Dr Imran Halimi Bin Ibrahim, Programme Director, Maritime Energy and Sustainable Development Centre (MESD) of Excellence Nanyang Technological University (NTU), recently spoke to Singapore-based bunkering publication Manifold Times, ahead of the Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) 2024 to be held on 13 to 15 March. 

He shared on the centre’s role in Singapore’s maritime decarbonisation efforts, updates on studies in alternative bunker fuels the centre is involved in and MESD’s outlook for decarbonisation and green marine fuels in the bunkering industry in Singapore: 

MT:  How is NTU, as an academic institution, and MESD supporting Singapore’s shipping and bunkering sectors meet targets set by IMO2030 and the MPA maritime decarbonisation blueprint?

The Maritime Energy and Sustainable Development (MESD) centre plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between research and real-world applications. A significant portion of our research findings is made publicly available, facilitating knowledge exchange, innovation and collaboration.

For instance, our research was referenced in the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) Expressions of Interest, such as the recent call for designing and promoting the adoption of electric harbour craft in Singapore. This is an example of a direct contribution that we have made to the nation’s decarbonisation efforts.

MT: Dr Liu Ming, Research Lead and Project PI, MESD, previously spoke on a joint study to research the potential safety, mitigation technology and environmental challenges in ammonia bunkering which is building on from results of a previous study. Are there any updates on that study and would the results be specifically for Singapore’s bunkering industry or for the bunkering industry as a whole?

Dr. Liu’s collaborative research on the potential safety, mitigation technology, and environmental challenges associated with ammonia bunkering is making good progress and there are plans to conclude it by the end of June 2025.

The research, set in the Singapore context, has broader implications and could inform other contexts, given Singapore’s status as a global bunkering hub. We are hopeful that the outcomes could potentially influence and benefit the bunkering industry, contributing to safer and more environmentally friendly bunkering practices beyond Singapore.

MT: Is MESD conducting research related to methanol bunkering? Could you share what the studies are about, the status of it (if it’s completed) and what you hope you could establish from it?

MESD is actively involved in researching methanol as a marine fuel, particularly on its application in bunkering. We have recently completed a comprehensive study in this area, and plans are underway to release a public version of the findings.

Additionally, we have initiated more targeted research on specific elements of methanol bunkering.These efforts underscore our commitment to developing practical and sustainable bunkering solutions that align with the industry’s decarbonisation trajectory.

MT: With MESD receiving funding to further explore maritime decarbonisation, what is the centre’s take on the outlook for decarbonisation and alternative fuels in the bunkering industry in Singapore?

MESD is optimistic about the future of maritime decarbonisation and the use of alternative fuels in Singapore’s bunkering industry. Currently, alternative bunker fuels are at various stages of development and implementation, and we are eager to collaborate with interested stakeholders in exploring viable options.

Our capabilities range from expertise in simulation and modelling, conducting feasibility analysis at the pre-FEED stage to emission analysis and evaluation; we are thus in a good position to contribute meaningfully to the industry’s transition to cleaner energy sources.

MT: Are there any specific alternative marine fuels the centre thinks is more viable than others for the maritime industry and why?

The maritime industry has diverse needs, with different vessels having unique operational needs. Therefore, we anticipate a multi-fuel future. Ammonia is gaining attention but we have to be thorough and careful with its viability as we study potential challenges related to safety and toxicity.

Methanol bunkering, having been successfully conducted in various locations last year, looks promising but more work has to be done to ensure sustainable application.

Biodiesel may be perceived to be more immediately applicable as a drop-in fuel, but its cost, availability, and life cycle impact still require thorough evaluation. Each alternative fuel has its merits and there are trade-offs to be considered; our research seeks to offer clarity on both to support judicious decision-making.

On behalf of the MESD Centre, I will discuss these challenges of safety, sustainable application, and cost of alternative fuels alongside other industry experts at the upcoming Asia Pacific Maritime 2024. I look forward to applying our findings to explore potential pathways for meeting the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) stringent targets, emphasising research innovation and environmental sustainability.

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Related: Singapore Maritime Institute expands study on ammonia bunkering
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Photo credit: Maritime Energy and Sustainable Development Centre
Published: 7 March 2024