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SIBCON 2020: Executive summary of the world’s top bunkering event hosted ‘in a very special year’

Event welcomed over 1,100 attendees from 42 countries; delegates visited virtual booths about 4,800 times; while around 5,800 connections were made, according to data from organiser Informa.

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Resilience. This was arguably the word on the back of everyone’s minds while moderators, speakers, and delegates conducted business at the biennially held Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON) 2020.

Rather than cancelling the event and taking a four-year gap in light of the restrictions imposed on social gatherings, SIBCON was held – for the first time – in a virtual environment.

It was attended by over 1,100 attendees from 42 countries who visited the virtual booths about 4,800 times; and around 5,800 connections were made, according to data from organiser Informa.

The much anticipated bunkering event certainly did not disappoint with the announcements of new developments for the bunkering industry.

The following is a key summary of developments at SIBCON 2020 covered by Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times.

Tackling bunkering black sheep and malpractice head on

The event started with a matter-of-fact keynote address from Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Transport, Chee Hong Tat, who took the lead to address the elephant in the room, amongst other issues.

SMS Chee was open and forthcoming to acknowledge the bunkering industry has its “share of black sheep and cases of malpractice”. Though issues may exist, he made it clear the Singapore government would not hesitate to take firm action and revoke bunkering licences of errant companies.

Major milestone in MFM bunkering – SS660 and TR80

A major highlight of SIBCON 2020 was the launch of bunkering standards SS660 and TR80; a project which the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Singapore Chemical Industry Council, Standards Development Organisation, Singapore Standards Council, Enterprise Singapore spent years in the making.

This was an important development as SS660 and TR80 complete the trinity of mass flowmeter (MFM) bunkering standards that enhance the integrity and trust of the entire bunker supply chain in Singapore.

Under TR80, the measurement performance of MFM-equipped Singapore bunker tankers can be verified using a Master MFM; this is a development much welcomed by shipowners.

New business dynamics of the bunkering sector

Tightened credit financing from banks, and logistical issues of conducting crew change operations during the pandemic have resulted in new business dynamics for the bunkering sector.

Equatorial Marine Fuel Management Services spoke from the Singapore bunker supplier’s point of view of how the issues can be handled by trust between industry stakeholders, while BIMCO provided its analysis of how bunkering firms can stay competitive during this period.

A deep dive presentation with representatives of Oldendorff Carriers, Hafnia, Total Marine Fuels Global Solutions, Sing Fuels provided further details on how their respective bunkering operations were doing in the post Covid-19 era.

Proposal to mandate ISO 8217:2017 at Singapore port

A noteworthy subject raised at SIBCON 2020 was a public proposal brought up by international fuel testing and inspection firm Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) to have MPA mandate the use of ISO 8217:2017 at Singapore port.

Captain Rahul Choudhuri, Managing Director AMEA at VPS, who made the proposal said 30% of VPS’ shipowner clients are still using the “obsolete” 2005 version of the ISO 8217 marine fuel standard; while 60% currently uses the 2012 version.

“If the industry is not going to use this [latest fuel quality] standard, I think we are in a really tough spot,” he states.

Securing the alternative marine fuels future

With IMO 2020 in effect and new maritime emissions requirements set for 2030 and 2050, stakeholders took the opportunity to use SIBCON 2020 as a springboard to share green shipping developments.

This saw MPA entering into a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to form a Future Fuels Port Network with the Port of Rotterdam Authority and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan to align the efforts in driving the development of new fuels.

Pavilion Energy Singapore and Gasum also used the event to announce a collaboration agreement to develop a global LNG bunker supply network for their customers in Singapore and Northern Europe.

Digitisation for the marine fuels industry

The virtually held SIBCON 2020 seemed to be a perfect platform for stakeholders to market the use of technology for supporting bunkering operations.

KPI OceanConnect took the chance to share why voyage management systems and bunker management platforms will undergo digitisation within the next three decades, while a separate session saw MPA sharing an intention to develop smart digital and autonomous bunkering operations at the republic.

