Shanghai Port has officially surpassed two million cubic meters of cumulative LNG bunkering volume following a ship-to-vessel operation for PIL’s KOTA EAGLE. This milestone reflects the port’s successful scaling of green fuel operations and far exceeds national targets originally set for 2030. Backed by strong regulatory support and cross-sector collaboration, the achievement strengthens Shanghai’s capability as a leading global center for sustainable shipping.
Shanghai, China | July 28, 2026 – Cementing its status as a premier global green shipping hub, Shanghai Port has officially surpassed 2 million cubic meters (m3) of cumulative Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) bunkering volume. The milestone was achieved following a landmark ship-to-vessel operation on July 25, 2026, when the specialized LNG bunkering vessel ‘Port Future‘ successfully delivered 4,549 m3 of LNG to Pacific International Lines (PIL) container ship KOTA EAGLE at anchorage.
The Journey to Two Million Cubic Meters
The achievement marks a critical turning point for China’s primary maritime gateway since its first bonded LNG ship-to-vessel synchronous bunkering operation took place at Yangshan Port on March 15, 2022.
- Operational Scaling: Across 355 completed operations, Shanghai Port has systematically transitioned from pioneering single-ship trials to normalized, large-scale commercial bunkering.
- Surpassing National Targets: The port’s performance has dramatically outpaced initial national projections. Guidelines issued by ten national ministries previously targeted a bonded LNG refueling capacity of one million cubic meters by 2030, a milestone Shanghai has now doubled well ahead of schedule.
Collaborative Ecosystem and Regulatory Support
The rapid scaling of Shanghai Port’s green fueling capabilities is anchored in tight cross-sector coordination between municipal authorities, maritime regulators, and internal port operations.
- Regulatory Backing: Agencies including the Shanghai Municipal Commerce Commission, Port Management Committee, Transportation Commission, Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration, Customs, and Border Inspection have streamlined policy formulation, safety oversight, and port clearance processes.
- Operational Synergy: Internally, the Group’s Production Business and Safety Supervision departments worked alongside terminal operators, the pilotage station, and Fuxing Company to optimize vessel turnarounds. Meanwhile, strategic energy partnerships—most notably with Shenergy Group, guaranteed stable, around-the-clock LNG supply chains.
Reinforcing the Shanghai International Shipping Center
Surpassing the 2 million m3 threshold reinforces the practical capabilities of the Shanghai International Shipping Center as it adapts to stringent International Maritime Organization (IMO) carbon regulations and rising global demand for alternative marine fuels. By securing robust bunkering infrastructure and seamless full-chain connectivity, Shanghai continues to solidify its competitive edge in the global transition toward sustainable maritime logistics.
About Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG)
SIPG is the largest port operator in the world, managing the Port of Shanghai, which has ranked as the world’s busiest container port for over a decade. It is globally recognized for its leadership in automation, port infrastructure, and green shipping initiatives.
Source: Shanghai Port