Alternative Fuels

APM 2022: Industry experts agree with MPA’s vision of a multi-fuel future for Maritime Singapore

Representatives of SDE International, Lloyd’s Register, Wilhelmsen Ships Service, RINA, Methanol Institute, and International Bunker Industry Association agree a multi-fuel future is the way forward for Singapore.

Published

4 years ago

March 24, 2022

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Industry experts from various sectors of the marine fuels value chain on Friday (18 March) said they agreed with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)’s direction of a multi-fuel future for Maritime Singapore.

Earlier in March, MPA introduced the Maritime Singapore Decarbonisation Blueprint: Working Towards 2050 document.

In short, the blueprint aims to reduce absolute emissions from the domestic harbour craft fleet by 15% from 2021 levels through the adoption of lower-carbon energy solutions such as blended biofuel, liquefied natural gas (LNG), diesel-electric hybrid propulsion, and full-electric propulsion by 2030.

The development affects all 1,600 licensed diesel-powered harbourcraft operating at Singapore, including local bunker tankers delivering marine fuels to international ships.

Bunker industry veteran Simon Neo was leading the ‘Fuel Fight: Examining why alternative fuels such as LNG and hydrogen are proofing to be solid alternatives to traditional fuel’ session at Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) 2022 when he said fossil-based marine fuels will still continue to be a mainstay for the bunkering sector on a mid-term basis.

“Though the market is now looking at using LNG, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, biofuel and other different types of alternative fuels for ships it is still very difficult to decarbonise and move away from fossil fuels,” stated Neo, Executive Director of bunker consultancy firm SDE International.

Neo, who was also moderator of the session, noted bunker tanker operators having to consider factors related to safety, prices, engine performance and training, amongst others, before choosing between different types of alternative fuels which were all in “friendly competition” with each other.

He proceeded to ask the panellists on what they thought about MPA’s decarbonisation blueprint.

Douglas Raitt, Regional Advisory Services Manager at Lloyd’s Register, said Singapore will be able to continue serving the entire shipping base (i.e. domestic and foreign vessels) as a major bunkering hub with MPA’s multipronged fuel approach.

“In the context of zero carbon bunker fuels, one can envision the port having harbourcraft being propelled by hydrogen-based battery power solutions while deep sea shipping may be served by ammonia as fuel transitioning away from LNG in the longer term,” he shares.

“As we start to grapple with potential methane slip regulations from LNG fuelled engines, the use of ammonia can be a practical way forward. From what I read, the MPA decarbonisation blueprint has it spot on and a multi-fuel future is indeed the best way to go forward.”

Sachin Gupta, Director for Chemical Products at Wilhelmsen Ships Service, was appreciative of the direction provided by Singapore government thought the MPA blueprint.

“Kudos to Singapore, as the report sets the pace and structure for Maritime Singapore’s decarbonisation. Infrastructure is key to ports and shipowners now know what types of bunker fuels will be available in the future at the republic,” he says.

“It’s a great step from Singapore to take that initiative to put it in paper.”

Jan-Paul de Wilde, Head of Department, Decarbonization, Energy Transition & Innovation at RINA, while commenting on Maritime Singapore Decarbonisation Blueprint, said he was impressed with Singapore’s own approach towards domestic decarbonisation as this is outside the purview of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) which is only responsible for overseeing regulations for international shipping.

“We have to commend the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore for taking such a holistic approach toward decarbonisation, on one hand by actively supporting IMO’s policies on an international level while also setting emission reduction targets for the local harbour craft to support IMO’s direction for the maritime sector,” he notes.

“On our part, we are actively working toward the reduction of emissions in Singapore waters together with local companies like SeaTech Solutions and other partners in the ‘Goal Zero’ consortium for the electrification of local harbour craft.”

Chris Chatterton, Chief Operating Officer at Methanol Institute Singapore, stated his organisation will be supportive of Singapore’s future multifuel environment.

“Without a doubt, the methanol spectrum has a role to play in Maritime Singapore’s decarbonisation future. In fact, supporting other fuels by co-blending has been a traditional role of methanol in markets for many years,” he explains.

“We applaud MPA for adopting the decarbonisation blueprint to get this moving, rather than just conducting ourselves as business as usual.”

Alex Tang, Regional Manager Asia at International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) Asia, said IBIA is supportive of MPA’s direction.

“This is definitely a good one and it is important for us to let the rest of the world know what we will be doing for maritime decarbonisation,” he states.

“IBIA will be available to provide training to personnel and this is an area which we are able to constructively support in securing Singapore’s decarbonisation journey.”

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Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 24 March, 2022

Alternative Fuels

ClassNK updates safety guidelines for alternative-fuelled ships

The classification society says it has revised the safety requirements within its guidelines for ships using methanol, ethanol and hydrogen as marine fuels.

Published

21 hours ago

August 20, 2026

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Classification society ClassNK on Tuesday (18 August) said it has revised the safety requirements within its guidelines for ships using methanol, ethanol and hydrogen as marine fuels.

In Part D of the guidelines, covering hydrogen-fuelled ships, the revision incorporates the Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Hydrogen as Fuel (MSC.1/Circ.1701) issued by the IMO this year, and additionally introduces a hydrogen leak frequency table that can be used for the safety assessments required under the IMO guidelines.

In Part A, covering methanol and ethanol-fuelled ships, new structural strength requirements for methanol/ethanol fuel tanks—which are not addressed in the IMO guidelines—have been established.

