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CBL seeks to cement marine fuel position in APAC with renaming of Singapore subsidiary

Christofel Tian, Head of Singapore at CBL, dives into the subsidiary’s goals in biofuels, especially with the recent launch of Singapore’s TR 140:2025, and other sustainable bunker fuels such as methanol.

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CBL International Limited (CBL), the listing vehicle of marine fuel logistics firm Banle Group recently announced the renaming of its Singapore-based wholly-owned subsidiary, Majestic Energy (Singapore) Pte Ltd to Banle International (Singapore) Pte Ltd.

In an interview with Singapore-based bunkering publication Manifold Times, Christofel Tian, Head of Singapore at CBL, dived into detailed plans for the subsidiary and its role in contributing to the Group’s regional growth ambitions including aspirations to move beyond biofuels and develop a full suite of sustainable marine fuels, including LNG, methanol, ammonia:

MT: According to CBL International’s website, Banle International Singapore, then known as Majestic Energy Singapore, was established in 2022. What are the significant milestones the subsidiary has achieved since then?

Since its establishment in 2022 under the name Majestic Energy (Singapore) Pte Ltd, our Singapore subsidiary has made substantial progress.

One of the subsidiary’s milestones is contributing to doubling the revenue of CBL in 2024 from 2023. As the primary fuel bunkering hub in the Asia-Pacific region, Singapore serves as a strategic base for CBL’s regional expansion. CBL’s revenue in Singapore increased by 102% year-over-year in 2024 as compared to 2023. This growth reflects both increased demand for traditional marine fuels and early adoption of biofuel.

Another milestone is playing a role in CBL’s launch of biofuel supply services across key markets. In March 2025, we successfully launched biofuel supply services in Singapore, after providing biofuel supply services in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and various ports in China. This aligns with global regulatory shifts such as the IMO GHG Strategy, which mandates a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and moves towards a net-zero future by or around 2050, positioning us at the forefront of Asia-Pacific’s green maritime transition.

These achievements underscore our rapid operational scaling and strategic importance within CBL’s regional network, which now spans over 60 ports globally, including 13 of the world’s top 15 ports.

MT: How will this rebranding affect Banle International Singapore’s operations and vision in the republic and the Asia-Pacific region?

The rebranding from Majestic Energy Singapore to Banle International (Singapore) Pte Ltd marks more than just a name change—it represents a deeper alignment with the Group’s identity and long-term vision.

Operationally, the rebrand strengthens our market presence in Singapore, the world’s largest bunkering hub with annual sales nearing 55 million metric tons in 2024. It also enhances brand recognition across the Asia-Pacific region, where CBL continues to expand its footprint across intra-Asia and Euro-Asia trade routes.

Strategically, the move allows us to better leverage the Group’s global resources, supplier networks, and ESG initiatives. For example, CBL’s biofuel sales surged by over 600% year-over-year in 2024, and our unified brand enables seamless execution of sustainability-focused strategies across all markets we serve.

Ultimately, this rebranding reinforces our commitment to being a trusted partner in the transition toward greener shipping solutions, while maintaining operational excellence and customer-centric service delivery.

MT: What are the short and long-term goals Banle International Singapore has set in the area of sustainable marine fuels?

Our short-term goals for 2025 to 2026 are to expand our biofuel capabilities in Singapore and other regional hubs, increase B24 and B30 biofuel supply availability across our 60+ port network, and collaborate with local regulators and industry stakeholders to promote adoption of TR 140:2025, the new national technical reference standard for biofuels in Singapore.

Beyond 2026, our long-term goals are to move beyond biofuels and develop a full suite of sustainable marine fuels, including LNG, methanol, ammonia, integrate vertically into the biofuel supply chain, from securing feedstock sources to refining, blending, and final delivery and support the global shipping industry’s decarbonisation journey by offering cost-effective, scalable, and compliant green fuel solutions.

