Alternative Fuels

China: Ningbo issues measures to launch bonded LNG bunkering pilot project

Companies interested in joining the pilot project must submit their applications complete with five required documents to the Management Bureau of Ningbo District.

Published

4 years ago

October 25, 2022

Admin

The General Office of the People’s Government of Ningbo recently issued the “Administrative Measures for the Pilot Program of Bonded LNG Bunkering for International Navigation Vessels” in Ningbo Area of China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone for the trial Implementation of bonded LNG bunkering for international ships.

The “trial of bonded LNG bunkering for ships on international voyages” referred to in the “Administrative Measures” refers to the pilot project of providing bonded LNG bunkering for ships on international voyages within the Ningbo sea area and an exploration to accelerate the development of bunkering business.

The “Administrative Measures” are applicable to enterprises registered in Beilun District of Ningbo City (the administrative region where the Ningbo area is located) and engaged in the bunkering business of bonded LNG for ships on international voyages.

In the specific operation, the Management Bureau of Ningbo District will be responsible for coordinating and coordinating the pilot work and will take the lead in coordinating relevant functional departments such as the Ningbo Municipal Transport Bureau, Ningbo Customs District P.R.China, Ningbo Maritime Safety Administration Of People’s Republic Of China, and China Immigration Ningbo Inspection to establish consultations on major matters, emergency incident handling, joint working mechanisms such as safety production supervision.

Companies interested in joining the pilot project must submit their applications accompanied with five required documents to the Management Bureau of Ningbo District.

After the Management Bureau of Ningbo District receives the written application, it will communicate with relevant departments to conduct a joint review and the pilot project will then commence after approval.

The “Administrative Measures” proposes the following roles of stakeholders involved in the project:

Management Bureau of Ningbo District is responsible for the management of the operating qualifications of the pilot enterprises.
Ningbo Municipal Transport Bureau is responsible for the supervision and management of the port service industry of the pilot enterprises.
Ningbo Customs District P.R.China is responsible for LNG bonded management and approval of bonded filling business. Ningbo Maritime Safety Administration is responsible for the safety supervision and management of water LNG bunkering operations.
China Immigration Ningbo Inspection is responsible for the approval of administrative licenses for operations that rely on foreign ships during LNG bunkering.
Ningbo Market regulatory administrative bureau, Ningbo Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment, Ningbo Administration of Work Safety, Ningbo Fire and Rescue Detachment and other departments will coordinate management of the pilot refuelling according to their responsibilities.

The “Administrative Measures” shall come into force from the date of issuance of the companies’ approval with a trial period of two years.

The following are five documents companies would need to be submit with their applications to the Ningbo Area Management Committee to join the pilot project:

A copy of the enterprise application report and business licence;
Relevant certification documents for bunkering and leasing ships to carry out bunkering business shall provide a lease contract with a lease term of not less than one year;
Ownership and safety documents of LNG bonded warehouses, loading and unloading terminals and their supporting facilities that meet the requirements of customs, ecological environment, transportation and other departments, and relevant qualification documents for boarding foreign ships that meet the requirements of border inspection;
A bonded LNG bunkering business plan that specifies the procurement channels, warehousing logistics, delivery methods, target markets and major customers for the supply of bonded LNG marine fuel;
LNG bunkering operations safety measures, safety and pollution prevention management system documents.

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: Manifold Times
Published: 25 October, 2022

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.

Published

6 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Admin

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

Methanol

Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

Following “Seaspan Yangtze”, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the methanol retrofit programme are “Seaspan Amazon”, “Seaspan Ganges”, “Seaspan Thames”, and “Seaspan Zambezi”.

Published

7 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Admin

Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

Seaspan Corporation (Seaspan) and Hapag-Lloyd on Wednesday (3 June) announced the successful completion of the first of the five vessel conversions under their methanol retrofit programme with the delivery of Seaspan Yangtze.

From the early SAVER (Seaspan Action for Vessel Energy Reduction) programme to today’s CleanBlue initiative, Seaspan has committed over USD 230 USD million across 86 vessels, executing more than 550 efficiency and retrofit projects.

Following Seaspan Yangtze, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the programme are Seaspan Amazon, Seaspan Ganges, Seaspan Thames, and Seaspan Zambezi. Each retrofit is expected to reduce well-to-wake CO₂e emissions by approximately 30,000 to 50,000 metric tonnes per vessel annually when operating on low-carbon methanol, while also extending vessel lifespan and enhancing fuel flexibility.

“Decarbonisation is not just about building the fleet of tomorrow, it is also about unlocking the full potential of the fleet we have today. Retrofitting and upgrades on existing fleets play a practical, immediate, and economical role in accelerating shipping’s decarbonization journey,” said Bing Chen, Chairman, President and CEO of Seaspan.

“Project SAVER CleanBlue highlights Seaspan’s strong customer partnerships, deep technical expertise, and unique platform integrated with JV partners, such as WattSpan Maritime Technology, in executing complex and large-scale retrofit projects.”

“The successful conversion of the Seaspan Yangtze together with the planned retrofit of its four sister vessels is another important step on our ambitious path towards net-zero fleet operations by 2045,” said Silke Lehmköster, Managing Director, Fleet, Hapag-Lloyd.

“Together with Seaspan, we are demonstrating that retrofitting existing vessels for low-carbon methanol can be a practical way to reduce emissions in shipping.”

Photo credit: Seaspan
Published: 4 June, 2026

Nuclear

South Korean-led nuclear car carrier design secures LR backing

LR is working with HHI, KSOE, Hyundai Glovis, G- Marine Service and KAERI on a joint development project exploring an advanced small modular reactor (SMR) installation on a PCTC.

Published

7 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Admin

South Korean-led nuclear car carrier design secures LR backing

Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) on Tuesday (2 June) said it has teamed up with South Korean shipbuilding, marine services and nuclear research organisations to advance the development of a nuclear‑assisted car carrier concept.

LR is working with Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE), Hyundai Glovis, G- Marine Service and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) on a joint development project (JDP) exploring an advanced small modular reactor (SMR) installation on a pure car and truck carrier (PCTC).

The study focused on how a Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) could be physically and operationally integrated into a large vehicle carrier. Work examined the internal arrangement and segregation of the reactor system, shielding requirements, and the impact on cargo deck layout and vehicle capacity, alongside stability and trim implications linked to the reactor’s weight and positioning.

The partners also assessed propulsion system configuration and power delivery, as well as operational flexibility compared with conventionally fuelled PCTCs, where trade routes and port calls can be tightly constrained.

A key focus of the project has been safety. LR led hazard identification (HAZID) and preliminary risk assessment work, focusing on containment, onboard safety systems and potential operability constraints tied to nuclear technology at sea.

The partners will mark the project milestone with an Approval in Principle (AiP) granting ceremony on 2 June at the LR stand during Posidonia 2026.

Sung-Gu Park, President – North East Asia, Lloyd’s Register, said: “While nuclear propulsion is still at an early stage of development, this project shows the importance of building technical understanding now to support future progress.

“Establishing feasibility at concept stage is a valuable step forward, particularly in areas such as cargo optimisation, vessel stability and integrated safety design.”

Hong-Ryeul Ryu, CTO and Senior Executive Vice President at HD HHI, said: “With global environmental regulations becoming increasingly stringent and no definitive net-zero fuel yet available, SMR-powered ships can serve as a highly effective alternative, representing a pioneering next-generation maritime technology capable of complying with GHG emission regulations while allowing lifetime operation without refuelling, and HD HHI will remain at the forefront of sustainable maritime technology development.”

Photo credit: Lloyd’s Register
Published: 4 June, 2026