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INTERVIEW: Major ports, including Singapore, to prepare for alternative marine fuels future, says IMO

‘Energy transition in shipping will require new technologies, alternative fuels and infrastructure to support low- and zero-carbon shipping,’ IMO Head, Air Pollution and Energy Efficiency, tells Manifold Times.
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Roel Hoenders MT

The following interview arranged by Conference Connection is part of pre-event coverage for the upcoming 12th International Fujairah Bunkering & Fuel Oil Forum (FUJCON 2021), where Manifold Times is an official media partner. Readers can register for the virtual event by clicking on the link here. 

It will be a matter of time before bunker suppliers at Singapore start embarking on concrete plans to supply non-hydrocarbon based fuels in order to support shipping’s alternative renewable fuels future, says the Head, Air Pollution and Energy Efficiency at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

“Based on available information, shipping is likely to transition from majority reliance on liquid hydrocarbon fuels to a diverse range of alternative (renewable) sources of energy when operating at sea or when being in ports,” Roel Hoenders tells Singapore bunker publication Manifold Times.

“So it is likely that major ports like Singapore are preparing to be ready for and plan for this diversity.

“The energy transition in shipping will require new technologies, alternative fuels and infrastructure to support low- and zero-carbon shipping.”

According to Hoenders, low and zero carbon fuels such as biofuels, (renewable) hydrogen, ammonia and methanol, including through their on board storage in batteries and fuel cells, are being trialled but are not yet widely available.

“There are wider questions about ensuring safety of ships and crew dealing with new fuels; about generating and supplying renewable marine fuels across the world; and about the entire emissions life cycle of new fuels that will come to market,” he shares.

“IMO also regulates the safety aspects related to the bunkering as well on-board storage and handling of alternative fuels and has already developed numerous internationally binding instruments in that regard, including the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels.”

Hoenders suggests electrification may be feasible for short-sea shipping; but other fuels will be needed for ocean-going cargo ships with their huge energy requirements. While in port, more and more ships can connect to the land-energy grid to avoid using their engines.

“This transition will need collaboration and cooperation across many different stakeholders, including land-based energy suppliers and ports, as well as major investments,” he adds.

“It will also provide opportunities for countries to upscale, and thereby reduce costs of, renewable energy production.”

“IMO, in addition to its role a global regulator, will also continue to be a global platform for knowledge sharing and to explore cleaner fuels for shipping to ensure also less advanced countries can be involved and explore opportunities from the decarbonisation of international shipping.”

Hoenders, meanwhile, believes the implementation of IMO 2020 “went very well” for the shipping industry and shared Paris MOU detected only four deficiencies for sulphur content of fuel used in vessels during inspections last year.

“In 2020 there were just 55 cases worldwide of 0.5% compliant-sulphur fuel oil not available, reported to IMO through the year,” he shares.

“There was a great amount of preparation by IMO in terms of developing dedicated guidelines for ship owners, coastal States, and other stakeholders in the lead up to 1 January 2020 and clearly this paid off underlining the importance of IMO’s role as regulator of the global shipping industry.”

Draft new mandatory regulations for IMO 2030, which aims to cut the carbon intensity (transport work) of existing ships by at least 40% in 2030 compared to 2008, will be put forward for formal adoption at IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) in June 2021.

Similar to IMO 2020, Hoenders is confident IMO 2030 and IMO 2050 will be implemented on schedule – despite the current coronavirus pandemic.

“It is still too early to identify the long-term impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, but overall I remain hopeful that IMO can maintain the mid- and long term timelines for implementation of greenhouse gas reduction measures,” he states.

“While there was a postponement of one MEPC meeting in 2020, we have got the meeting schedule back on track.

“In late 2020, the intersessional working group on GHG emissions met remotely and then in November the MEPC met remotely and was able to approve the proposed new draft regulations aimed at reducing carbon intensity of the entire fleet, as amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, for planned adoption in June 2021.

“So I anticipate the great willingness to work cooperatively and collaboratively within IMO will continue.”

Note: Roel Hoenders will be among speakers giving the keynote speech during at official opening of FUJCON 2021 on 23 March.

 

Photo credit: International Maritime Organization
Published: 10 March, 2021

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Alternative Fuels

MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency.
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MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (3 June) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company to strengthen collaboration in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, innovation, and manpower development. 

The MoU was signed on 25 May 2026 by Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, and Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC.

The MoU underscores the shared commitment of MPA and MSC to foster a sustainable, digital, and future-ready maritime sector, while enhancing MSC’s operational and business activities in Singapore. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of MSC establishing its Asia Regional Office and local office in Singapore.

Under the MoU, MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency and operational performance.

MPA and MSC will also collaborate on maritime digitalisation initiatives to improve operational efficiency, including streamlining vessel arrivals and port operations. 

On manpower development, MSC will support internship and scholarship opportunities through Singapore Maritime Foundation’s Maritime Outreach Network (MaritimeONE) platform, an industry-led tripartite partnership comprising industry, government and institutes of higher learning that aims to raise awareness of the maritime industry and attract quality talent into the maritime sector.

Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “This partnership reflects the strong collaboration between MPA and MSC in driving sustainability and digitalisation in the maritime sector. By working together on decarbonisation, operational efficiency and talent development, we aim to strengthen Maritime Singapore’s position as a trusted and future-ready global maritime hub.”

Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC, said: “Singapore is a strategically important hub for MSC and a key gateway to the broader Asia region. As we mark 30 years in Singapore, this MOU reinforces our long-term commitment to strengthening our presence here. MSC and Singapore are closely aligned on the priorities shaping the future of global shipping, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to drive the continued growth and resilience of the maritime industry.”

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Methanol

Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

Following “Seaspan Yangtze”, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the methanol retrofit programme are “Seaspan Amazon”, “Seaspan Ganges”, “Seaspan Thames”, and “Seaspan Zambezi”.
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Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

Seaspan Corporation (Seaspan) and Hapag-Lloyd on Wednesday (3 June) announced the successful completion of the first of the five vessel conversions under their methanol retrofit programme with the delivery of Seaspan Yangtze.

From the early SAVER (Seaspan Action for Vessel Energy Reduction) programme to today’s CleanBlue initiative, Seaspan has committed over USD 230 USD million across 86 vessels, executing more than 550 efficiency and retrofit projects.

Following Seaspan Yangtze, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the programme are Seaspan Amazon, Seaspan Ganges, Seaspan Thames, and Seaspan Zambezi. Each retrofit is expected to reduce well-to-wake CO₂e emissions by approximately 30,000 to 50,000 metric tonnes per vessel annually when operating on low-carbon methanol, while also extending vessel lifespan and enhancing fuel flexibility.

“Decarbonisation is not just about building the fleet of tomorrow, it is also about unlocking the full potential of the fleet we have today. Retrofitting and upgrades on existing fleets play a practical, immediate, and economical role in accelerating shipping’s decarbonization journey,” said Bing Chen, Chairman, President and CEO of Seaspan. 

“Project SAVER CleanBlue highlights Seaspan’s strong customer partnerships, deep technical expertise, and unique platform integrated with JV partners, such as WattSpan Maritime Technology, in executing complex and large-scale retrofit projects.”

“The successful conversion of the Seaspan Yangtze together with the planned retrofit of its four sister vessels is another important step on our ambitious path towards net-zero fleet operations by 2045,” said Silke Lehmköster, Managing Director, Fleet, Hapag-Lloyd. 

“Together with Seaspan, we are demonstrating that retrofitting existing vessels for low-carbon methanol can be a practical way to reduce emissions in shipping.”

 

Photo credit: Seaspan
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Nuclear

South Korean-led nuclear car carrier design secures LR backing

LR is working with HHI, KSOE, Hyundai Glovis, G- Marine Service and KAERI on a joint development project exploring an advanced small modular reactor (SMR) installation on a PCTC.

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South Korean-led nuclear car carrier design secures LR backing

Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) on Tuesday (2 June) said it has teamed up with South Korean shipbuilding, marine services and nuclear research organisations to advance the development of a nuclear‑assisted car carrier concept. 

LR is working with Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE), Hyundai Glovis, G- Marine Service and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) on a joint development project (JDP) exploring an advanced small modular reactor (SMR) installation on a pure car and truck carrier (PCTC). 

The study focused on how a Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) could be physically and operationally integrated into a large vehicle carrier. Work examined the internal arrangement and segregation of the reactor system, shielding requirements, and the impact on cargo deck layout and vehicle capacity, alongside stability and trim implications linked to the reactor’s weight and positioning. 

The partners also assessed propulsion system configuration and power delivery, as well as operational flexibility compared with conventionally fuelled PCTCs, where trade routes and port calls can be tightly constrained. 

A key focus of the project has been safety. LR led hazard identification (HAZID) and preliminary risk assessment work, focusing on containment, onboard safety systems and potential operability constraints tied to nuclear technology at sea. 

The partners will mark the project milestone with an Approval in Principle (AiP) granting ceremony on 2 June at the LR stand during Posidonia 2026. 

Sung-Gu Park, President – North East Asia, Lloyd’s Register, said: “While nuclear propulsion is still at an early stage of development, this project shows the importance of building technical understanding now to support future progress. 

“Establishing feasibility at concept stage is a valuable step forward, particularly in areas such as cargo optimisation, vessel stability and integrated safety design.” 

Hong-Ryeul Ryu, CTO and Senior Executive Vice President at HD HHI, said: “With global environmental regulations becoming increasingly stringent and no definitive net-zero fuel yet available, SMR-powered ships can serve as a highly effective alternative, representing a pioneering next-generation maritime technology capable of complying with GHG emission regulations while allowing lifetime operation without refuelling, and HD HHI will remain at the forefront of sustainable maritime technology development.”

 

Photo credit: Lloyd’s Register
Published: 4 June, 2026

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