Jiaozhou Bay News

A new zone in the west coast of Jiaozhou Bay covering about 2,096 square km of land and 5,000 square km of water, has been designated in east China's Shandong Province to steer the country's marine development, according to Xinhua. The Qingdao West Coast New Area (QWCNA) of Huangdao District in coastal Qingdao aims to pilot innovation in marine technology and serve as a strategic base for deep sea and off-shore exploration. Citing Zhao Yingmin, head of the bureau of science and technology in Huangdao, Xinhua reports that the advanced technology owned by the area will be a trump card. The zone will work with science  institutions to create unmanned submersibles to meet pressing demand for deep-sea and off-shore exploration.

Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) is advising that oil tankers are remaining at anchorage having been evacuated from Qingdao Port, China. Currently only the oil terminals are affected, with the exception of Dagang terminal, located at east Jiaozhou Bay. Many tankers have received changed discharge instructions from domestic receivers. Other bulk, general cargo and container terminals are operating normally. Sea contamination has extended to around three square kilometers and the oil from the explosion has leaked into Jiaozhou Bay. It is unknown at present when the oil terminal will reopen.