During the peak of summer, the Xiushan East Anchorage in Zhoushan is bustling with activity. The scenic anchorage, known for its calm waters and strong sea breezes, recently hosted the Maltese bulk carrier MV BLUE FIN, which swiftly departed after receiving 900 tons of bonded low-sulfur fuel. The anchorage is a hive of activity, with ships from various countries lining up for refueling, while numerous fuel barges navigate the area, reflecting the anchorage's growing prominence in international shipping.
As one of the five major bonded fuel bunkering anchorages in Zhoushan, Xiushan East has gained favor among international shipowners. Recent statistics show that the anchorage experienced a remarkable 121.15% increase in fuel supply last year compared to 2022. This year, the growth momentum continues, with 634 refueling orders completed by July 28, amounting to nearly 540,000 tons of fuel—representing a 41.2% increase in orders and a 53.5% rise in fuel volume year-on-year, making it the top supplier among the five anchorages.
Located in the central sea area north of Zhoushan Island and east of Xiushan Island, the Xiushan East Anchorage covers 16 square kilometers and boasts favorable geographical and navigational conditions. Since its first bonded fuel supply operation on September 25, 2017, it has rapidly developed into a key refueling site. In 2023, the anchorage successfully established regular night operations, extending refueling hours and significantly improving efficiency.
The surge in refueling at Xiushan East can be attributed to several factors:
Excellent Weather Conditions: Unlike other anchorages that have seen a decrease in operational days due to adverse weather like strong winds and heavy fog, Xiushan East enjoys stable conditions, with around 310 operational days annually. This reliability has made it an increasingly popular choice for international vessels, alleviating congestion in southern port areas.
Policy Advantages: As the only offshore bonded fuel bunkering zone in China's free trade area, Xiushan East benefits from policies that reduce the need for pilotage, lowering both time and operational costs for international shipowners. Its proximity to the Zhoushan Comprehensive Bonded Zone—just 3 to 5 nautical miles away—reduces transportation costs, making it an ideal location for ship handovers, repairs, and other maritime services. Since March last year, night operations have allowed for 24/7 fuel bunkering, further enhancing efficiency and capacity.
Expanded Anchorage Capacity: The number of operational anchorage positions at Xiushan East has increased from 14 to 25, accommodating fuel bunkering, waiting, sheltering, inspection, supply, and oil waste reception. The dedicated bonded fuel bunkering position (#12) ensures priority service for large vessels.
Enhanced Infrastructure: The anchorage now has comprehensive communication coverage and advanced meteorological facilities, including the Guishan No. 3 buoy for real-time monitoring of weather conditions. Emergency pollution control vessels are also on standby during bunkering operations, ensuring safe and sustainable fuel supply activities.
A representative from the Zhoushan High-Tech Zone Port Affairs Administration Bureau stated, "We will continue to work with port and maritime authorities to further ease restrictions on night operations and explore 'dual-side simultaneous bunkering' to unlock more potential at Xiushan East, propelling Zhoushan's bonded fuel supply to new heights."
Source: MarineCircle
