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SMW 2024: Seatrium, A*STAR to explore new energies and AI for offshore and marine uses

Both organisations will focus on establishing a sustainable ammonia supply chain and addressing bunkering, transportation, and storage challenges, amongst others.

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SMW 2024: Seatrium, A*STAR to explore new energies and AI for offshore and marine uses

Singapore-headquartered marine engineering firm Seatrium and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) on Tuesday (16 April) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore research opportunities in new energies and artificial intelligence (AI) to develop innovative products and engineering solutions for the Offshore and Marine (O&M) Sector. 

The MoU signing took place during the Singapore Maritime Week and was witnessed by the event’s Guest of Honour, Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment.

The collaboration combines Seatrium’s insights into trends and opportunities within the O&M sector with the research capabilities of A*STAR and its National Platforms such as the Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore (TCOMS). The parties aim to boost the O&M sector’s pivot to new energies efficiently and reliably, and support the global transition to a low-carbon economy. Through machine learning, manufacturing process technologies and digital solutions, the collaboration will also streamline product development and manufacturing processes, and promote innovation and sustainability in Seatrium’s operations.

The focus areas of the MoU include the co-development of:

New Energies

This includes the exploration of new energies such as hydrogen and ammonia solutions, specifically tailored for offshore and marine applications. A*STAR and Seatrium were part of Singapore’s first ammonia fuel trial on the Fortescue Green Pioneer. 

A*STAR contributed to the development of an ammonia plume model for safety and environmental impact assessment, while Seatrium was responsible for the installation of the vessel’s fuel system and safety features.

Both organisations will now focus on establishing a sustainable ammonia supply chain and addressing bunkering, transportation, and storage challenges. Coupled with carbon capture technologies, Seatrium’s suite of product solutions aims to provide sustainable energy solutions for the offshore and marine sector.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The partnership leverages AI to explore innovative solutions in engineering processes, operational efficiency, and decision-making across project lifecycles. 

This includes the planned development of Large Language Models (LLMs) to improve vessel design and validation turnaround by automating and streamlining parts of the process. AI will be used to automate work site inspection and surveillance for improved operational efficiency.

Since 2008, Seatrium’s predecessor entities and A*STAR have worked on research projects such as green shipping, digital design, automation, Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced manufacturing. 

The outcomes have culminated in the development of new capabilities, including co-designing the world’s first made-in-Singapore Low Ultraviolet (LUV) Ballast Water Treatment System. 

This eco-friendly system employs energy-efficient ultra-violet rays and proprietary ultra-low frequency bio-fouling control for chemical-free treatment of ballast water.

Mr Chris Ong, CEO of Seatrium, said: “The collaborative efforts between Seatrium and A*STAR are geared towards accelerating the energy transition and maritime decarbonisation.”

“By combining our knowledge and pushing boundaries, we aim to develop advanced energy solutions that will help the industry adopt renewable sources more quickly.”

“Through innovation, research, and sustainable practices, we are focused on minimising carbon emissions, improving operational efficiency, and promoting cleaner energy.”

“We are committed to making a positive impact and playing a vital role in Singapore’s sustainable O&M sector with the support of our partners, stakeholders, and customers.”

Mr Frederick Chew, CEO of A*STAR, said: “Building on our previous successful collaboration programmes in green shipping, digital design and advanced manufacturing, this latest collaboration in new energies and AI furthers Seatrium and A*STAR’s shared vision of developing more smart and sustainable solutions for the O&M sector.”

“I look forward to programme outcomes that will contribute substantively to Seatrium’s and Singapore’s economic and sustainability goals.”

Related: Fortescue successfully conducts world’s first ammonia bunker fuel trial in Singapore
Related: SMW 2024: Singapore is preparing port for multi-fuel future, says Transport Minister
Related: SMW 2024: MPA partners with S&P Global and Bunkerchain in digital ship identity
Related: SMW2024: 18th Singapore Maritime Week opens with ‘Actions meet Ambition’ theme
Related: SMW 2024: MPA to set up facility for maritime workforce to train in handling new bunker fuels
Related: SMW 2024: Singapore-Rotterdam Green and Digital Shipping Corridor partners to implement first-mover pilot projects

 

Photo credit: Seatrium and A*STAR
Published: 17 April 2024

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Ammonia

Peninsula and ITOCHU establish ammonia bunkering joint venture for European ports

I&P Marine Ammonia has been created to promote the supply of ammonia as a next-generation zero carbon bunker fuel, with an initial focus on major strategic European and Mediterranean hubs.

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Peninsula and ITOCHU establish ammonia bunkering joint venture for European ports

Global marine energy supplier Peninsula on Wednesday (8 July) announced the establishment of I&P Marine Ammonia Ltd. (IPMA), a joint venture with ITOCHU Corporation, to accelerate the development of ammonia marine fuel bunkering across key European ports.

IPMA has been created to promote the supply of ammonia as a next-generation zero carbon marine fuel, with an initial focus on major strategic European and Mediterranean hubs. These locations represent critical regions in global maritime logistics and will play a central role in enabling the adoption of alternative fuels at scale.

The formation of IPMA builds directly on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Peninsula and ITOCHU in September 2023, which established a framework for the joint development of ammonia bunkering infrastructure and supply chains.

