Singapore’s grip on $41 billion oil market challenged by China
SINGAPORE (BLOOMBERG) - Singapore is facing the greatest competition yet to its status as the dominant marine fuel supplier in Asia, with China luring more ships to its shores following a rapid expansion of its port and refining facilities. China's marine fuel sales - known in the industry as bunkering - have almost doubled over the past five years and the nation is banking on attracting ships that travel to nearby ports in major economies such as South Korea and Japan. Singapore still has a commanding position as the top supplier to a sector valued at over US$30 billion (S$41 billion) in Asia, but Chinese growth is accelerating. The epicentre of China's bunkering is Zhoushan, an archipelago to the south of Shanghai on the east coast. Some of the nation's newest and biggest crude oil refineries are being built in the area, while the government has introduced tax incentives that make Chinese fuels more competitive. "Singapore has had an edge over other Asian ports on all parameters," said Mr Jayendu Krishna, director at Drewry Maritime Advisors. "It continues to be so today, however, slowly other ports have been trying to catch up. Zhoushan will certainly capture a share of the vess...
