China: Xiushandong Anchorage ranks first in bonded bunkering volume in Zhoushan

The Zhoushan Hi-Tech Zone Administrative Committee, who oversees developments at the bunkering port of Zhoushan in Zhejiang, China, recently provided an update to the readers of Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times:

Xiushandong Anchorage has ranked first in bunkering out of the five bonded bunkering major anchorages in Zhoushan, becoming the most popular anchorage in the city among international shipowners.

According to statistics released by the committee, the anchorage has achieved 540,000 metric tonnes (mt) of bunkering volume from January to July this year, a year-on-year increase of 53.5% from the same period last year.

During the same period, there was a year-on-year increase of 41.2% in refuelling orders.

Xiushandong Anchorage is located in the central sea area north of Zhoushan Island and east of Xiushan Island, with an area of 16 square kilometres.

A few factors have contributed to the anchorage’s success including favourable weather and waves. In comparison, outer anchorages have been affected by weather factors such as strong winds and fog in recent years.

Secondly, as the only offshore block of the free trade zone in the country, Xiushandong Anchorage can partially enjoy the “outer anchorage” policy and no pilotage is required for entry and exit, which effectively reduces the time and operating costs of international shipowners.

In addition, the anchorage has been able to carry out night berthing operations for bonded bunkering since March last year, enabling it to achieve 24-hour, all-weather operations for ship refuelling.

Lastly, the anchorage capacity has been greatly improved over the years. The operable anchorages at Xiushandong Anchorage have been expanded from the original 14 to the current 25 berths, which can be used for refuelling, waiting to berth, sheltering from the wind and joint inspection.

At present, Xiushandong, Xiazhimen North, Tiaozhumen, and Mazhi are all equipped to provide priority services with certainty for international ships for bunkering.

Photo credit: Zhoushan Hi-Tech Zone Administrative Committee
Published: 2 August 2024