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SMTC 2021: Further bunkering related tech initiatives in the works at Singapore port, shares SSA

‘MPA is also looking at a digital-base monitoring system during bunker supply. Like the rest of the industry, I am also looking to hear more details from MPA on this,’ says Caroline Yang.
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The following interview arranged by Informa Connect is part of pre-event coverage for the upcoming Singapore Maritime Technology Conference 2021 (SMTC 2021), where Manifold Times is an official media partner. Readers can find out more about the virtual hybrid event which takes place between 19 to 22 April by clicking on the link here.

Marine refuelling operations have come a long way since the days of steamships and is poised to advance further with the help of technology, says the President of the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA).

“The term ‘bunkering’ originated in the days of steamships when coal was the main fuel and was stored in bunkers,” Caroline Yang tells Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times in an interview.

“Technology has enabled ships to be more advanced, and has changed and helped improve bunkering operations. So without a doubt, technology definitely has a role to play in bunkering.”

Yang, also the Chief Executive of Singapore bunker supplier Hong Lam Marine, was keen to share how the application of Coriolis Mass Flow Meters and digital technology has helped Singapore cement itself as a world-class bunkering port.

“With Mass Flow Meters (MFM) installed on bunker tankers for bunker delivery in the Port of Singapore, efficiency, productivity and transparency in bunkering is greatly enhanced,” she says.

“With digital technology, Singapore has seen its bunker volume increasing year by year after MFM was introduced on bunker tankers from 2012 and mandated from 2017.

“Additionally, the annual volume of bunkers has been delivered by a smaller number of modern efficient bunker tankers with faster turn-around time.”

Yang notes Hong Lam Marine participating extensively in test-bedding of the MFM with other bunker tankers, bunker supplier ExxonMobil Asia Pacific, meter vendors Endress+Hauser and Emerson, and various authorities including the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, National Metrology Centre and Weights and Measures Office when the project started in 2009.

Notably, the first two bunker tankers approved for bunker delivery through the MFM system were Hong Lam Marine’s M.T. Emissary in 2012 and M.T. Demure in 2013.

“Hong Lam Marine has also acquired many modern bunker tankers since then adopting diesel-electric propulsion for fuel economy and reduce air pollution, unmanned machinery space to reduce manpower, remote-controlled winches and cargo/ballast valves operation to improve efficiency, and other features to reduce maintenance cost,” she adds.

The republic, meanwhile, has invested in other bunkering-related technology initiatives such as electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDNs), the delivery of bunker from terminals using MFM (SS 660:2020), and the verification of MFM on bunker tanker using a Master Meter (TR 80:2020) to enhance the local bunkering sector – with the close participation of SSA.

“The e-BDN is the upcoming initiative that the industry can look forward to. There are already solutions in the market and at SSA, we see ourselves as creating the awareness to the industry and at the same time, encourage our Members to be part of the digitalisation journey together as soon as we can,” says Yang.

“From what we know, MPA is also looking at a digital-base monitoring system during bunker supply. Like the rest of the industry, I am also looking to hear more details from MPA on this.

“For SSA, what I can say is that we play a very active role to encourage members to embrace digitalisation and technology. Over the last couple of years, SSA collaborated with MPA and IMDA on various initiatives such as the Maritime Digitalisation Playbook (MDP) and the Industry Digital Plan (Plan) which charts out digital solutions that SMEs in the harbourcraft and bunkering sector can adopt.

“SSA members want to digitalise and they have ideas too. To ensure that proposed solutions/plans are able to meet current and future needs, they would need clarity from the authorities on the expectations and regulations that are still evolving.”

Moving forward, Yang believes the shipping sector should stay updated on technology trends to remain relevant.

“The bunkering industry, like many other shipping sectors, have undergone tremendous changes and we can expect more developments with emerging technologies, availability of alternative fuels and emerging technologies, not to mention the IMO 2050 emission targets,” she explains.

“With such constant evolvements, it will be hard to remain relevant if one does not keep abreast of industry development or latest technology and equipment.”

Note: Caroline Yang is among panellists at the Singapore’s Digital Vision Dialogue: Transformation for The Next Frontier onsite + online live stream roundtable. The session is scheduled to take place on Tuesday (20 April) at 09:40 SGT as part of SMTC 2021.


Photo credit: Hong Lam Marine Pte Ltd
Published: 15 April, 2021

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Mass Flowmeter

Hong Kong backs MFM adoption with voluntary scheme to boost bunkering competitiveness

Hong Kong’s Marine Department launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems on their bunker vessels.
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Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) on Wednesday (3 June) launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems (MFM systems) on their bunker vessels.

