China’s Yangpu Port has experienced a notable surge in bonded bunkering activity in the months following regulatory changes introduced at the Hainan Free Trade Port. According to Ship & Bunker, citing a report from Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, the uptick follows new customs rules that came into force on December 18, 2025.
Operations and Volume Up Year-on-Year
From the time the updated policy took effect through March 20, 2026, Yangpu Port logged 199 completed bonded bunkering operations, with a total supply volume of 94,600 metric tonnes, as reported by Ship & Bunker. When compared to the same period in the prior year, these figures represent a 27.56% increase in the number of operations carried out and a 37.50% rise in total volume delivered.
The data, as broadcast by CCTV, highlights a meaningful acceleration in bunkering activity at the port over a relatively short timeframe.
Policy Changes Boost Port Competitiveness
According to the Ship & Bunker report, port authorities have credited the regulatory reforms with strengthening Yangpu’s position as a bunkering hub. The port’s pricing structure is cited as a key advantage — bunkering at Yangpu can lower fuel costs for vessels by approximately 15% to 20%. Additionally, the ability to conduct bunkering operations at outer anchorages provides further cost relief for shipowners by reducing vessel turnaround time and associated operational expenses.
The developments at Yangpu reflect a broader effort by Chinese authorities to enhance the appeal of the Hainan Free Trade Port as a competitive maritime services centre in the Asia-Pacific region.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker, CCTV