Manifold Times previously reported the European Commission (EC) approving the creation of a joint venture by ITOCHU and Peninsula under the EU Merger Regulation.

“Ammonia is widely seen as the most reasonable option among zero‑carbon marine fuel alternatives, supporting the shipping industry’s transition in line with increasingly stringent regulatory and environmental requirements,” Peninsula said.

“The creation of IPMA marks a significant step towards the commercialisation of ammonia as a marine fuel.”

Peninsula has been advancing the alternative fuels landscape, with established capabilities across LNG, Bio LNG, biofuels and other alternative solutions such as methanol and ammonia. This joint venture represents a natural progression of the company’s strategy to provide customers with practical, scalable decarbonisation pathways.

The partnership combines Peninsula’s global bunkering expertise, an established global supply network and deep customer relationships covering over 500 ports across all major bunkering hubs with ITOCHU’s integrated approach, spanning fuel production and supply chain development.

“Together, Itochu and Peninsula will combine these strengths to develop a robust ammonia bunkering framework, pairing upstream supply and infrastructure with the customer-facing expertise required to deliver ammonia as bunker fuel reliably at scale,” the company added. 

With an initial focus on Europe, IPMA is well positioned to accelerate the emergence of an operational ammonia marine fuel supply chain, complementing and reinforcing the broader industry initiatives already underway across the region.

Related: EC gives green light on Itochu-Peninsula ammonia bunkering joint venture
Related: Spain: Itochu, Peninsula enter MOU for joint development of ammonia bunkering in Gibraltar Strait

 

Photo credit: Peninsula
Published: 9 July, 2026

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Bunker Fuel

AD Ports Group and IRH Global Trading to advance bunkering at Khalifa Port

Both signed a MoU, outlining potential collaboration in bunkering services to vessels calling at Khalifa Port and the development of alternative bunker fuels such as LNG, biofuels, and methanol.

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AD Ports Group and IRH Global Trading to advance bunkering at Khalifa Port

AD Ports Group on Tuesday (30 June) said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IRH Global Trading Ltd. to explore strategic cooperation in bunkering services and alternative marine fuels at Khalifa Port.

The MoU outlines potential collaboration across a range of areas, including the provision of bunkering services to vessels calling at Khalifa Port, the development of alternative fuel solutions such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), biofuels, and methanol, and the exploration of opportunities related to fuel storage infrastructure, terminal facilities, and fuel sampling and testing capabilities.

Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO, Ports Cluster – AD Ports Group, said: “This collaboration reflects our commitment to forging strategic alliances that create long-term, sustainable value. 

“By working alongside trusted partners such as IRH, we are enhancing our capabilities and supporting the development of future-ready infrastructure and services that reinforce the UAE’s position as a leading global trade and logistics hub, in line with the vision of our wise leadership.”

Ali Rashed Alrashdi, Group CEO – International Resources Holding, said: “This collaboration with AD Ports Group reflects IRH’s commitment to build strategic partnerships that drive real economic impact. 

“As we continue to develop our global energy trading platform, bunkering and alternative marine fuels represent a high-potential area of growth. We see Khalifa Port as an ideal base from which to explore these opportunities, and we look forward to working closely with AD Ports Group to bring them to life.”

Through this collaboration, AD Ports Group and IRH Global Trading aim to further enhance Khalifa Port’s value proposition as a multi-purpose, deep-water port that supports efficient, sustainable, and future-oriented maritime operations.

IRH Global Trading is a global commodities trading firm with interests across the mining and energy value chain and plans to build a diversified global minerals and energy trading platform, including LNG, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), crude oil, and petroleum products. 

 

Photo credit: AD Ports Group
Published: 1 July, 2026

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Methanol

Agastya inks MoU with Andhra Pradesh to develop green methanol hub at Mulapeta Port

Project will establish a 1 MMTPA green methanol export-oriented unit on the East Coast of India, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a global hub for sustainable bunker fuels and green industrial products.

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Agastya inks MoU with Andhra Pradesh to develop green methanol hub at Mulapeta Port

India’s clean energy conglomerate Agastya Group recently said it has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Andhra Pradesh for the development of Agastya’s green fuels hub at Mulapeta Port, Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh.

The project will establish a 1 million tonnes per annum (MMTPA) green methanol export-oriented unit (EOU) on the East Coast of India, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a global hub for sustainable marine fuels and green industrial products.

With an estimated investment of over ₹54,000 Crore (USD 6.5 billion), the Agastya Green Fuels Hub will integrate large-scale green hydrogen production, green methanol manufacturing, carbon capture, renewable energy, and port infrastructure.

“Strategically located in the Indian Ocean Region, the facility will serve key global markets including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Europe, and other emerging green shipping corridors, supporting the decarbonization of international maritime transport and industrial sectors,” the firm said. 

The company added that the project represents a transformational step toward making India a net exporter of RFBNO RED III compliant green methanol to the world. 

Manifold Times previously reported Agastya Green Fuels signing a long-term green methanol offtake agreement with Sri Lankan bunker supplier SAR Maritime Agencies, a SAR Group company, for the supply of 250,000 metric tonnes (mt) per annum of EU RFNBO RED III Compliant green methanol.

Related: India’s Agastya inks green methanol offtake agreement with SAR Group

 

Photo credit: Agastya Group
Published: 11 June, 2026

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