Ningbo-Zhoushan Port Surpasses 100 Bonded LNG Bunkering Operations

Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in China has completed more than 100 bonded LNG bunkering operations for international vessels, marking a further expansion of its LNG marine fuel services.

The latest milestone was reached following a ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation involving the dual-fuel container vessel MSC Josefina at the Chuanshan port area. The port conducted its first bonded LNG bunkering operation in June 2023.

Since then, Ningbo-Zhoushan has expanded the service from an initial pilot programme into regular bunkering activity, supported by growing demand for LNG as shipping companies adopt lower-carbon fuel options.

Customs Measures Streamline LNG Bunkering

Ningbo Customs has introduced several measures to simplify and accelerate bonded LNG bunkering operations.

One of these is a “bunker first, declare later” procedure, which allows LNG bunkering to begin once a vessel has berthed, with the customs declaration completed after the operation.

The authority has also standardised a “single loading, continuous bunkering” arrangement. Under this system, a bunkering vessel can supply multiple international vessels following a single LNG loading operation.

Xiao Yi, from the Operations Department of Ningbo Beilun Third Container Terminal Co Ltd, said container loading, unloading and bunkering can now be carried out simultaneously when ships berth, greatly shortening the operation process and significantly improving operational efficiency.

Cross-Customs LNG Supply Network

Ningbo Customs has worked with Hangzhou Customs to establish a cross-customs-district regulatory process for bonded LNG transfers.

The arrangement enabled Zhejiang province’s first cross-customs-district bonded LNG bunkering operation and supports an integrated “Zhoushan storage, Ningbo bunkering” model. Under this system, companies can allocate bonded LNG resources between Ningbo and Zhoushan based on demand, providing additional flexibility in fuel supply and vessel scheduling.

Digital Monitoring Supports Bunkering Operations

Ningbo Customs has also introduced digital monitoring measures for LNG bunkering, including the use of vessel AIS tracking.

The system supports the simultaneous handling of cargo operations, on-site supervision and bunkering activities, with the aim of improving operational efficiency and safety.

The expansion of bonded LNG bunkering at Ningbo-Zhoushan comes as the port develops a broader range of marine fuel services and shipping companies assess LNG alongside other alternative fuels as part of their efforts to reduce emissions.