Alternative Fuels

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.

Published

12 months ago

June 11, 2025

Admin

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.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 11 June, 2025

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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

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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June 4, 2026

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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

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.

Published

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June 4, 2026

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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