The number of coal - filled ships lying idle off the coast of China as a result of import restrictions on thermal coal has risen to 243 from the last count of 102 last year , according to S&P Global Platts ’ cFlow vessel tracking system . A market analyst said imported coal not meant for local enterprises was not being cleared by China as a result of restrictions imposed in April . The ships are based off ports in Guangxi , Guangdong and Fujian provinces "Imported coal not meant for local enterprises' usage is not allowed to clear customs," a China-based trader said, adding that the import restrictions were putting a lot of pressure on the market. but there are also stationary vessels in the Hong Kong Regional Vessel Area , the Ningbo / Zhoushan Anchorage Area and Rizhao .
The number of coal - filled ships lying idle off the coast of China as a result of import restrictions on thermal coal has risen to 243 from the last count of 102 last year , according to S&P Global Platts ’ cFlow vessel tracking system . A market analyst said imported coal not meant for local enterprises was not being cleared by China as a result of restrictions imposed in April . The ships are based off ports in Guangxi , Guangdong and Fujian provinces but there are also stationary vessels in the Hong Kong Regional Vessel Area , the Ningbo / Zhoushan Anchorage Area and Rizhao .