The Hua Hong 68 carrying biodiesel berths at the terminal of Sinochem Xingzhong Oil Staging (Zhoushan). [Photo provided by Wang Yuemeng for the official news website of Zhoushan]

China's first biofuel oil blending pilot project under processing trade was launched at the Zhoushan port area of the China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone on March 13, with a total of 2,000 metric tons of biodiesel and 6,300 tons of high-sulfur fuel oil beginning blending at Sinochem Xingzhong Oil Staging (Zhoushan).

Biofuel oil blending involves mixing biodiesel with fuel oil at a specific ratio to produce clean, renewable biofuel oil. This process helps reduce environmental pollution and supports the green development of the shipping industry.

Xia Tianyu, general manager of Sinochem Xingzhong Oil Staging (Zhoushan), explained that the current blend of 24 percent biodiesel and 76 percent high-sulfur fuel oil lowers costs and simplifies trading by sourcing biodiesel from domestic refineries.

The pilot project is expected to supply this batch of biofuel oil to international vessels within a week.

Shi Qiqi, deputy director of the Department of Commerce of Zhejiang Province, said that this marks a significant step toward Zhoushan becoming a global hub for bonded marine fuel supply.

The global maritime fuel market is increasingly shifting toward green, low-carbon alternatives, with biofuel oil becoming an important choice for shipping companies. The successful blending of biofuel oil in Zhoushan strengthens China's competitiveness in the international marine fuel market.