IPEC 2026: Zhoushan unveils 10 achievements, initiatives to strengthen global bunkering hub ambition

The government of Zhoushan on 22 October (Thursday) announced ten major achievements and ten future initiatives as it seeks to accelerate its development into a leading bonded marine fuel bunkering hub with annual sales capacity exceeding 10 million metric tonnes (mt).

The announcements were made during the 9th Interregional Petroleum and Natural Gas Enterprises Conference (IPEC 2026), which brought together nearly 500 representatives from shipowners, bunker fuel suppliers, traders, ports, financial institutions, technology providers and industry associations to discuss the future of marine fuel supply chains in China.

Local authorities noted Zhoushan’s bonded marine fuel bunkering volume surpassed 8 million mt for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to become a major global bunkering centre. Between January and September, bunkering volume reached 6.24 million mt, representing year-on-year growth of 2.81%.

Amongst the 10 most significant achievements highlighted at IPEC 2026 was Zhoushan’s progress as an alternative marine fuels bunkering location.

During 2026, Zhoushan port launched China’s first pilot programme for marine biofuel blending, enabling domestically produced biodiesel to be blended with imported fuel oil under a processing trade framework.

Authorities also highlighted the introduction of China’s first seller-side biofuel quotation mechanism and the completion of the world’s first commercial ship-to-ship green ammonia bunkering operation at anchorage.

Zhoushan further reported advances in methanol and liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering, establishing a broad portfolio covering biofuels, LNG, methanol and ammonia. The city currently accounts for approximately 90% of China’s biofuel marine bunkering market.

Digitalisation and measurement transparency were also key themes. Zhoushan introduced Zhejiang Province’s mass flow meter (MFM) standard for marine fuel bunkering and its continued expansion of electronic Bunker Delivery Note (e-BDN) implementation.

Officials said 67% of bunker barges operating at Zhoushan are now equipped with MFMs, while 20% have obtained system certification.

Energy infrastructure investments remain central to the port city’s plans. Bonded storage capacity for LNG and methanol has reached 380,000 cubic metres and 195,000 cubic metres respectively, while total oil and gas storage capacity exceeds 42 million cubic metres.

Looking ahead, Zhoushan unveiled ten initiatives aimed at further improving efficiency, reducing operating costs and enhancing services.

These include streamlining biofuel blending procedures, extending cross-customs-zone supply arrangements to include clean alternative bunker fuels, developing a national MFM standard, targeting full-scale e-BDN adoption, expanding anchorage infrastructure and establishing new pricing benchmarks for green marine fuels.

Officials said the city would continue working toward an integrated maritime service ecosystem combining bunkering, logistics and maritime support services to strengthen its position as a globally competitive bunkering hub.

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

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