We believe that the future of bunkering lies in diversified energy offerings, and we aim to be at the forefront of that transformation in the Asia-Pacific region.

MT: With CBL’s biofuel sales volumes and sales surged over 600% year-over-year in 2024 and CBL launching its first biofuel supply services in Singapore in March 2025, what strategies will Banle International Singapore deploy to support the Group’s expansion in this?

We’re deploying a multi-pronged strategy to support the Group’s continued expansion in biofuels:

  • Regional Outreach and Market Education: We’re actively engaging with shipping companies and shippers across Southeast Asia, Greater China, and Northeast Asia, promoting awareness and confidence in using biofuels like B24 and B30.
  • Regulatory Engagement: We are working closely with local authorities in Singapore and elsewhere to shape favourable policies and standards, such as the TR 140:2025 standard, which will help accelerate adoption.
  • Partnership Building: We are forging alliances with feedstock suppliers, refiners, and technology providers to secure stable and cost-efficient supply chains for biofuels.
  • Technology & Automation Investment: Leveraging digital platforms and automation to improve inventory management, order fulfillment, and compliance tracking—ensuring efficient and transparent operations.

By combining these strategies, we aim to solidify our position as a leading provider of sustainable marine fuels in the region and contribute meaningfully to CBL’s global growth ambitions.

MT: With Singapore launching a new bio bunker fuels standard to complement ISO 8217: 2024, how will this impact the local biofuel market and the company’s biofuel operations?

The launch of TR 140:2025, Singapore’s new national technical reference standard for bio-bunker fuels, is a pivotal development for the local and regional biofuel market.

This standard complements ISO 8217:2024, which governs marine fuel specifications, and provides clear guidelines on quality, compatibility, and performance of biofuels used in the maritime sector. Its introduction is expected to:

  • Boost Shipper Confidence: Standardised specifications reduce uncertainty about fuel quality and engine compatibility, encouraging wider adoption among shipping operators.
  • Attract More Suppliers and Investors: With clearer benchmarks, more players—including refiners, traders, and logistics providers—are likely to enter the market, increasing competition and innovation.
  • Support Regulatory Compliance: As part of Singapore’s broader push for green shipping and ESG compliance, TR 140:2025 aligns with initiatives like the FuelEU Maritime regulation, enhancing Singapore’s appeal as a sustainable bunkering hub.

For CBL, this presents an opportunity to scale up our biofuel operations, streamline quality control processes, and offer standardised products that meet or exceed both international and local requirements. We are already adapting our supply chain in Singapore to align with TR 140:2025, ensuring we remain ahead of the curve in delivering safe, high-quality, and compliant biofuels.

Related: CBL International renames Singapore subsidiary to bolster regional growth strategy
Related: VPS: Singapore releases new bio bunker fuels standard to complement ISO 8217:2024
Related: Exclusive: Banle Group stays ahead of the curve in bio bunker fuels and global expansion

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 11 June, 2025

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Methanol

World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to “Arctic Tern” via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel “M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan”.
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July 22, 2026

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World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Marine fuel provider World Fuel on Tuesday (21 July) said it successfully completed the first green methanol bunkering of M/V Arctic Tern, with EUKOR Car Carriers and SIPG Energy at the Port of Shanghai. 

Arctic Tern is the first vessel in the new Shaper Class series of car carriers. 

The operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to Arctic Tern via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan, the largest vessel of its kind in operation. 

The bunkering operation was carried out at Haitong Terminal, Waigaoqiao Port Area, Shanghai Port, with cargo handling operations conducted simultaneously during bunkering.

This marks EUKOR Car Carriers’ first green methanol operation and the first time Arctic Tern has bunkered methanol since its delivery on 9 July. The operation marked the first bunkering at Shanghai Port of green methanol produced locally in Shanghai for an international PCTC operator. 

It also demonstrated the city’s integrated green methanol value chain, spanning local production, storage and bunkering, and established a replicable “Shanghai Model” for green methanol supply.

