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China plans first bio-marine fuel export quotas for 2025, traders, consultancy say

According to two traders, and a Chinese consulting firm, China plans to set up its first export quota of marine bunker blended with biodiesel. This is partly to help biofuel producers who were hit by anti-dumping duties imposed earlier this year in the European Union.

According to a state-owned oil trader and consultancy JLC, the government is considering granting 500,000 metric tonnes of these quotas. These will be distributed to CNPC and CNOOC.

According to the two traders, B24 marine fuel is separate from China’s low-sulphur oil exports, which are also subject to quota control. It contains 24% biodiesel, and 76% low sulphur oil.

According to JLC and the state oil dealer, the quotas could be released towards the end of this year or the beginning of next year.

The EU's August anti-dumping tariffs on biodiesel caused a drop in exports, forcing the producers to find new markets.

State oil traders said that the state refiners could aim to provide ships sailing between China and Europe where shipowners who use lower-carbon bunker will be entitled to receive carbon credits.

A separate Chinese state oil dealer said that such a move could also help China's Zhoushan Port to increase sales volumes of marine fuel, similar to efforts seen at other important bunker hubs around the world.

The Ministry of Commerce didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment.

The demand for marine biofuels, mainly B24, is increasing this year in top refuelling centers such as Singapore, Rotterdam and other major refuelling centres, as shipowners strive to reduce emissions.

According to the latest data from Singapore's port authority, bunker volumes of marine fuel in Singapore are already above 650,000 tonnes by 2024, surpassing volumes for 2023, which were about 520,000 tons. Reporting by Chen Aizhu and Trixie Yap. Jeslyn Lerh. Mark Potter (Editing)

(source: Reuters)