Business

Guangzhou govt issues bonded bunkering licence to PetroChina subsidiary

PetroChina Fuel Oil Company Limited became the third and latest company to be granted the licence by Guangzhou in an effort to expand regional bunkering operations.

Published

3 years ago

July 7, 2022

Admin

Editor's Note: 'PetroChina Fuel Oil Co., Ltd' has been changed to 'Guangzhou PetroChina Fuel Oil Co., Ltd.' while 'Guangzhou Municipal Government' has been changed to 'Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce' to better reflect the accuracy of the names.

The following article published by Manifold Times on 7 July was sourced from China’s domestic market through a local correspondent. An online translation service was used in the production of the current editorial piece:

Guangzhou PetroChina Fuel Oil Co., Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PetroChina Company Limited, on Tuesday (5 July) obtained a bonded bunkering business licence from the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce.

The leading supplier for bonded bunker fuel in the Nansha area became the third and latest company to be granted such a licence by the local authority after two other local players, namely Guangzhou Development Bibi Youpin Co., Ltd. and Guangzhou Circle Storage Co., Ltd., obtained the licence in February.

Guangzhou PetroChina Fuel Oil is capable of mobilising its refineries in South China to export about three million metric tonnes (mt) of low-sulphur marine fuel per year for ships on international routes, according to the local authority.

"Compared with important oil supply ports in Singapore and other places, Guangzhou Port, as an international hub port, is currently experiencing a gap between the scale of bonded oil supply and port development so there is a huge market prospect,” said a representative of Guangzhou PetroChina Fuel Oil.

“Nansha has complete petrochemical storage facilities and obvious location advantages. Nansha has become the centre of the world's attention, and we have full confidence in the development of the bonded bunkering business in Nansha.”

Guangzhou Development Bibi Youpin Co., Ltd. and Guangzhou Circle Storage Co., Ltd. have completed bonded fuel delivery operations on 10 March and 12 April respectively.

To date, the total bonded fuel delivery is about 1,120 metric tonne (mt) with a total value of about RMB 6.3 million.

The recent development builds on the “Interim Measures for the Administration of Bonded Bunkering of International Voyage Vessels in Guangzhou” which was approved by local authorities in February this year.

The interim measures, introduced to enhance international trade at Guangzhou, allows local oil companies to obtain bonded bunkering business licences directly from the local government; instead of from the Chinese State Council.

Oil storage and distribution operations at Guangdong province are currently supported by the Nansha Xiaohu Island Petrochemical Zone. The area has 310 storage tanks with a total storage capacity of more than 3,174,300 cubic meters and 46 berths.

The Nansha area of Guangzhou Port is located in the centre of the Greater Bay Area. It can reach Zhongshan, Zhuhai, Jiangmen, Foshan and Dongguan within an hour, and can cover more than 80% of the province’s ship refuelling market within five hours.

According to data by the local authority, Guangzhou Port has a net increase of 13 foreign trade container liner routes from January to June.

As of June 2022, Guangzhou Port Group has a total of 199 container liner routes, including 154 foreign trade routes (16 in Europe, 13 in the Americas, 17 in the Middle East, India and Pakistan, 82 in Asia, 22 in Africa, and 4 in Australia and New Zealand) and 45 domestic trade routes.

Nansha port area has opened 180 liner routes, including 148 foreign trade routes and 32 domestic trade routes.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 7 July, 2022

Safety

Singapore: MPA urges port users to stay vigilant during monsoon surge

Moderate to heavy showers and strong winds are expected from 19 to 21 March due to a north-east monsoon surge and as such, vessels must be properly secured for sea at all times, says MPA.

Published

20 hours ago

March 20, 2025

Admin

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (19 March) has reminded owners, agents and masters of vessels to stay vigilant from 19 to 21 March due to a north-east monsoon surge.

“Moderate to heavy showers, and strong winds are expected during this period. Vessels must be properly secured for sea at all times,” MPA said in a port marine notice.