World Fuel arranged the supply and delivery of the fuel on behalf of EUKOR Car Carriers, working with SIPG Energy as the physical supplier at the Port of Shanghai.

The green methanol supplied was produced from municipal solid waste, ISCC-EU certified, and had a carbon intensity value below 25 gCO₂e/MJ.

Arctic Tern is the first of fourteen Shaper Class vessels ordered by Wallenius Wilhelmsen. With a capacity of 9,300 car equivalent units and methanol dual-fuel capability, the vessel will be operated by EUKOR Car Carriers, jointly owned by Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Hyundai Motor Group. Following her first green methanol bunkering, Arctic Tern will continue her maiden voyage from Asia to Europe.

Xavier Leroi, COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen and CEO of EUKOR Car Carriers, said: “Completing Arctic Tern’s first green methanol bunkering shortly after delivery is a significant milestone towards our decarbonisation ambition for both EUKOR Car Carriers and Wallenius Wilhelmsen. It demonstrates how investments in next-generation vessel technology and fuel flexibility are being translated into real-world operations. 

“This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between all parties involved. Together, we have shown how partnerships across the maritime value chain can help make lower-emission fuels available and operationally viable at scale.”

Mark Tamsitt, SVP Global Marine Sales at World Fuel, said, “The first bunkering event with a new fuel is a significant moment for any shipowner, and our role is to make it as seamless as possible. By connecting EUKOR Car Carriers with SIPG Energy’s proven green methanol capability at the Port of Shanghai, we were able to deliver on reliable supply, fuel quality, and safe processes. As more of our customers bring methanol dual-fuel tonnage into service, we are committed to being the partner that makes these kinds of operations routine.”

Mr. Zhang Da, General Manager of SIPG Energy, said, “Welcoming Arctic Tern to the Port of Shanghai for her first green methanol bunkering demonstrates the strength and maturity of our supply capability. Building on our well-established methanol ship-to-ship bunkering services for container vessels, we have already extended such services to pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). This bunkering sets a new record for the largest single SIMOPs green methanol bunkering for PCTCs in China, marking another step in building Shanghai’s position as a global green energy hub for international shipping.”

This operation follows Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s announcement on 9 July that Arctic Tern would complete her first methanol bunkering shortly after delivery. The vessel entered service on routes between Asia and Europe immediately following handover from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing.

 

Photo credit: World Fuel
Published: 22 July, 2026

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Ammonia

HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

HPA says the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.
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July 22, 2026

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HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and integrated energy company MB Energy on Tuesday (21 July) said they have completed a comprehensive risk analysis and developed a dedicated safety concept for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering.

MB Energy said the analysis lays the groundwork for the safe introduction of ammonia as a future marine fuel.

“With our planned ammonia import terminal in Hamburg-Blumensand, MB Energy intends to provide the reliable land side supply infrastructure needed to support this transition across northern German ports,” it said in a social media post. 

Mabanaft Group was renamed to MB Energy last year and merged over 50 existing brands under one identity. 

Separately, HPA said the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

“The focus is in particular on container ships, cruise ships as well as RoRo and ConRo (Container/RoRo) ships,” it said. 

“We expect ammonia to establish itself as an alternative marine marine fuel in the coming years. With our preparatory work, we are already creating the conditions to welcome the first ammonia-powered ships in Hamburg and to bunker them safely.:

HPA added that the import terminal for ammonia planned by MB Energy from 2029 will make a decisive contribution to ensuring the reliable availability of ammonia as a bunker fuel in northern German ports in the long term. 

“The use of an ammonia bunker barge is considered a possible addition to the landside infrastructure to enable ship bunkering in the port and beyond in the future,” it said.

Related: Mabanaft Group renames as MB Energy, merging over 50 brands under one identity

 

Photo credit: Hamburg Port Authority
Published: 22 July, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

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July 21, 2026

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PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. 

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post. 

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024. 

 

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026

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