Total confirms Zhoushan bunkering JV with Zhejiang Energy

French oil major Total on Monday (21 October) confirmed it has signed a shareholders’ agreement with Chinese state-owned Zhejiang Energy Group (ZEG) to create a joint venture company dedicated to the supply and delivery of marine fuels in the region of Zhoushan, China.

The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the IPEC conference in Zhoushan, follows a Memorandum of Understanding concluded by Total and ZEG in April 2019 to explore opportunities in the supply and distribution of energy in China.

Total China Investment (TCI) will hold a 49% share in the new company while Zhejiang Zheneng Petroleum New Energy (ZZPNE) will hold the remaining.

Zhoushan region covers both Ningbo and Shanghai ports, the busiest shipping hub in the world in terms of cargo tonnage.

By combining ZEG’s historical anchoring in the energy business in the region and Total’s longstanding expertise in the trading and marketing of international bunkers, the new company aims to actively contribute to the development of this fast growing market, notes Total.

“This new partnership is fully aligned with our strategy to support and supply our shipping customers wherever they go,” said Philippe Charleux, Senior Vice-President Lubricants & Specialties of Total.

“Providing them with low sulphur fuels fully compliant with IMO regulation in China will further contribute to the transition towards a sustainable shipping industry.”

Related: Total and Zhejiang Energy plans Zhoushan bunkering joint venture

Photo credit: Total Marine Fuels Global Solutions
Published: 22 October, 2019