enabled Singapore to develop as a large bunkering hub.

This, however, was still not enough to encourage Chinese refiners and blenders, who had the capacity but no favourable regulatory framework, to produce more marine fuel to cover domestic and potentially foreign demand.

In February 2020 tax rebates started to apply in China for the sale of marine fuels, increasing the regional competitiveness of domestically produced fuels. Major Chinese refiners announced plans to ramp up VLSFO production amounting to over 20 million tons of VLSFO production in 2020, in line with the annual Chinese domestic and bonded bunker demand.

Zhoushan is increasingly becoming the key port for bunker-only calls in China, where they plan to sell 7 million tons of bonded fuel via 11 suppliers in 2020, up from 3.6 million tons in 2018. Such an increase brings Zhoushan closer to Rotterdam and Fujairah by volume.

These developments pushed the price of VLSFO in Zhoushan lower (Figure 2), raising its competitiveness against other regional ports, including Singapore.

Integr8 Fuels figure 2

With the introduction of tax rebates and increased local production, average monthly VLSFO prices in Zhoushan moved from over $20/mt above Singapore early this year to a discount more recently. This trend is likely to continue as 10 million tons of VLSFO quotas for bonded sales have just been released; an extra 5 million tons may be issued later this year, potentially replacing imports.

Zhoushan bunker sales growing

There is already a solid base for the increased Chinese VLSFO production and sales from Zhoushan, supporting the government intention to create a vessel service hub. This is already visible as bunker enquiries and sales are up.

As an example, Figure 3 shows the cumulative growth in the number of stems Integr8 Fuels concluded in Zhoushan.

Integr8 Fuels figure 3

The Zhoushan growth has also been due to the favourable calling fee policies. With two bunker anchorages, inner and outer, the outer anchorage is free of fees, which makes it similar to Singapore OPL. The inner anchorage charges half of the pilotage fee for bunker-only calls and none if the outer anchorage is unavailable due to bad weather, although other taxes may still apply.

It is understood that the first foreign-flagged vessel was supplied with VLSFO at the Zhoushan outer anchorage in mid-December and many more vessels have followed since.

All these developments increase the attractiveness of Zhoushan as a bunker and vessel services port. There have already been reports of vessels, previously used to bunker elsewhere, deviating to Zhoushan due to the growing price difference. More calls at Zhoushan will help recognise it as a reliable bunker and supply option in the maritime community.

Important decisions and steps have already been made towards reaching China’s goal of being self-sufficient in bunker fuel production and supply and developing Zhoushan as a key bunkering and service location in the Far East.


Photo credit and source: Integr8 Fuels
Published: 15 May, 2020

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Mass Flowmeter

Hong Kong backs MFM adoption with voluntary scheme to boost bunkering competitiveness

Hong Kong’s Marine Department launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems on their bunker vessels.
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Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) on Wednesday (3 June) launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems (MFM systems) on their bunker vessels.

MD said the scheme aims to enhance Hong Kong’s bunkering service quality and the competitiveness of Hong Kong ports, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre and a major bunkering port.

Under the Scheme, bunker operators of traditional maritime fuel and biodiesel that install and use MFM systems on their bunker vessels, with the MFM systems inspected and certified by an accredited body in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 22192 Standard or equivalent requirements, can apply to the MD for inclusion in the scheme’s “List of Quality Bunker Vessels”, provided they meet the relevant technical and operational requirements. 

Details of the bunker vessels successfully included in the List will be published on a dedicated page on the MD’s website for reference by shipping companies and relevant stakeholders.

Participation in the Scheme is voluntary. In addition to receiving recognition from the MD, participating bunker operators will benefit from enhanced corporate image and competitiveness through the adoption of MFM systems, thereby boosting customers’ confidence and helping to create new business opportunities.

 A spokesman for the MD, said: “As an international maritime centre supported by our country, Hong Kong has a strategic location adjacent to major international fairways. Coupled with years of development in marine fuel bunkering, Hong Kong possesses rich experience and talent in the field. For many years, Hong Kong has consistently ranked as the seventh-largest bunkering port globally, the second-largest in our country, and the largest in the Greater Bay Area, providing reliable and competitive fuel bunkering services to ocean-going vessels from around the world. 

“As the international shipping industry has an increasing demand for accuracy and transparency in bunkering services, service quality and measurement precision in bunkering operations have become important indicators of a bunkering port’s competitiveness. The Scheme will enhance bunkering accuracy and transparency, further enhancing the quality of Hong Kong’s bunkering services.