“Through this revision, shipyards, designers, and shipowners can carry out design and safety assessments in line with the latest international standards, and by utilizing ClassNK’s own leak frequency estimates and the relevant requirements, they can proceed the development of alternative-fuelled ships in a more rationally,” ClassNK said in a statement.

As the building of alternative-fuelled ships advances in response to the global challenge of reducing GHG emissions, ClassNK has comprehensively compiled the safety requirements for ships using methanol, ethanol, LPG, ammonia, and hydrogen—fuels regarded as promising alternatives—and has issued the guidelines.

“Taking into account the risks that the use of alternative fuels poses to the environment, seafarers, and ships, the guidelines set out requirements for equipment, controls, and safety devices to minimize such risks,” it added.

With the issuance of the IMO guidelines for hydrogen-fueled ships (MSC.1/Circ.1701), ClassNK said it has fully incorporated the IMO guidelines to make the guidelines more user-friendly for shipyards, designers, and shipowners, while also enhancing the requirements serving as design and assessment guidance for other alternative fuels.

In the development of the IMO guidelines, now reflected in Part D, ClassNK participated as a member of the Japanese delegation to the IMO Sub-Committee CCC 11 and contributed to the discussions.

Note: The Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels (Edition 3.1) can be viewed under “Guidelines” on My Page by registering as a user on the ClassNK website.

Photo credit: Venti Views on Unsplash
Published: 20 August, 2026

Decarbonisation

CSA and MFA partner to support shipowners, bunker suppliers on emissions compliance

Clean Shipping Alliance and the Marine Fuels Alliance signed a MoU to also advance transition to alternative bunker fuels and emissions reduction technologies.

Published

21 hours ago

August 20, 2026

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CSA and MFA partner to support shipowners, bunker suppliers on emissions compliance

The Clean Shipping Alliance (CSA) and the Marine Fuels Alliance (MFA) on Wednesday (19 August) said they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the shipping industry and bunker suppliers in meeting regulatory requirements on emissions, and to advance the transition to alternative fuels and emissions reduction technologies.

The agreement will see CSA’s expertise in exhaust gas cleaning systems and marine environmental technology brought together with MFA’s network and knowledge across the marine fuels supply chain.

Both organisations share an interest in supporting the maritime industry’s transition toward a sustainable, compliant and lower-emission future, and the agreement sets out a structure for the two bodies to share technical insight and coordinate on regulatory pathways.

Through the collaboration, the two associations intend to encourage dialogue between technology providers, fuel suppliers and ship operators, share technical insights and support the development of practical regulatory pathways.

Under this framework, the two associations will:

Share technical data and research: on MARPOL compliance, alternative fuels and emissions reduction technologies.
Coordinate joint advocacy: including at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) level and alongside sessions of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC).
Support industry events: on fleet modernisation, retrofitting and fuel quality standards.
Develop practical operational guidance: linking technology providers, fuel suppliers and ship operators.

Andreas Chrysostomou, Executive Director of the Clean Shipping Alliance, said: “Shipping’s compliance and availability challenges won’t be solved by one technology or one fuel. It needs ongoing communication between different elements of the value chain, and that’s why CSA and MFA have signed this MoU. Technologies, fuels and regulation cannot be considered in isolation, and by working together we can bring together complementary expertise, improve the exchange of technical knowledge and contribute to solutions that are both environmentally effective and operationally realistic.”

Anthony Mollet, Executive Officer of the Marine Fuels Alliance, said: “The CSA brings a wealth of technical knowledge and first-hand industry experience, particularly in relation to emissions, environmental regulation and the technologies being adopted by shipowners and operators. This partnership will give our members an important additional source of expertise and insight, helping them better understand the challenges facing the industry and make informed decisions as the transition towards cleaner shipping continues.

“For companies across the contractual chain in bunkers, it is increasingly important to understand the decisions being made by shipowners and operators around fuel choice, emissions technologies and the future fuels they intend to use.

“The selection of a particular fuel grade or technology can have significant implications throughout the bunker supply chain, from contractual arrangements and fuel specifications to supply and operational considerations. This is a key area of focus for the MFA, and we are committed to providing our members with clear, practical and relevant resources to help them navigate these developments.”

The non-binding MoU will initially remain in effect for two years, with both associations designating points of contact to coordinate joint initiatives and regularly review the collaboration.

Photo credit: Clean Shipping Alliance and Marine Fuels Alliance
Published: 20 August, 2026

LNG Bunkering

Bunkering vessel “Avenir Advantage” completes first LNG delivery to cruise ship

Ship delivered LNG to Royal Caribbean Group’s “Icon of the Seas” in Honduras, marking its first LNG bunkering operation for the cruise line and expanding small-scale LNG supply in the Caribbean.

Published

21 hours ago

August 20, 2026

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Bunkering vessel “Avenir Advantage” completes first LNG delivery to cruise ship

Bunker supplier Avenir LNG on Wednesday (19 August) said its bunkering vessel Avenir Advantage has completed its first LNG bunkering delivery to Royal Caribbean Group’s cruise ship, Icon of the Seas in Honduras, marking a milestone for the company’s LNG supply operations in the Caribbean.

The company said the operation supports the cruise industry’s transition towards lower-emission marine fuels while demonstrating the flexibility of small-scale LNG infrastructure in the region.

Avenir LNG thanked Axpo Group, the vessel’s crew, shore teams, port stakeholders and other partners involved in the operation.

The company added that it aims to support further safe and reliable LNG deliveries in the future.

Photo credit: Avenir LNG
Published: 20 August, 2026