Singapore-based maritime solutions firm Claritecs was also given the opportunity to explain why it believes digitisation offers forward thinking bunkering firms a competitive edge though BunkerMAESTRO, a solution aimed at eliminating operational inefficiencies while bringing all parties involved in bunker deliveries on a common platform, and its MFM auto-profiling for quick diagnostics of MFM data.

Manifold Times is proud to be the official media partner of SIBCON 2020; its coverage for the event during this very special year is as follows: 

EVENT ARTICLES

SIBCON 2020: TMFGS shares view on post IMO 2020 capacity of LNG cargo and bunker market
SIBCON 2020: Stakeholders discuss future of Singapore’s bunkering sector at session finale
SIBCON 2020: KPI OceanConnect CEO discusses digitalisation of the bunkering marketplace
SIBCON 2020: Singapore Bunkering TC Chairman discusses Singapore bunker standards with BIMCO
SIBCON 2020: Deep dive finds how bunker value chain is coping with industry issues post Covid-19
SIBCON 2020: BIMCO Chief Shipping Analyst explains new business dynamics in bunker fuels sector
SIBCON 2020: Singapore enters memorandum of cooperation on future fuels port network
SIBCON 2020: VPS proposes mandate of latest bunker fuel quality standards for Singapore market
SIBCON 2020: Equatorial Marine Fuels provides view on local and global bunker markets post Covid
SIBCON 2020: TR 48 reaps annual savings of at least SGD 80 million for bunkering sector
SIBCON 2020: Singapore introduces new MFM bunkering standards SS 660 and TR 80
SIBCON 2020: Powering Fuels of the Future, Driving towards Decarbonisation
SIBCON 2020: Senior Minister highlights ‘quality resilience and sustainability’ for bunkering sector

INTERVIEW ARTICLES

Singapore: Master MFM bunker verification gathers international praise; stakeholders explain benefits
Infineum explains: The ability of additives to ‘save’ off-spec VLSFO bunkers depends on these factors
Infineum explains: ISO 8217:2017 should be viewed as ‘minimum performance benchmark’ for VLSFOs
VPS: Shipowners face ‘tricky situation’ to balance VLSFO shelf life and wax appearance temperature
VPS: Big data analysis reveals link between Covid-19 and spike in low flashpoint
Methanex Corporation explains its case for methanol as a marine fuel in interview
Chairman of Technical Committee for Bunkering explains SS 660, TR 80; and cast an eye to the future
Interview: Hafnia shares IMO 2020 preparations, promotes transparency for bunkering operations
Interview: Total Marine Fuels Global Solutions discusses sector growth, IMO 2020, and future plans
SIBCON 2020: Evolution to a ‘completely different’ bunkering industry event, says organiser

COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Related: NYK line reveals decarbonisation plan in panel on alternative bunker fuels at SIBCON 2020
Related: Pavilion Energy and Gasum to develop global LNG bunker supply network
RelatedSingapore: SIBCON 2020 bunkering event to be hosted virtually
Related: Argus Media: Low carbon marine fuels needed well before 2050
Related: Singapore: LNG bunkering course included in Enhanced Training Support Package

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 20 October, 2020

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Methanol

World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to “Arctic Tern” via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel “M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan”.

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World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Marine fuel provider World Fuel on Tuesday (21 July) said it successfully completed the first green methanol bunkering of M/V Arctic Tern, with EUKOR Car Carriers and SIPG Energy at the Port of Shanghai. 

Arctic Tern is the first vessel in the new Shaper Class series of car carriers. 

The operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to Arctic Tern via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan, the largest vessel of its kind in operation. 

The bunkering operation was carried out at Haitong Terminal, Waigaoqiao Port Area, Shanghai Port, with cargo handling operations conducted simultaneously during bunkering.

This marks EUKOR Car Carriers’ first green methanol operation and the first time Arctic Tern has bunkered methanol since its delivery on 9 July. The operation marked the first bunkering at Shanghai Port of green methanol produced locally in Shanghai for an international PCTC operator. 

