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Alternative Fuels

Argus Media: Bunker buyers must seek better information, says Transparensea rep

Buyers will need an even broader range of information than ever for purchasing decisions as more sustainable marine fuels enter the markets, says Transparensea.
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As more sustainable marine fuels enter the markets, buyers will need an even broader range of information than ever for purchasing decisions, said Sandi Ennor, president and chief executive officer of marine fuel brokerage Transparensea.

8 September 2023

Information beyond price — like guarantees on fuel specifications, origin, physical availability and sustainability credentials — are becoming even more important, Ennor told Argus.

These added levels of responsibility for fuel purchasers may come as quite a surprise to some, given that many do not even view fuel as a strategic issue despite it being shipping companies’ largest operating expense. But given the operational and reputational risks shippers face, Ennor said it makes sense for them to scrutinize the processes around how their fuels go to market and ensure they are getting the full and accurate picture.

Volumes of these new fuels will initially be very small and more expensive, but most buyers are unaware of the margin traders are making in reselling the fuels, which will likely include several middlemen within the process. “Current practices are the equivalent of using a credit card and not knowing what the APR fees are, but on a much larger scale,” Ennor said.

Logistics will also be a larger concern with renewable marine fuels. If a supplier claims to have biofuels available in a certain port, customers need to understand whether that is purely on paper or if the fuel will actually be there — with the right volume and specification, she said.

The responsibility will also be on the fuel buyers to ensure that the emission reductions delivered will meet regulatory requirements, and that the origin or composition of the fuel does not compromise any other sustainability commitments within the customer or charterers’ supply chains.

The industry should also acknowledge that environmental targets are likely to be met through “imperfect” tactics such as blending fuel and offsetting emissions, she said.

The expansion of the EU emission trading system (ETS) to shipping is likely to stimulate demand for low-carbon transition fuels like biofuels and bio-LNG for ships traveling to and from Europe via the US. Despite the shipping volumes coming through locations such as the Gulf of Mexico, New York and Houston, as well as independent initiatives to reduce port emissions, the US’ national renewables rules do not include the maritime markets.

Most incentives are still restricted to California and even these could be argued to be insufficient to meet the scale of the challenge. Continuing with this fragmented, state-by-state approach could cause a shift in shipping hubs, Ennor said.

By Stefka Wechsler

Photo credit and source: Argus Media
Published: 11 September, 2023

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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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