Shanghai's push to become a global green shipping hub gained fresh momentum with the release of a national plan on Feb 10.

The plan, released by 10 national ministries and commissions including the Ministry of Transport and the National Development and Reform Commission, outlines a blueprint for Shanghai to build an international center for green shipping fuel bunkering and trading by 2030.

The plan envisions a complete green fuel supply system encompassing liquefied natural gas (LNG), green methanol, and biofuel.

Shanghai aims to reach LNG bunkering capacity of 1 million cubic meters and 1 million tons for methanol and biofuel by 2030.

To reach these targets, Shanghai will prioritize the development of green fuel production, storage, transport, and bunkering infrastructure in key zones, such as chemical industrial parks, Hengsha Island, the Yangtze River estuary, and Yangshan Port.

Coordinated development of bunkering ships, shore stations, and tank trucks will create a one-stop service system, with innovations including nighttime bunkering to be explored.

The plan also seeks to streamline regulations by allowing cross-customs and cross-port operations for bunkering ships and enabling blending of biofuel with conventional bunker fuel oil within comprehensive bonded zones.

Shanghai also aims to develop carbon footprint accounting standards for marine fuels, establishing a globally recognized regulatory framework.

An official from the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Transport said the plan is a key measure to overcome bottlenecks in shipping development, and improved interdepartmental collaboration and monitoring will ensure the plan's implementation.

Source: Shanghai Observer