“The life-saving and firefighting equipment onboard must also be in good working condition and in accordance with the International Code for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations,” it said.

“Crew members shall be familiar with all emergency procedures, especially when embarking and disembarking passengers during adverse weather conditions. Vessels should maintain safe speeds, observe International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).”

Masters of vessels are reminded to keep a safe anchor watch.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 20 March, 2025

Alternative Fuels

Hong Kong-based Sun Ferry takes delivery of diesel-electric ferry “Xin Ming Zhu 30”

New vessel, designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Guangzhou-based shipbuilder AFAI Southern Shipyard, will serve inter-island commuter and tourism operations across Hong Kong.

Published

21 hours ago

March 20, 2025

Admin

Hong Kong-based Sun Ferry takes delivery of diesel-electric ferry “Xin Ming Zhu 30”

Global digital shipbuilder Incat Crowther on Wednesday (19 March) said Hong Kong-based ferry operator Sun Ferry has taken delivery of Xin Ming Zhu 30, a new, 35-metre diesel-electric ferry.

The new vessel, designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Guangzhou-based shipbuilder AFAI Southern Shipyard, is the third vessel to join a fleet of seven new vessels designed by Incat Crowther for the mass transit operator.

The vessel will serve inter-island commuter and tourism operations across Hong Kong, connecting Peng Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung Chau.

The 300-seat passenger ferry boasts Veth azimuth thrusters that provide high manoeuvrability at operating speeds of 14 knots. The adoption of this technology makes the vessel suitable for berthing at piers on inter island routes.

The vessel is also fitted with 72 solar panels providing 7.5 kilowatts of on-board power.

Sam Mackay, Technical Manager at Incat Crowther, said: "This vessel reflects Sun Ferry’s commitment to future focused design solutions that not only meet operational needs, but that exceed customer expectations.”

“With diesel-electric propulsion, solar technology, and passenger-centric design, it sets a new benchmark for sustainable and efficient ferry services in Hong Kong.”

The delivery of the 35-metre hybrid vessel follows the delivery of two 45-metre conventional diesel-powered vessels to Sun Ferry. The final three vessels, all 45-metre vessels, will be delivered by the end of 2025. All vessels in the fleet have been designed by Incat Crowther and built by AFAI Southern Shipyard.

Photo credit: Incat Crowther
Published: 20 March, 2025

Biofuel

PRIO delivers Eco Bunkers B30 to two cargo ships at ports in Portugal

Company supplied the bio bunker fuel, a product containing 30% renewable raw materials, to “BBC Lisbon” at Port of Aveiro on 3 March and to “ANNA” at Port of Leixões on 18 March.

Published

21 hours ago

March 20, 2025

Admin

PRIO delivers Eco Bunkers B30 to two cargo ships at ports in Portugal

Biofuels producer PRIO on Wednesday (19 March) said it carried out Eco Bunkers B30 fuel deliveries to shipping company Briese Chartering in collaboration with its partner UFS Unites Fuel Services this month.

On 3 March, PRIO supplied the biofuel to cargo vessel BBC Lisbon at the Port of Aveiro and to another cargo vessel, ANNA, at the Port of Leixões on 18 March.

“With these two Eco Bunkers B30 deliveries, a product containing 30% renewable raw materials, PRIO enabled Briese Chartering to reduce around 60 tons of CO2 in just two port calls in Portugal,” it said in a social media post.

“Produced at PRIO’s Aveiro plant, biodiesel has the potential to reduce GHG emissions by approximately 88% compared to fossil fuels.”

“PRIO has been demonstrating its commitment to decarbonising the maritime sector by supplying more sustainable products, ranging from 1% to 100% renewable content.”

Manifold Times previously reported PRIO launching its ECO Bunkers B30 biofuel in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and World Fuel Services.

PRIO previously launched ECO Bunkers B15, a green fuel for ships with 15% biodiesel and the company then launched a 20% biofuel blend, ECO Bunkers E20.

Photo credit: PRIO
Published: 20 March, 2025