IPEC 2026: Zhoushan enters world’s top three bunkering ports for first time

The Port of Zhoushan has achieved a historic breakthrough by becoming the world’s third-largest bunkering port, overtaking Fujairah in the latest global rankings unveiled during the 9th Interregional Petroleum and Natural Gas Enterprises Conference (IPEC) on Thursday (22 October).

The 2025 Global Top 10 Bunkering Ports ranking placed Singapore in first position with bunker sales of 56.18 million metric tonnes (mt), followed by Rotterdam.

Zhoushan secured third place after recording annual bunker sales of 8.54 million mt, representing year-on-year growth of 9.4%. Antwerp-Bruges ranked fourth while Fujairah fell to fifth position.

The result marks the first time Zhoushan has entered the global top three and reflects more than a decade of steady growth in China’s largest bonded marine fuel bunkering centre.

The event also saw officials unveil the top global bunker suppliers:

Industry observers have increasingly viewed Zhoushan as one of the fastest-growing bunkering locations globally, supported by favourable free trade zone policies, expanding offshore bunkering infrastructure and continued investment in digitalisation and alternative marine fuels.

Speaking during the conference, local officials reiterated Zhoushan’s ambition of developing a global bonded marine fuel bunkering hub featuring what it describes as “optimal service, minimal costs and maximum efficiency”.

The port city has emerged as a key centre for China’s marine fuel industry, particularly in the supply of biofuels, liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol and ammonia.

Recent milestones include China’s first marine biofuel blending pilot and the world’s first commercial green ammonia bunkering operation at anchorage.

Officials believe continued expansion of clean fuel bunkering, digital trade documentation and measurement transparency initiatives will help maintain Zhoushan’s momentum as competition among major bunkering hubs intensifies.

The ranking represents a major milestone in Zhoushan’s long-term strategy to become a world-class bunkering port and amongst the most influential marine fuel supply centres globally.

Related: China debuts first marine biofuel blending pilot programme in Zhoushan

Photo credit: Zhoushan Hi-Tech Zone Administrative Committee
Published: 22 October 2026