IPEC 2026: Zhoushan showcases growing leadership in biofuel, LNG, methanol and ammonia bunkering
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by Admin
Local authorities on Thursday (22 October) said Zhoushan port has developed a comprehensive supply framework covering the production, storage, transportation and bunkering of multiple low-carbon and zero-carbon marine fuels.
Biofuel remains one of the strongest growth areas; they told delegates at the 9th Interregional Petroleum and Natural Gas Enterprises Conference (IPEC 2026).
Zhoushan launched China’s first marine biofuel blending pilot, enabling domestic biodiesel to be blended with imported fuel oil under a processing trade model. Authorities said approximately 45,000 metric tonnes (mt) have already been blended, helping diversify feedstock sources and supporting broader adoption of renewable marine fuels.
A spokesperson also introduced China’s first seller-side pricing mechanism for marine biofuels, designed to improve market transparency and support commercial transactions. Zhoushan currently accounts for around 90% of the country’s marine biofuel bunkering volume.
On the ammonia front, Zhoushan achieved several industry firsts, including deployment of a dedicated ammonia bunkering vessel and completion of the world’s first commercial ship-to-ship green ammonia bunkering operation conducted at anchorage. Authorities said the development established a complete green ammonia supply chain incorporating carbon footprint traceability.
The port city has also advanced LNG and methanol bunkering. Recent developments include ship-to-ship methanol bunkering operations and implementation of direct LNG supply arrangements across customs zones linking Ningbo and Zhoushan.
Supporting this expansion is a growing storage and logistics network. Bonded storage capacity for LNG has reached 380,000 cubic metres (m3), while bonded methanol storage capacity totals 195,000 m3. Overall oil and gas storage capacity now exceeds 42 million m3.
Looking ahead, Zhoushan plans to expand cross-customs-zone supply models to additional green bunker fuels including methanol and ammonia, while extending existing customs facilitation measures to support cleaner marine fuel supply chains.
Officials also intend to explore development of additional price indices for alternative marine fuels to strengthen the city’s influence in the international bunkering markets.
Related: China debuts first marine biofuel blending pilot programme in Zhoushan
Photo credit: Hangzhou Customs
Published: 22 October 2026
