China: Zhoushan Port achieves milestone with LNG bunkering at outer anchorages

Zhoushan Port on Thursday (24 August) reportedly became the first port in China that has the ability to provide ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering services at outer anchorages.

The port completed the first domestic large-scale bulk carrier STS LNG bunkering operation at anchorage outside the port.

The Zhoushan Branch of PetroChina successfully completed the bonded LNG bunkering of 210,000-tonnes dual-fuel bulk carrier Mount Cook at the Qushan temporary anchorage. 

After 15 hours, a total of 2,200 metric tonnes (mt) were supplied to Rio Tinto-chartered Mount Cook, with a value of more than 10 million yuan.

The operation marked the country’s double breakthrough in LNG bunkering area and ship type diversification.

After the successful refuelling, the bulk carrier also received 1,400 metric tonnes of fuel oil, completing a comprehensive supply business integrating LNG, fuel oil, and materials.

The STS operation at Zhoushan Outer Anchorage has created a key supply centre at sea for ships sailing from Northeast Asia to Europe, the Middle East and Australia, which is beneficial to ship owners in quicker shipping schedules and voyages.

In a separate statement, Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) announced it was the manager of Mount Cook which became the the first bulk carrier to complete LNG bunkering operations at Zhoushan Anchorage, China.

“This is an important milestone for EPS and our industry, with Zhoushan Anchorage holding a significant strategic role as a refuelling hub for conventional bunker, LNG and other future alternative fuels. Integrating it into the vessel’s route not only ensures optimal operational efficiency, but also helps reduce emissions,” it said. 

To date, EPS said it has performed over 115 successful LNG bunkering operations and continues to see a rapid increase in the LNG bunkering network for the global fleet. 

EPS added it was committed to the green and technology-driven growth of the industry and has already taken delivery of 45 dual-fuel vessels including LNG, LPG and Ethane, with more being built.

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: Eastern Pacific Shipping
Published: 4 September, 2023