IPEC 2026: VPS study finds Zhoushan port setting global benchmark for bunker fuel quality

‘Zhoushan’s ability to maintain high-quality standards provides a stable anchor for fleets navigating an otherwise uncertain global bunker market,’ states Andrew Morton.

Amidst a backdrop of rising global marine fuel quality concerns and supply chain disruptions, the port of Zhoushan has emerged as a standout performer, reporting zero bunker alerts in 2025, highlights the Managing Director for VPS – Asia, Middle East, and Africa.

Andrew Morton was giving a presentation titled Global Major Bunkering Ports: Fuel Quality Analysis at the 9th Interregional Petroleum and Natural Gas Enterprises Conference (IPEC) on Thursday (22 October) when he noted Chinese ports have maintained high bunker fuel quality due to disciplined refinery supply chains and rigorous barge operations. 

“Unlike fragmented hubs where trader-heavy operations increase risk, Zhoushan exemplifies this stability through tight control over the refining process and barge logistics,” he told delegates.

“This structural discipline creates a reliable environment, contrasting sharply with the volatility and contamination risks seen in other global regions.”

According to Morton, Zhoushan is increasingly viewed as a critical node in the global maritime bunkering infrastructure as the maritime market shifts its focus from West to East.

The success of Zhoushan port stands in direct opposition to the broader industry trend, where off-spec rates for fuels like High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO), Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), and Marine Gas Oil (MGO) continue to climb. 

He shared that global marine fuel quality has been experiencing a downward trend, with 2026 expected to see further increases in off-spec incidents. From 2025 till date, off-spec rates by bunker fuel region were recorded as follows:

Morton further informed regional performance in bunker off-spec rates varies significantly. 

Singapore accounted for 46% of VPS’s 2025 bunker alerts, reflecting its scale rather than uniquely poor practices; Chinese ports reported zero bunker alerts in 2025, signalling strong refinery supply and barge discipline; North America exhibited mixed patterns with notable East Coast off-spec spikes requiring more pre-burn testing.

“Regional ports generally exhibit greater inconsistency and higher dispute rates, often exacerbated by smaller buyer operations and thinner market activity,” he explained.

“These quality issues are primarily driven by supply disruptions stemming from the Middle East conflict and the volatile availability of VLSFO and VGO blend stocks.

“While other regions face heightened disputes and quality inconsistencies due to reduced buyer operations and supply volatility, Zhoushan’s ability to maintain high-quality standards provides a stable anchor for fleets navigating an otherwise uncertain global bunker market.”

Photo credit: Zhoushan Hi-Tech Zone Administrative Committee

 For marine fuel quality testing support in China, contact: china@vpsveritas.com