On the banks of the Yangtze River, near the city of Jiangyin, China Marine Bunker (PetroChina) Co., Ltd. (CHIMBUSCO), a subsidiary of COSCO SHIPPING, has embarked on a pioneering journey by launching the nation’s first “carbon-neutral” waterborne comprehensive service area. This innovative facility transcends being merely a service hub; it embodies a commitment to ecological preservation and serves as a sanctuary for mariners.

The service area consists of four oil barges, stretching a total of 360 meters, with the capacity to simultaneously refuel five vessels, each weighing more than 10,000 tons. Achieving carbon neutrality, the area is equipped with an extensive high-power photovoltaic power generation system that spans its entirety. Furthermore, the installation of a pollutant recovery mechanism coupled with third-party transfer operations ensures zero pollutant discharge into the river. Innovation extends beyond sustainability metrics—it introduces service area introduces a host of novel offerings, including drone deliveries, complimentary waterborne transportation, an on-water basketball court, as well as dedicated spaces for community services and recreational activities. This holistic approach transforms the service area into a multifaceted hub, making it not only the largest but also the most comprehensive carbon-neutral green facility along the Yangtze River.

China’s first waterborne photovoltaic power generation service area

As per the latest data, this facility now boasts a total installed capacity of 248kWp, thanks to the installation of 420 solar panels spread across approximately 1,100 square meters. This expansive array generates over 300,000 kilowatt-hours annually, effectively satisfying the electricity needs of the service area itself while also extending shore power services to vessels docked within its premises.

The photovoltaic system contributes substantially to carbon footprint reduction, with an annual decrease of 15,700 tons in carbon emissions, alongside reductions of 21 tons in sulfur dioxide and 19 tons in nitrogen oxides. Additionally, it saves around 2,500 tons of standard coal consumption, an achievement akin to planting more than 25,000 trees. Leveraging smart grid technology, the surplus clean energy produced is seamlessly fed into the national grid, thereby supplying eco-friendly electricity to countless households. This not only fosters a cleaner energy landscape but also propels the optimization of regional energy structures. Consequently, the service area has successfully achieved “carbon neutrality” in its energy consumption.

To further minimize its carbon footprint, the service area has adopted a comprehensive suite of energy-saving and emission-reduction strategies. These initiatives include the implementation of intelligent power management systems, the adoption of LED energy-efficient lighting, the optimization of appliances for enhanced energy efficiency, and promotion of shore power utilization. Collectively, these measures contribute to an annual electricity saving of 6,000 kWh, which equates to a reduction of approximately 5.9 tons in carbon emissions.

These concerted efforts have elevated the service area into a demonstration point of green energy use along the Yangtze River. Moreover, they represent a significant positive contribution to the preservation of the river’s ecosystem and the broader objective of local carbon mitigation.

A green service area with zero discharge of water pollutants

By upgrading its pollution reception infrastructure and partnering with certified third-party entities, both aquatic and terrestrial, the service area ensures that pollutants generated by vessels within the service and berthing areas are efficiently collected, transferred, and treated, thereby realizing zero emissions throughout its operational phase on the river. This meticulous approach safeguards the quality and equilibrium of the Yangtze’s waters.

Innovatively designing and transforming the vessel pollution reception devices in-house, the service area establishes multiple collection points for domestic sewage, solid waste, and oily water within its premises. Furthermore, it proactively engages a third-party marine pollution recovery agency at its own expense to manage and transport these pollutants, not only attaining “zero discharge” for itself but also extending complimentary pollution recovery services to client vessels.

Since initiating its pollution recycling program, the service area has made substantial strides: it has processed a cumulative total of 10,408 instances of domestic waste from client ships, amounting to approximately 62,681 kg; alongside receiving 10,314 batches of sewage, totaling around 7,295 cubic meters. These substantial strides underscore a dedication to preserving our maternal river’s health while ensuring the Yangtze maintains its crystal clarity. They represent a meaningful contribution to pollution mitigation and ecological conservation efforts along the Yangtze Economic Belt.

China’s largest green and intelligent living area on the river

It offers more than just a resupply point for Yangtze River boatmen; it serves as a welcoming on-water haven of intelligence, equipped with a supermarket stocked with an array of everyday essentials. Boatmen can now enjoy the comforts of home while navigating the waters. An open-air basketball court invites them to unwind and rejuvenate, providing a perfect venue for stress relief and camaraderie amidst the solitude of riverine journeys.

At the vanguard of technology and innovation, this service area has diversified its offerings to cater to the seafarers’ aspirations for an enhanced life on the river. It transcends traditional refueling and utilities provision by introducing a range of personalized services, including marine accessories, vessel maintenance, logistics express, complimentary haircuts, leisure and fitness activities, waterborne transportation, drone deliveries, telemedicine, crew lounges, and even a floating cinema. These additions infuse vitality into the crew’s daily routine. To further elevate the experience for boatmen, the service area collaborates with maritime authorities to implement “24-Hour Maritime Government Self-Service,” enabling crew members to manage maritime affairs without step ashore. This initiative significantly eases their day-to-day operations.

The service area’s pioneering non-oil brand, “CHIMBUSCO Shopping” (ZhongRanYiGou), has transformed the concept of riverine commerce by introducing drone delivery services directly to the waters. Crew members can now conveniently place orders while docked at the anchorage, with drones swiftly delivering their purchases, making on-water takeout a reality. Moreover, the service area is equipped with an intelligent express service that offers complimentary parcel deliveries for boatmen, effectively addressing the challenges of online shopping for crews and bridging the final mile gap in waterborne commerce. Since its inception, this innovative service has facilitated over 12,800 ship deliveries, benefiting more than 35,600 crew members. It empowers them to indulge in a seamless, eco-friendly, high-quality, and cost-effective shopping experience.