Statistics show that the Zhoushan area of China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone completed a total of bonded fuel oil bunkering volume of 7.26 million metric tons in 2024.

In 2024, the Zhoushan area aimed to meet world-class port standards, focusing on enhancing the ship refueling industry through 45 facilitation measures. These efforts included breakthroughs in low-carbon transitions, service efficiency, industry regulations, and market expansion.

The Zhoushan area actively developed a refueling center for marine alternative fuel and got approval as a national biodiesel promotion pilot in 2024. The first methanol "truck-to-ship" refueling pilot was launched, and Zhoushan's first methanol refueling barge began construction in 2024. Additionally, a second liquefied natural gas refueling entity was added in order to achieve regular offshore LNG refueling.

The bonded fuel oil bunkering barge Dong Fang Zhao Yang completes an international certification for its mass flow meter system in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province. [Photo/wifizs.cn]

Last year, with strong support from maritime and port authorities, the Zhoushan area overcame challenges such as optimizing anchorage spacing and simultaneous side docking operations, significantly reducing LNG refueling costs. The efficiency of fuel supply at various anchorages continued to improve.

In 2024, Zhoushan recorded 252 instances of single refueling operations exceeding 3,000 tons for international ships, accounting for 13.5 percent of the total fuel supplied.

The maritime digital refueling station system in the Zhoushan area saw further upgrades in 2024, and the certification for ship refueling mass flow meters went smoothly.