MD said the scheme aims to enhance Hong Kong’s bunkering service quality and the competitiveness of Hong Kong ports, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre and a major bunkering port.

Under the Scheme, bunker operators of traditional maritime fuel and biodiesel that install and use MFM systems on their bunker vessels, with the MFM systems inspected and certified by an accredited body in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 22192 Standard or equivalent requirements, can apply to the MD for inclusion in the scheme’s “List of Quality Bunker Vessels”, provided they meet the relevant technical and operational requirements. 

Details of the bunker vessels successfully included in the List will be published on a dedicated page on the MD’s website for reference by shipping companies and relevant stakeholders.

Participation in the Scheme is voluntary. In addition to receiving recognition from the MD, participating bunker operators will benefit from enhanced corporate image and competitiveness through the adoption of MFM systems, thereby boosting customers’ confidence and helping to create new business opportunities.

 A spokesman for the MD, said: “As an international maritime centre supported by our country, Hong Kong has a strategic location adjacent to major international fairways. Coupled with years of development in marine fuel bunkering, Hong Kong possesses rich experience and talent in the field. For many years, Hong Kong has consistently ranked as the seventh-largest bunkering port globally, the second-largest in our country, and the largest in the Greater Bay Area, providing reliable and competitive fuel bunkering services to ocean-going vessels from around the world. 

“As the international shipping industry has an increasing demand for accuracy and transparency in bunkering services, service quality and measurement precision in bunkering operations have become important indicators of a bunkering port’s competitiveness. The Scheme will enhance bunkering accuracy and transparency, further enhancing the quality of Hong Kong’s bunkering services.

The spokesman added that comprehensive port services are one of Hong Kong’s key advantages as an international maritime centre.

“We will also mandate the use of MFM systems on all methanol bunker vessels this year to ensure that Hong Kong continues to provide high-quality bunkering services in the era of green maritime fuels.” 

Note: The application form for the Scheme can be found on the MD’s website. Interested bunker operators can download the application form from the website or contact the MD’s Green Maritime Fuel Team via email ([email protected]) for details.

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Emissions reporting

StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

Cooperation combines StormGeo’s expertise in operational vessel and emissions data with OceanScore’s expertise in emissions compliance workflows across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and UK ETS requirements.
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StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

Weather intelligence and decision support solutions provider StormGeo and Hamburg-based technology platform OceanScore on Wednesday (3 June) said they have deepened their ongoing cooperation through the signing of a collaboration agreement during Posidonia 2026 in Athens on 2 June.

The cooperation combines StormGeo’s expertise in operational vessel and emissions data with OceanScore’s expertise in emissions compliance workflows across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and upcoming UK ETS requirements.

Together, the companies aim to help shipping companies seamlessly navigate increasing regulatory complexity more efficiently — from emissions reporting and data validation to compliance exposure management, pooling and financial settlement.

As emissions regulation becomes an increasingly important part of commercial shipping operations, the need for reliable operational data and streamlined compliance processes continues to grow. The cooperation between StormGeo and OceanScore is designed to support shipping companies with more connected, transparent and actionable processes across operational and commercial teams.

“From the outside, companies like StormGeo and OceanScore may sometimes be perceived as competitors because both operate around emissions and compliance workflows,” said Albrecht Grell, Managing Director at OceanScore. 

“But in reality, the industry increasingly needs both perspectives working together: trusted operational emissions data on one side and commercial compliance execution on the other. Our cooperation reflects that shipping companies are no longer looking for isolated solutions — they need connected processes, automated across different systems and reliable decision-making throughout the full compliance chain.”

By connecting validated operational emissions data with commercial compliance management, the cooperation supports workflows across:

  • emissions reporting and validation 
  • compliance management across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and upcoming UK ETS requirements
  • exposure visibility and cost transparency
  • pooling, settlement and financial processes 

The cooperation also aims to improve commercial transparency and coordination across operational and commercial stakeholders.

“StormGeo plays a central role in helping shipping companies turn operational vessel and emissions data into trusted, decision-ready insights,” said Espen Martinsen, Chief Commercial Officer at StormGeo. 

“As emissions regulations become more complex, this data is essential for transparent and efficient compliance management. By working with OceanScore, we can help customers connect StormGeo’s validated operational data with commercial compliance processes, creating a more integrated and practical approach to emissions management.”

The signing ceremony took place at the StormGeo booth during Posidonia 2026 in Athens and was attended by representatives from both companies.

Both companies expect the cooperation to continue evolving alongside upcoming regulatory developments, including FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS, the upcoming UK ETS and future emissions-related frameworks affecting global shipping.

 

Photo credit: StormGeo
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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