An oil and gas industrial base in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

Zhoushan in East China's Zhejiang province launched an expedited customs clearance system for international vessels on June 13, starting with an international shipping vessel completing bonded fuel oil procedures and immediately submitting exit documents.

This marked the first use of China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone's new "large-small vessel" split supervision model, streamlining bonded bunkering operations for international ships.

The innovative approach by Zhoushan Customs separates oversight of "large vessels", the international ships, from "small vessels", the port-based fuel supply ships. Once a large vessel receives online customs approval for bonded fuel bunkering, it no longer needs to wait for the status of the supply vessel to process exit formalities.

Trusted companies benefit from immediate review and clearance, while digital data-sharing and intelligent alerts ensure full traceability and risk control.

Previously, international vessels had to wait until fueling operations were completed before initiating departure procedures. The new model shortens time in the port by at least two hours per vessel.

From January to May this year, the Zhoushan Area of China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone supplied 2.74 million metric tons of bonded fuel oil.