According to news from Zhejiang Free Trade Zone, on December 24, 2025, the Zhoushan Area of the China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone officially issued its first pilot license for methanol bunkering of international vessels at sea. This marks a new breakthrough in the region’s green transition for marine fuel bunkering.
The license was approved by the Zhoushan Administrative Committee and issued to Zhejiang Free Trade Zone Petrochina Fuel Oil Company Limited, valid for three years. Based on the Interim Measures for the Pilot Operation and Management of Clean Fuel Bunkering at Sea for International Sailing Ships in the Zhoushan Area of the China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone issued on July 31, 2025, this marks the first methanol bunkering license in Zhoushan.
Next, Zhoushan City will advance the green transition of marine fuels, expand the range of clean marine fuel supply options, enhance its influence, and contribute to establishing a global marine fuel supply hub.
It is understood that the China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone was officially established on April 1, 2017. On August 30, 2020, it underwent an expansion, with its implementation area now covering 239.45 square kilometers across four zones: Zhoushan, Ningbo, Hangzhou, and Jinyi.