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Skyports, TFG Marine complete Singapore’s first drone operations involving bunker tankers

Both successfully wrapped up Singapore’s first shore-to-ship beyond visual line of sight drone deliveries and collections of bunker fuel samples to and from bunker tanker vessels.

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Skyports, TFG Marine complete Singapore’s first drone operations involving bunker tankers

Drone delivery and inspection services provider Skyports Drone Services (Skyports) on Monday (21 July) said it has successfully and safely completed Singapore’s first shore-to-ship beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone deliveries and collections of bunker fuel samples to and from bunker tanker vessels.

Conducted in partnership with the TFG Marine, CBS Ventures and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the trial aimed to review safety parameters for using drones to improve tanker vessel operations. The flights demonstrated that drones can be safely used in marine fuelling environments such as around bunker tankers, under stringent safety requirements.

The trials concluded with the drones successfully transporting bunker fuel samples to and from TFG Marine’s vessel MT Diligence. This provides a faster, safer, and more sustainable alternative to in-person deliveries made by TFG Marine’s launch boats, which involve less efficient vessel-to-vessel crossings of delivery personnel.

Operated remotely from MPA’s Maritime Innovation Lab (MIL) 3.0, the Speedbird DLV-2 drone departed Skyports’ designated Take Off and Landing Pad (TOLP) at the Maritime Drone Estate, flying BVLOS to the vessel. Once at the vessel, the drone descended above the deck, lowering a cargo box on its winch, to where trained TFG Marine crew loaded the bunker oil sample.

Signalling to the remote pilot, the crew vacated the area to a safe zone, with the remote pilot retracting the winch and flying the drone back to the TOLP. From there, TFG Marine personnel collected the oil sample, taking it to its lab on land for quality testing.

A core part of the trial was validating and demonstrating that drones can safely operate in marine refuelling environments with risk mitigation measures in place. This involved extensive research and regulatory discussions over the course of nearly two years, including pre-trial checks on electrostatic discharge from the drone, and  performing real-time gas and vessel drift measurements prior to drone operations on MT Diligence. 

In flight route planning, the drones also approached the tanker perpendicularly to the winch area with a structured flight sequence, avoiding the most hazardous areas of the tanker. In the unlikely event of a signal loss, the drone is also preprogrammed to exit the way it approached the vessel.

During the trial Skyports provided a full end-to-end service, including route planning, regulatory approvals, drone operations, training to vessel crew and data collection and analysis.

Following the trial and analysis of the results, Skyports will continue to work with MPA and the tanker community to expand the trials and strengthen safety protocols.

Alex Brown, Director of Drone Services, Skyports, said: “With Singapore seeing over 130,000 vessel calls annually, according to statistics from the MPA, drone technology has real potential to reduce the risks associated with vessel-to-vessel transfers in Singapore’s port waters and enhance operational efficiency. After extensive research, training and preparation by our team over the last two years we’re proud to see our team successfully and safely completing their trials, providing a proven roadmap to drone operations around marine refuelling environments.”

Kenneth Dam, Global Head of Bunkering, TFG Marine, said: “TFG Marine is pleased to support innovative technology that can transform traditional maritime activities. We’re constantly looking to improve operational performance and make bunkering services easier with a focus on transparency and reliability through digital solutions. We’re excited to partner with Skyports and the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore on a new drone delivery initiative in one of the world’s busiest ports.”

 

Photo credit: Skyports Drone Services
Published: 23 July, 2025

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Singapore: Ofiniti, ONE trial direct platform integration to streamline bunker workflows

Ofiniti started a trial in Singapore, integrating FuelBoss directly with a bunker buyer’s own platform, with Ocean Network Express as its first buyer-side integration partner.

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July 22, 2026

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Singapore: Ofiniti, ONE trial direct platform integration to streamline bunker workflows

Ofiniti, the digital platform for maritime fuel operations, on Tuesday (21 July) said it has started a trial in Singapore, integrating FuelBoss directly with a bunker buyer’s own platform.

The company announced Singapore-headquartered container shipping firm Ocean Network Express (ONE) as its first buyer-side integration partner. 

“It is no coincidence we start in Singapore, as the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) remains at the forefront of digitalisation of all things bunkering,” the company said in a social media post.

In November 2023, MPA launched its digital bunkering platform, becoming the world’s first port to implement e-BDN. 

Ofiniti said every bunker delivery still runs on retyped data. 

“The buyer’s system says one thing, the supplier says another, and someone reconciles the gap by email, phone, or PDF. On every stem,” the company said. 

“We built FuelBoss to change this reality.”

With the integration, operational data now flows without manual re-entry, fewer reconciliation errors and faster processing and data, instead of documents, are readily available for procurement and claims workflows. 

“One connection will not transform the industry on its own, but digitalisation gets built one integration at a time. We are grateful to ONE for being willing to go first,” Ofiniti added.

Manifold Times previously reported ONE completing its successful trial of the electronic Bunker Delivery Note (e-BDN) with Shell. 

