Business

Shanghai remains third in top 20 international shipping centres

Good supply chain connections, growing shipping cluster and good service are amongst key strengths of Shanghai as a maritime centre, according to Xinhua-Baltic ISCDI Report.

Published

3 years ago

July 18, 2022

Admin

Shanghai, China's leading trade and shipping hub, remains in third place in the 2022 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index Report (Xinhua-Baltic ISCDI Report), which was unveiled on Monday (11 July).

The 2022 ranking showed Shanghai is positioned after Singapore and London, and is followed by Hong Kong and Dubai.

According to the report, over the past five years, Shanghai has risen from fourth in the rankings in 2018 and 2019, to sit at third in 2020 when it jumped ahead of Hong Kong.

Located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, the city has established itself as an international maritime hub and boasts itself as amongst the busiest ports in the world over the past 20 years.

The Shanghai International Shipping Institute (SISI), an international research body affiliated to Shanghai University, told the Xinhua-Baltic ISCDI Report that the Chinese government has issued many policies to support Shanghai' s growth as a maritime centre.

In particular it has seen infrastructure investments and business conducive policies put in place since 2011, when the reinvigoration of Shanghai began in earnest. Policies include those related to the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone, which opened in 2013; and foreign investment opportunities.

Shanghai is not just a port and business centre, but also an important location for shipyards and marine technology innovation, said SISI.

“The maritime centre's large port, good supply chain connections, growing shipping cluster and good service are amongst the key strengths of Shanghai as a maritime centre,” it noted.

The report also highlighted that Shanghai is also looking to use technology to reduce emissions from shipping, including clean energy supplies for ships and clean energy in ports.

These projects link with the July 2021 introduction of China’s national emissions trading system, so far only applicable to power plants, in line with the country' s plans to cap emissions by 2030 and be climate neutral by 2060.

In 2021, Shanghai also announced it would be co-operating with Los Angeles and a network of shipping companies and cargo owners to create the Green Shipping Corridor Implementation Plan to transition to low, ultra-low and zero-carbon fuelled ships within the decade, as well as reduce supply chain emissions from their port operations.

Note: The full copy of the “2022 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index Report” can be found here.

Photo credit: Xinhua-Baltic ISCDI Report
Published: 18 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

19 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

20 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

20 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