The spokesman added that comprehensive port services are one of Hong Kong’s key advantages as an international maritime centre.

“We will also mandate the use of MFM systems on all methanol bunker vessels this year to ensure that Hong Kong continues to provide high-quality bunkering services in the era of green maritime fuels.” 

Note: The application form for the Scheme can be found on the MD’s website. Interested bunker operators can download the application form from the website or contact the MD’s Green Maritime Fuel Team via email ([email protected]) for details.

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Alternative Fuels

MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency.
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MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (3 June) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company to strengthen collaboration in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, innovation, and manpower development. 

The MoU was signed on 25 May 2026 by Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, and Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC.

The MoU underscores the shared commitment of MPA and MSC to foster a sustainable, digital, and future-ready maritime sector, while enhancing MSC’s operational and business activities in Singapore. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of MSC establishing its Asia Regional Office and local office in Singapore.

Under the MoU, MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency and operational performance.

MPA and MSC will also collaborate on maritime digitalisation initiatives to improve operational efficiency, including streamlining vessel arrivals and port operations. 

On manpower development, MSC will support internship and scholarship opportunities through Singapore Maritime Foundation’s Maritime Outreach Network (MaritimeONE) platform, an industry-led tripartite partnership comprising industry, government and institutes of higher learning that aims to raise awareness of the maritime industry and attract quality talent into the maritime sector.

Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “This partnership reflects the strong collaboration between MPA and MSC in driving sustainability and digitalisation in the maritime sector. By working together on decarbonisation, operational efficiency and talent development, we aim to strengthen Maritime Singapore’s position as a trusted and future-ready global maritime hub.”

Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC, said: “Singapore is a strategically important hub for MSC and a key gateway to the broader Asia region. As we mark 30 years in Singapore, this MOU reinforces our long-term commitment to strengthening our presence here. MSC and Singapore are closely aligned on the priorities shaping the future of global shipping, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to drive the continued growth and resilience of the maritime industry.”

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Emissions reporting

StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

Cooperation combines StormGeo’s expertise in operational vessel and emissions data with OceanScore’s expertise in emissions compliance workflows across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and UK ETS requirements.
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StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

Weather intelligence and decision support solutions provider StormGeo and Hamburg-based technology platform OceanScore on Wednesday (3 June) said they have deepened their ongoing cooperation through the signing of a collaboration agreement during Posidonia 2026 in Athens on 2 June.

The cooperation combines StormGeo’s expertise in operational vessel and emissions data with OceanScore’s expertise in emissions compliance workflows across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and upcoming UK ETS requirements.

Together, the companies aim to help shipping companies seamlessly navigate increasing regulatory complexity more efficiently — from emissions reporting and data validation to compliance exposure management, pooling and financial settlement.

As emissions regulation becomes an increasingly important part of commercial shipping operations, the need for reliable operational data and streamlined compliance processes continues to grow. The cooperation between StormGeo and OceanScore is designed to support shipping companies with more connected, transparent and actionable processes across operational and commercial teams.

“From the outside, companies like StormGeo and OceanScore may sometimes be perceived as competitors because both operate around emissions and compliance workflows,” said Albrecht Grell, Managing Director at OceanScore. 

“But in reality, the industry increasingly needs both perspectives working together: trusted operational emissions data on one side and commercial compliance execution on the other. Our cooperation reflects that shipping companies are no longer looking for isolated solutions — they need connected processes, automated across different systems and reliable decision-making throughout the full compliance chain.”

By connecting validated operational emissions data with commercial compliance management, the cooperation supports workflows across:

  • emissions reporting and validation 
  • compliance management across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and upcoming UK ETS requirements
  • exposure visibility and cost transparency
  • pooling, settlement and financial processes 

The cooperation also aims to improve commercial transparency and coordination across operational and commercial stakeholders.

“StormGeo plays a central role in helping shipping companies turn operational vessel and emissions data into trusted, decision-ready insights,” said Espen Martinsen, Chief Commercial Officer at StormGeo. 

“As emissions regulations become more complex, this data is essential for transparent and efficient compliance management. By working with OceanScore, we can help customers connect StormGeo’s validated operational data with commercial compliance processes, creating a more integrated and practical approach to emissions management.”

The signing ceremony took place at the StormGeo booth during Posidonia 2026 in Athens and was attended by representatives from both companies.

Both companies expect the cooperation to continue evolving alongside upcoming regulatory developments, including FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS, the upcoming UK ETS and future emissions-related frameworks affecting global shipping.

 

Photo credit: StormGeo
Published: 4 June, 2026

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