The e-BDN trial, using the digital bunkering solution developed by Angsana Technology, was conducted on 9 September 2023 at the Port of Singapore, with support from the MPA.

In March 2025, Ofiniti acquired Singapore-based Angsana Technology, with the entire Angsana team joining Ofiniti as part of the acquisition.

Related: MPA Chief Executive: Port of Singapore begins digital bunkering initiative today
Related: Singapore set to become first port in the world to debut electronic bunker delivery notes
Related: ONE completes e-BDN adoption trial with Shell in Port of Singapore
Related: Ofiniti acquires Singapore-based Angsana Technology to advance digital bunkering solutions

 

Photo credit: Ofiniti
Published: 22 July, 2026

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Genevos and Koedood Marine Group team up on maritime hydrogen fuel cell deployment

Collaboration will explore how ready-to-use marine fuel cell systems can support shipowners and shipyards in the transition towards zero-emission operations.

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July 20, 2026

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Genevos and Koedood Marine Group team up on maritime hydrogen fuel cell deployment

Marine fuel cell systems provider Genevos recently said the company signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with engine supplier Koedood Marine Group to explore the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell systems for inland and coastal maritime transport. 

The LOI was signed by Phil Sharp, co-founder and CTO of Genevos, and Mühlheim, Business Development Director of Koedood Marine Group during the 2026 Advanced Maritime Technology Show in Amsterdam.

Building on Koedood’s proven experience in hydrogen maritime projects – including its ongoing work with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and TNO on hydrogen engine development – the collaboration will explore how ready-to-use marine fuel cell systems can support shipowners and shipyards in the transition towards zero-emission operations. 

“Koedood has a strong reputation in the maritime sector and a deep understanding of vessel operators’ needs. This LOI is an important step in exploring how Genevos’ hydrogen fuel cell systems can be deployed more widely across inland and maritime applications, helping shipowners reduce onboard emissions with robust, practical and scalable clean power solutions,” said Sharp.

The collaboration aligns with growing market demand for rapidly deployable hydrogen solutions and the wider need to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission technologies across the maritime sector. 

“With this collaboration, we are further strengthening our portfolio of maritime energy solutions. Together with Genevos, we are exploring how we can support our customers in the adoption of hydrogen technology,” said Mühlheim.

 

Photo credit: Genevos
Published: 20 July, 2026

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DNV awards TADC to Econowind for VentoFoil 3-Series

System actively harnesses wind power to generate forward thrust, helping to reduce bunker fuel consumption and mitigate FuelEU penalties.
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July 17, 2026

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DNV awards TADC to Econowind for VentoFoil 3-Series

Dutch wind-assisted propulsion technology firm Econowind on Wednesday (15 July) said it has received a Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) from classification society DNV for its VentoFoil 3-Series boundary layer suction wing. 

The company said the certification confirms compliance with DNV’s ST-0511 standard for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems and enables easier integration of VentoFoils on DNV-classed vessels worldwide. 

Econowind added that the approval accelerates the deployment of wind propulsion across the shipping industry.

“DNV is one of the world’s leading classification societies. This TADC gives DNV-classed shipowners confidence that VentoFoils meet the highest industry standards,” said Chiel de Leeuw, Chief Commercial Officer at Econowind. 

“It simplifies the approval process for both retrofits and newbuilds. VentoFoils are ideal for late-stage design integration and retrofit projects. This is an important milestone for Econowind and for the wider adoption of wind-assisted ship propulsion.”

The 3-Series VentoFoil is Econowind’s best-selling suction wing to date, with over 150 units sold. The system actively harnesses wind power to generate forward thrust, helping to reduce fuel consumption and mitigate FuelEU penalties. The system includes a tilting foundation, allowing the wings to be tilted down during port operations or in adverse weather conditions, making it a flexible solution.

The TADC applies to the 16-meter VentoFoil 3-Series product design and supports easy integration into DNV-classed vessels without repeating the full design assessment process. This enables shipowners, shipyards, and project teams to move more efficiently from concept to installation, reducing project complexity and accelerating deployment. 

Hasso Hoffmeister, Senior Principal Engineer at DNV Maritime, said: “It is a great pleasure to award Econowind this new certificate. WAPS have been going from strength to strength over the past few years, from 2022 the number of vessels in operation has increased five times, and we’ve now topped the century mark. 

“And with the current advances in technology, materials, and production capacity in the segment, we expect this to accelerate. So, while the wind always changes, the shipping industry is likely to be sailing strong for years to come.”

Econowind expects the DNV Type Approval Design Certificate to accelerate adoption of the VentoFoil, particularly among shipowners seeking proven, independently certified technology that can support fuel savings, emissions reductions, and decarbonization goals.

MS Heinz of HS Schiffahrt is among the first vessels to sail under this TADC.The company said the approval builds on Econowind’s growing installed base and further strengthens confidence in wind-assisted ship propulsion as a practical solution to address energy scarcity and high fuel prices. 

In addition to the 3-Series, Econowind offers the 5-Series for the deep-sea market.

 

Photo credit: Econowind
Published: 17 July, 2026

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