Page 113 - JCAU-7-1

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Spatial evolution of Fuzhou and Xiamen ports

to the operationalization of the Xiamen kerosene wharf company set up a central station and a platform at the dock,
and depot. In 1897, the company was renamed Shell Oil while the Naval Headquarters for Zhangzhou and Xiamen
Company, and it assumed ownership of an oil tanker launched the Songyu redevelopment plan (Gongshang
fleet. The tanker fleets featured safety innovations to Guanggaoshe Tuixiaobu, 1932) (Figure 7). In 1931, the
prevent kerosene ignition and explosions, representing a Songyu Planning Committee was established to zone
technological breakthrough. In addition, the Royal Dutch and plan Songyu, aiming to develop Xiamen’s modern
Company, founded in 1890, played a significant role in industrial zone and create a new satellite city (Figure 8).
exploiting the Sumatra oil fields and, in 1901, constructed Meanwhile, the development of Fuzhou’s petroleum
docks and oil depots in Xiamen. The 1903 merger of Royal industry unfolded with intriguing details. In 1880,
Dutch with Shell Oil Company and the Paris Rothschild the establishment of Standard Oil Company marked a
family resulted in the establishment of the Asiatic transformative moment for Fuzhou’s economic landscape
Petroleum Company. (Gongshang Guanggaoshe Tuixiaobu, 1932). Fast forward
In 1889, Standard Oil Company established a presence to 1899, M. W. Greig Company had initiated a gasworks
in the Xiamen British Concession, with Robert W.B. on Yamu Island (Institute of Modern History: 01-18-083-
Jardine (1868 – 1927) (PRO: WORK10/467, 1894 – 1930), 08-003, 1901) while simultaneously operating the Fujian
the hereditary head of Jardine Matheson, as the lessee Match Factory, Ltd. Simultaneously, Dodwell, Carill and
(Ukers, 1927). During this period, Standard Oil Company Co. began constructing oil tanks in Majiang. In 1901, M. W.
engaged Butterfield and Swire Co. and Jardine Matheson as Greig Company built oil tanks on Yamuzhou, accompanied
its main distributors in mainland China, later establishing by two circular stone piers with a diameter of three zhang
a distribution agency system through Chinese compradors. (丈; a customary Chinese unit of length), eight feet, and six
In the early 20 century, American sales representatives inches (approximately 10 m), as well as nearby warehouses
th
were appointed, leading to the establishment of direct sales and gasworks. In 1902, Dodwell, Carill and Co. further
points and a sales network. expanded by constructing oil tanks on Yamu Island,
followed by the establishment of a gasworks the next year. In
In 1907, Standard Oil Company constructed large 1907, Standard Oil Company received approval to establish
oil tanks in Songyu, with a capacity of 1,750,000 gallons an oil depot in Fuzhou’s suburbs (The North-China Daily
(Wright, 1908). The following year, the tank’s wharf was News, 1907). They leased around 30 acres of private land in
completed (Xinwen Bao, 1908). In the Chinese market, Banzhouwei, Mawei, to construct oil tank warehouses for
the two major oil companies, Standard Oil and Asiatic kerosene storage. The chosen area posed no safety hazards,
Petroleum, engaged in cooperation and competition. Their
oil tank constructions often mirrored each other, with
some tanks positioned across the river from each other or
standing side by side (Wu, 2017).
Initially, the Asiatic Petroleum Company imported
kerosene through Malcampo Company, reselling it to
Chinese merchants before establishing its own sales system.
In 1907, Pasedag Company sublet beach land in Dazhi
Street to Asiatic Petroleum Company, which purchased
10,298 sqm of warehouse land and built oil tanks on 9,999
sqm of beach land. However, due to the proximity to the
city and concerns about resident safety, the company
moved to Songyu in 1928. The new location covered
10,665 sqm of mountain land and 9,332 sqm of beach land,
slightly smaller than the original area by 1,411 sqm. The
Embankment Department covered the relocation costs,
totaling RMB ¥77,000 for relocation and RMB ¥6,000 for
dock fees (Xiamen Shi difang zhi bianzuan weiyuanhui
bangongshi, 1999). This area, an important transit point
between Zhangzhou and Xiamen, witnessed significant
developments. In 1905, the Fujian Railway Company was
established, initiating the construction of the Zhangzhou- Figure 7. Map of the petroleum company location at Songyu Station on
Xiamen Railway. Using this as a starting point, the railway the Zhangzhou–Xiamen Railway. Source: Drawing by the authors.

Volume 7 Issue 1 (2025) 10 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.3495