Dongfang Chaoyang docked at a pier in Dinghai district, Zhoushan, Zhejiang province can accommodate nearly 40,000 liters of lubricating oil while simultaneously loading heavy and light oil. [Photo/wifizs.cn]

Dongfang Chaoyang, a vessel stationed at a pier in Dinghai district, Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, recently made headlines as it successfully delivered 500 metric tons of heavy fuel oil, 100 tons of light fuel oil, and nearly 22,000 liters of lubricating oil to a ship.

This achievement, reported by local media on Jan 18, marks a significant advancement in marine fuel supply operations in the city.

Captain Zhang Ping highlighted the vessel's groundbreaking capabilities, emphasizing that unlike traditional supply vessels limited to offering only two types of oil, Dongfang Chaoyang can accommodate nearly 40,000 liters of lubricating oil while simultaneously loading heavy and light oil.

Zhang added that this level of flexibility allows the vessel to cater to the specific needs of international vessels, establishing it as the first of its kind in the country.

Equipped with dual engines, twin propellers, twin rudders, and a bow thruster design, the vessel also features an automatic pressure cut-off device for the oil transfer pipe, variable frequency cargo oil pumps, constant tension anchor winches, and high-strength cables.

These advanced features significantly enhance maneuverability, safety, and resistance to wind and waves, enabling the vessel to conduct fuel supply operations even under wave conditions of up to 1.7 meters at offshore anchorages.

Zhang further noted that the vessel's annual operational time at offshore anchorages has increased from approximately 220 days to 270 days, a substantial improvement that significantly enhances its fuel supply capability.

Owned by Dongfang Tongzhou Maritime Service Supply Co, the vessel's parent company focuses on comprehensive supply services for marine fuel oil and materials, while also expanding into agency, warehousing, and related services.

The company's future plans involve pilot fuel supply operations at offshore anchorages under high sea conditions, thereby enhancing the certainty of fuel supply operations at Zhoushan's offshore anchorages.