A drone transports samples of bonded ship fuel oil in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

The motors whirred as a drone carrying samples of bonded ship fuel oil took off from Dongbailian Island in Putuo district, Zhoushan, Zhejiang province at around 11:00 am on Feb 14.

In just 20 minutes, the drone landed at the designated landing point 16 kilometers away. Staff quickly retrieved the samples and sent them to the Shibao Zhoushan Laboratory for testing.

This marks the launch of the inter-island logistics model integrating maritime services with low-altitude economy in Putuo.

Since Zhejiang was approved as China's first bulk commodity resource allocation hub in November 2024, Putuo has been using its geographical and industrial advantages to deepen reforms and innovations in shipping services, which significantly enhances the facilitation of international maritime services.

"Now, with drone technology, transportation time for these oil samples is dramatically reduced, and costs have significantly dropped and saved international traders considerable demurrage fees," said Yan Xiansheng, manager of Shibao Zhoushan Laboratory.

According to Wang Weihua, deputy director of Putuo district's free trade affairs center, the next step is to expand the maritime low-altitude logistics routes from anchorages to the main island, providing dedicated delivery services for maritime spare parts and other service products.