On the afternoon of January 12, the newly launched MV DONGFANG CHAOYANG, the first 2.0 version of the "Zhoushan Vessel," successfully completed its inaugural bunkering operation at the outer anchorage of Zhoushan's Liuheng COSCO Shipyard. This event marks the official beginning of the 2.0 era for Zhoushan's marine fuel supply fleet.
During the operation, MV DONGFANG CHAOYANG supplied 500 tons of heavy oil, 100 tons of light oil, and 81 barrels of lubricants to the MV EMERLD LIUHENG, a vessel owned by Zhejiang New One Marine Shipping Co., Ltd. The operation demonstrated the vessel's capability to deliver multiple types of fuel in one trip, achieving a "multi-functionality" milestone.
MV DONGFANG CHAOYANG is equipped with a variable frequency cargo oil pump and a state-of-the-art Emerson mass flow meter, which ensures accurate measurement and enhances stability during the fueling process. Prior to this maiden operation, the crew underwent extensive training and drills to ensure a smooth process. The ship's owner, Zhoushan Oriental Tongzhou Maritime Service Supply Co., Ltd. ("Oriental Tongzhou"), collaborated closely with Sinopec and relevant regulatory authorities to prepare and secure the necessary approvals for the operation.
A representative from Oriental Tongzhou highlighted that the entire bunkering process was guided by principles of safety, efficiency, and adherence to standards. Alongside the "multi-functional" supply capabilities, the company also provided agency services to the receiving vessel, better catering to the diverse needs of shipowners.
Established in December 2021, Oriental Tongzhou is a specialized company formed to implement the cooperation memorandum between Zhoushan Jiaotou Group and Sinopec Fuel Oil Company. The company focuses on comprehensive marine fuel and material supply services, while also expanding into agency and storage services. Its mission is to create an integrated maritime service supply platform, promoting the healthy development of Zhoushan's maritime service market and advancing the construction of Zhoushan's international maritime service base.
In October 2022, the construction of MV DONGFANG CHAOYANG began at Zhoushan Hetai Shipyard. The vessel, the first 2.0 version of the "Zhoushan Vessel," was successfully launched at the end of December last year, marking a new chapter in the high-quality development of Zhoushan's marine fuel supply fleet.
The MV DONGFANG CHAOYANG, a 4,300-ton vessel, has undergone comprehensive technological upgrades based on the "Zhoushan Vessel" standards. These include a dual-engine, dual-propeller, dual-rudder design with a bow thruster, optimized hull lines, and enhanced mooring capabilities. The vessel is equipped with a constant tension anchor winch, high-strength mooring ropes, and stronger bollards to improve its resistance to wind and waves. Thanks to these innovations, the vessel can operate in outer anchorage areas with wave heights up to 1.8 meters, increasing the number of operational days in these areas from approximately 220 to 270 per year.
Looking ahead, Oriental Tongzhou plans to continue enhancing its "multi-functional" supply capabilities to meet the diverse needs of international ships. With support from regulatory authorities, the company aims to pilot high-sea bunkering operations in outer anchorages, increasing the reliability of fuel supply services. Additionally, in partnership with Sinopec, Oriental Tongzhou will work to build a specialized bunkering fleet, further strengthening Zhoushan's marine fuel supply market and contributing to the development of a comprehensive maritime service supply platform.
Source: MarineCircle
