A bunkering tanker refuels an international ship at Zhoushan Port. [Photo/WeChat account: china-zjftz]

The Zhoushan area of the China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone has been ramping up efforts to transform itself into an international maritime service hub this year, local media reported on Dec 27.

The measures taken include simplifying procedures for customs clearance and improving its maritime service.

The Zhoushan area houses 17 bunker oil suppliers, including State-owned, private and foreign-invested companies, and 416 maritime service suppliers such as oil product testing companies, shipping agencies, crew management enterprises, and shipping service entities.

In the first 11 months of the year, the total output of the maritime service industry in the Zhoushan area amounted to 34.3 billion yuan ($5.38 billion), including $2.99 billion worth of supplies to foreign ships, a year-on-year increase of 41.7 percent.

The Zhoushan area’s ship and marine engineering equipment manufacturing capabilities have also been recognized and designated as a model to follow in the nation.

A shipbuilding industry featuring research, design, building, repair, and supporting service has taken shape in the Zhoushan area and the area’s eco-friendly ship repair experience in the area has also been promoted by the State Council.

From January to November, ship repair companies in Zhoushan area repaired more than 1,450 international ships, generating 5.5 billion yuan in output.