Shanghai Port completed its first simultaneous large-scale bunkering of two types of green fuel for international vessels at an offshore anchorage on Aug 16.

The operations took place at the Lyuhuashan anchorage from Aug 15 to 16. During this time, the LNG bunkering vessel Hai Gang Wei Lai provided liquefied natural gas to container ship Kota Elan, while the methanol bunkering vessel Hai Gang Zhi Yuan supplied domestically produced bio-methanol to CMA CGM Osmium.

Located in the East China Sea, the anchorage serves as a shelter for international vessels passing through Shanghai Port, allowing them to lighten their cargo loads, await berths, replenish supplies, or conduct semisubmersible operations. The latest operations reflect its growing role as an offshore green-fuel supply point.

According to the Yangshan Border Inspection Station, bunkering at the anchorage allows vessels to avoid berth, tugboat, and pilotage fees associated with terminal calls, while reducing waiting times and refueling costs.

As traffic at the anchorage grows, border inspection authorities use an automatic identification system to remotely monitor international vessels and track ships as they come alongside in real time. The authorities also conduct occasional on-site patrols, remote surveillance, and boarding inspections of arriving vessels to maintain safe and orderly vessel traffic at the anchorage.

Source: Shanghai Observer