Business

China: Huangpu Customs launches paperless pilot project to reduce documentation time

Pilot trial using digital technologies and other measures including “supply first and report later” reduced waiting time by nearly two days with the elimination of paper documents.

Published

3 years ago

May 3, 2023

Admin

Huangpu Customs has implemented a paperless pilot project for bonded bunker fuel between customs offices and a few reformed measures to improve the efficiency and convenience of bunkering operations, according to the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China recently.

The trial was launched with 980 metric tonnes (mt) of low-sulphur bonded fuel oil directly transported from the public bonded warehouse of Huangpu District Xiji Oil Depot, Guangzhou, to the bunkering vessel Yue Hang You 3 through pipelines.

Yue Hang You 3 then arrived ahead of schedule at Xinsha Wharf to complete the bunkering operation of international voyage ship HERACLES.

Instead of circulating paper documents between different offices, the process of bonded bunker fuel supply was simplified and processed online. This includes supply application, ship supply application, verifications and customs clearance.

At the same time, the Huangpu Customs launched measures such as “cross customs supply from one oil depot”, “multiple supply from one vessel” and “supply first and report later” to ensure quicker bunkering operations.

“It used to take at least one to two days for the oil supply ship to come to refuel. Occasionally, the import and export cargo has been loaded and unloaded, and the bonded fuel oil has not been filled, which affects the timeliness of cargo transportation. Now the oil supply ship has arrived at the refuelling point ahead of schedule. The ship can immediately receive bunker fuel supply and leave when it is done, making the bunkering experience very positive and smooth,” according to a person-in-charge of HERACLES.

Xiao Hang, Section Manager of Huangpu Old Port Clearance Division, said: “We rely on the information system to establish an information exchange and feedback mechanism between the enterprise and the customs, between the supplying and receiving customs and strive to reduce the number of trips for enterprises. With measures such as ‘declaration in advance’, ‘supply first and report later’, and ‘multiple supply from one vessel’, enterprises can handle bonded bunker fuel supply online at one time and supply oil to multiple bunker-receiving ships in one operation voyage. The single operation voyage can save 20-30 hours compared to before these measures were in place.”

In addition, “cross customs supply from one oil depot” measure supports companies to directly load and export bonded bunker fuel from public bonded warehouses, eliminating the need to transfer to their own warehouses, which effectively reduces the transportation costs of enterprises and reduces the loss of fuel for multiple transportation.

Zhou Yunbao, deputy director of Huangpu Customs, said: “The regulatory reform measures introduced by Huangpu Customs are aimed at improving fuel supply efficiency, reducing fuel supply costs, simplifying fuel supply procedures, and reducing the burden on enterprises. In the next step, we will continue to deepen reform and innovation, actively support Guangzhou in building a bonded oil supply base in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, improve the comprehensive service capabilities of Guangzhou Port and shipping, and promote the quality and increase of Guangzhou’s foreign trade.”

Disclaimer: The above article published by Manifold Times was sourced from China’s domestic market through a local correspondent. While considerable efforts have been taken to verify its accuracy through a professional translator and processed from sources believed to be reliable, no warranty is made regarding the accuracy, completeness and reliability of any information.

Photo credit: Huangpu Customs
Published: 3 May, 2023

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

13 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

13 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

13 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