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Sing Fuels: Prime’s Bunkers acquisition marks beginning of growing global independent brokerage partners

Firm hopes to leverage partnership in Greece as a springboard to expand into neighbouring and overseas markets including Europe and China, says Robin Van Elderen, Regional Head Bunkers, Europe, Sing Fuels.
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In an exclusive interview with Manifold Times, Robin Van Elderen, Regional Head Bunkers, Europe, Sing Fuels Pte. Ltd. on Wednesday (29 June) revealed more about the firm’s recent move in acquiring the assets of independent bunker-buying management service Prime’s Bunkersplus Services L.P based in Athens, Greece. 

MT: How did this development come about? How long did negotiations take? During the Covid era what issues were there in communication and what were the solutions?

As a global energy trading firm, Sing Fuels aspires further global expansion, and we believe that for many markets the fastest way for us to grow is through acquisitions of businesses that share the same approach and values as we do and bring deep local insights and connections. The partnership is the first step in Sing Fuels’ plans to grow a global alliance of independent brokerage partners, with deep knowledge and specialism in their respective markets, working together to provide an alternative to larger global competitors.

An established and well-connected player in the Greek shipping market, Prime’s Bunkers, led by Founder Irene Notias, is a long-time associate of Sing Fuels. Prime’s Bunkers’ local expertise and connections will enable Sing Fuels to grow in depth and extend its reach to create stronger ties and relationships in local markets and consolidate its business across the different markets, while diversifying potential risks the company could be exposed to.  

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and the evolving market landscape, the long-standing relationship between our companies provided strong fundamentals to deepen our partnership and we found the process to be very smooth given our shared ethos and vision.  

MT: What are the benefits for Sing Fuels, in terms of expansion strategy, services for clients, and business opportunities, of an expansion to Greece?

Greece is one of the world’s largest shipping markets and an important strategic location. The partnership with Prime’s Bunkers marks our entry into Greek market, which will be its sixth geographical location after Singapore, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.

We hope to use this partnership in Greece as a springboard to expand into the neighbouring and overseas markets which includes Europe and China, as well as expand our product portfolio. 

Traditionally in the past we have expanded by opening offices in new markets and countries and hiring individual traders. The research and analytics we gathered during the pandemic has taught us that to grow in depth, extending our reach to create stronger ties and relationships in local markets, such as what we have done with our partnership with Prime’s Brokers. 

Post-acquisition, the company will continue to offer a strong local alternative to the shipping customer base, leveraging Prime Bunkers’ independent broking bunker-buying management services.

MT: How does the acquisition of Prime’s Bunkers reflect these values of Sing Fuels?

Both companies have roots as brokerage firms, and Sing Fuels’ is a long-time associate of Prime’s Bunkers. While the Prime’s Bunkers team is relatively small, they have consistently been achieving steady growth and are well established as a key player in the region. 

This agreement is built on the foundation of our shared and deep commitment to operational excellence, and we believe there are significant opportunities to capture more market share with a proactive approach to after service, and drive our growth through this global alliance.  

MT: How does the acquisition commercially help Prime’s Bunkers? What do they get out of it?

Irene will lead the Greece office for Sing Fuels, becoming Country Manager. Irene is a prominent figure in both the Greek community and domestic shipping industry. With her knowledge and familiarity with the markets, and innovative and customer-centric outlook and approach, she will be instrumental in helping us to shape the trajectory and growth of the business in the region.  

With the acquisition of Prime’s Bunkers brand, goodwill and assets, this partnership will allow us to augment our collective capabilities to deliver outstanding customer service to key stakeholders in the region. At the same time, Prime’s Bunkers will also be able to scale and grow the business through leveraging Sing Fuel’s vast network and resources. 

Following the deal, Prime’s Bunkers will continue to operate under the name of Sing Fuels Pte. Ltd. (Hellas). Investment will be made to increase the company’s current headcount, adding more traders, and broadening its service offering in Greece.

MT: After the acquisition, what is the total headcount for Sing Fuels?

Our continued business expansion as part of this partnership – including the number of staff, penetration of segments and marine products – will be executed in a timely manner and supported by a business plan. Recruitment will start immediately with the aim to add more staff to the growing team.

MT: Moving forward, and on the back of IMO 2030/2050, what are the future developments in the pipeline for Sing Fuels?

We are continually exploring opportunities to expand to other markets and diversify our business as part of our development strategy. Not restricted by the competitive nature of the industry, Sing Fuels has steadily expanded its market presence into South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States, since the company’s inception in 2012. 

Business diversification has allowed Sing Fuels to stay relevant in an industry with relatively uniform offerings. For instance, the company has also entered the lubricants market for automotive and industrial needs. 

As in many other industries, digitalization and big data is becoming more important in the maritime industry as well. Sing Fuels has embarked on a cycle of transformation, a notable project was the implementation of an ERP system with API connectivity to the data and credit agencies which aids Sing Fuels to make informed decisions based on data. We will have a Chief Innovation and Sustainability Officer join the business at the end of Q3, 2022 to drive our digital agenda.

At the same time, we are also embedding practical sustainability measures into key operational areas of our business. As a company, we are committed to investing to stay ahead on all new and alternative fuels to ensure that our products and services continue to meet our customers’ needs and are able to support them in realising their sustainability goals.

This is in line with the International Maritime Organisation’s decarbonisation ambitions, and we are actively exploring alternate platforms for championing investments in liquid ammonia, green hydrogen, low carbon vessels, and carbon capture technologies.

Related: Sing Fuels to acquire Prime’s Bunkersplus Services in Greece

 

Photo credit: Sing Fuels Pte. Ltd.
Published: 30 June, 2022

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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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