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ABP to gain insights into bio-methanol bunkering from project for larger-scale applications

Associated British Ports says green methanol production technology project ‘TURBO-METH’ has secured funding as part of the UK Department for Transport’s CMDC 6.

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ABP to gain insights into bio-methanol bunkering from project for larger-scale applications

Associated British Ports (ABP), the largest port operator in the UK, on Thursday (18 September) said ‘TURBO-METH’, a clean technology project, has secured funding as part of the Department for Transport’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) 6.

The project will involve working towards a trial of green methanol production technology pioneered by PuriFire Energy, in collaboration with Shoreham Port, Newcastle University, the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult and a range of other organisations. 

Through this project, port operators such as ABP will gain deeper insights into bio-methanol logistics and bunkering for larger-scale applications, on-site production and end-user demand.

Ralph Windeatt, ABP Group Head of Business Development, said: “Our ports are already at the forefront of maritime decarbonisation as we play a pivotal role in enabling the energy transition.

“We are excited to support this project and look forward to working with consortium partners and our customers to evaluate our other port locations and help lay the foundations for a sustainable future.”

ABP’s involvement in the project has included being part of a consortium of partners working on the successful proposals for two maritime decarbonisation projects. The project will aim to evaluate the viability, environmental benefits, and cost-effectiveness of PuriFire’s technology in relation to helping to decarbonise the UK and aligning with global decarbonisation goals.  The main goal is to confirm the technology’s readiness for wider use, enhance efficiency, and facilitate wider adoption of green methanol as a maritime fuel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Neel Shah, CEO PuriFire Energy, commented: “Our purpose is to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy by providing green methanol solutions.

“We are committed to scaling our portfolio of unique technologies, while minimising environmental impact, driving positive change, and creating value for our stakeholders.”

The start of ABP’s collaboration with PuriFire Energy can be traced back to the startup’s involvement in ABP’s Energy Ventures Accelerator (EVA) – a pioneering initiative launched by ABP in June 2024 to help enable the energy transition. Since the launch of EVA, ABP has engaged with over 300 startups and investors across the clean energy spectrum. 

The CMDC Round 6 exists to fund pre-deployment trials and feasibility studies into clean maritime technologies and skills that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Having opened for entries in January 2025, the competition offered innovative organisations the chance to apply for a share of up to £30 million of funding.

David Cooper, Partnership Manager for Clean Maritime at ORE Catapult, added: “The UK’s Department for Transport has demonstrated global leadership in advancing clean maritime innovation.

“With recent announcements from the International Maritime Organisation, the trajectory towards decarbonisation is now unmistakable. While the future fuel mix remains uncertain, pioneering projects like this are vital to shaping that future. At ORE Catapult we’re committed to contributing our market insight to help identify what could power the offshore renewable energy fleet, a key maritime sector, in the years ahead.”

 

Photo credit: PuriFire Energy
Published: 23 September, 2025

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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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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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LNG Bunkering

CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s alternative fuel bunkering infrastructure.

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CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

China’s Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., Ltd. (CIMC SOE) recently signed a contract with Sinopec (Beijing) Clean Energy Co., Ltd. to build a 12,000-cubic metre (m3) LNG bunkering vessel, according to Chinese maritime media.

The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2028 and will support Sinopec’s efforts to expand its presence in the marine clean energy sector.

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s LNG bunkering infrastructure.

With this signing , CIMC Pacific Offshore Engineering’s LNG bunkering vessel orderbook is further strengthened, maintaining its leading position in the global market for small and medium-sized LNG bunkering vessels.

The contract also marked another milestone for CIMC SOE, which has seen a sharp increase in orders and business performance this year amid a surge in domestic LNG vessel demand.

 

Photo credit: Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

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Nuclear

ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

KRISO says AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.

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ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO) on Thursday (16 July) received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its concept design of a 15,000 TEU Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-powered container ship utilising Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) technology.

KRISO said the AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.

“This achievement demonstrates international recognition of KRISO’s technological capabilities in the rapidly evolving field of nuclear-powered shipping, supporting the transition toward low-carbon maritime transport,” it said. 

Building on this milestone, KRISO will continue advancing basic and detailed ship design, paving the way for future demonstration and commercialisation of SMR-powered vessels. 

Through continued R&D and international collaboration, KRISO remains committed to strengthening next-generation maritime technologies and contributing to the safe deployment of nuclear propulsion in the maritime industry.

 

Photo credit: Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

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