Ningbo Zhoushan Port: Global leader in LNG bunkering

The Offshore Oil 302 loads liquefied natural gas onto the MSC Fatma at Ningbo Zhoushan Port's Chuanshan Port Area. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

The Offshore Oil 302 loaded around 4,600 cubic meters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) onto the MSC Fatma at Ningbo Zhoushan Port's Chuanshan Port Area on Dec 23. This operation was expected to last about 20 hours, marks a significant milestone for the port.

Following the successful LNG bunkering trial at Meishan Port Area, this is the first time the service has been extended to Chuanshan Port Area. This expansion makes Chuanshan and Meishan the only two "10-million container-level" terminals worldwide capable of offering LNG bunkering services to international ships.

The recipient vessel, MSC Fatma, is a new dual-fuel ship from Mediterranean Shipping Co, measuring 366 meters and weighing 160,000 metric tons. The bunkering ship Offshore Oil 302 used a fully bonded LNG bunkering operation. This flexible and efficient method ensures safe and simultaneous cargo handling and bunkering, significantly enhancing offshore bunkering efficiency.

To date, Ningbo Zhoushan Port has completed LNG bunkering operations for 14 vessels, totaling 60,900 cu m.