China: Total and Zhejiang Energy Group join forces to develop the growing low sulfur marine fuel market

The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the IPEC conference in Zhoushan, follows a MoU concluded by Total and ZEG in April 2019 to explore opportunities in the supply and distribution of energy in China. Total China Investment (TCI) will hold a 49% share in the new company while Zhejiang Zheneng Petroleum New Energy (ZZPNE) will hold the remaining.

Zhoushan region covers both Ningbo and Shanghai ports, the busiest shipping hub in the world in terms of cargo tonnage.

By combining ZEG’s historical anchoring in the energy business in the region and Total’s longstanding expertise in the trading and marketing of international bunkers, the new company aims to actively contribute to the development of this fast growing market.

“This new partnership is fully aligned with our strategy to support and supply our shipping customers wherever they go.” declared Philippe Charleux, Senior Vice-President Lubricants & Specialties of Total. “Providing them with low sulphur fuels fully compliant with IMO regulation in China will further contribute to the transition towards a sustainable shipping industry.”

The creation of the new company ensures the continuity of Total’s business development strategy initiated almost 40 years ago in China.