It also demonstrated the city’s integrated green methanol value chain, spanning local production, storage and bunkering, and established a replicable “Shanghai Model” for green methanol supply.

World Fuel arranged the supply and delivery of the fuel on behalf of EUKOR Car Carriers, working with SIPG Energy as the physical supplier at the Port of Shanghai.

The green methanol supplied was produced from municipal solid waste, ISCC-EU certified, and had a carbon intensity value below 25 gCO₂e/MJ.

Arctic Tern is the first of fourteen Shaper Class vessels ordered by Wallenius Wilhelmsen. With a capacity of 9,300 car equivalent units and methanol dual-fuel capability, the vessel will be operated by EUKOR Car Carriers, jointly owned by Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Hyundai Motor Group. Following her first green methanol bunkering, Arctic Tern will continue her maiden voyage from Asia to Europe.

Xavier Leroi, COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen and CEO of EUKOR Car Carriers, said: “Completing Arctic Tern’s first green methanol bunkering shortly after delivery is a significant milestone towards our decarbonisation ambition for both EUKOR Car Carriers and Wallenius Wilhelmsen. It demonstrates how investments in next-generation vessel technology and fuel flexibility are being translated into real-world operations. 

“This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between all parties involved. Together, we have shown how partnerships across the maritime value chain can help make lower-emission fuels available and operationally viable at scale.”

Mark Tamsitt, SVP Global Marine Sales at World Fuel, said, “The first bunkering event with a new fuel is a significant moment for any shipowner, and our role is to make it as seamless as possible. By connecting EUKOR Car Carriers with SIPG Energy’s proven green methanol capability at the Port of Shanghai, we were able to deliver on reliable supply, fuel quality, and safe processes. As more of our customers bring methanol dual-fuel tonnage into service, we are committed to being the partner that makes these kinds of operations routine.”

Mr. Zhang Da, General Manager of SIPG Energy, said, “Welcoming Arctic Tern to the Port of Shanghai for her first green methanol bunkering demonstrates the strength and maturity of our supply capability. Building on our well-established methanol ship-to-ship bunkering services for container vessels, we have already extended such services to pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). This bunkering sets a new record for the largest single SIMOPs green methanol bunkering for PCTCs in China, marking another step in building Shanghai’s position as a global green energy hub for international shipping.”

This operation follows Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s announcement on 9 July that Arctic Tern would complete her first methanol bunkering shortly after delivery. The vessel entered service on routes between Asia and Europe immediately following handover from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing.

 

Photo credit: World Fuel
Published: 22 July, 2026

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Ammonia

HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

HPA says the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

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HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and integrated energy company MB Energy on Tuesday (21 July) said they have completed a comprehensive risk analysis and developed a dedicated safety concept for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering.

MB Energy said the analysis lays the groundwork for the safe introduction of ammonia as a future marine fuel.

“With our planned ammonia import terminal in Hamburg-Blumensand, MB Energy intends to provide the reliable land side supply infrastructure needed to support this transition across northern German ports,” it said in a social media post. 

Mabanaft Group was renamed to MB Energy last year and merged over 50 existing brands under one identity. 

Separately, HPA said the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

“The focus is in particular on container ships, cruise ships as well as RoRo and ConRo (Container/RoRo) ships,” it said. 

“We expect ammonia to establish itself as an alternative marine marine fuel in the coming years. With our preparatory work, we are already creating the conditions to welcome the first ammonia-powered ships in Hamburg and to bunker them safely.:

HPA added that the import terminal for ammonia planned by MB Energy from 2029 will make a decisive contribution to ensuring the reliable availability of ammonia as a bunker fuel in northern German ports in the long term. 

“The use of an ammonia bunker barge is considered a possible addition to the landside infrastructure to enable ship bunkering in the port and beyond in the future,” it said.

Related: Mabanaft Group renames as MB Energy, merging over 50 brands under one identity

 

Photo credit: Hamburg Port Authority
Published: 22 July, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

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PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. 

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post. 

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024. 

 

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026

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