On March 14, a Malta-registered container ship, CMA CGM SYMI, is connected to Haigang Weilai, a new LNG bunker barge, for refueling at Yangshan Port in China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. [Photo/Pudong Times]

On March 15, the CMA CGM SYMI, a Malta-registered container ship, was refueled with 7,000 cubic meters of LNG at Yangshan Port in China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, marking China's first bonded liquefied natural gas bunkering. 

The world's largest bunker barge, Haigang Weilai, delivered LNG to CMA CGM SYMI via a ship-to-ship transfer while the containership continued to carry out cargo operations.

It signifies that Shanghai Port became one of a few ports around the globe that are able to provide bonded LNG SIMOPS bunkering services.

The port's implementation of bonded LNG bunkering for ships on international voyages has been highly valued by the Shanghai administration, and has received strong support from relevant departments.

"We have fully utilized Shanghai customs' 'one-stop' window that requires only a one-off application, examination and approval for ships' approach and foreign ship clearance, which significantly reduces the waiting time for ships," said Jin Yaohua, a senior official at the Yangshan border inspection station.

When compared to typical fuel-powered vessels, LNG-powered vessels benefit both the environment and the economy because the engine produces nearly no oxysulfide emissions and reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by more than 85 percent while lowering fuel costs by 30 percent annually.

Shanghai has made great advances in the production of LNG-powered ships and LNG ships as an international shipbuilding base, assisting the country in meeting its dual carbon goals.

Industry insiders said that Yangshan Port's new LNG service is of great significance to creating a world-class business environment, improving Shanghai's port service functions, and enhancing the comprehensive competitiveness of Shanghai as an international shipping center.