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Argus Media: Shipping sector seeks flexibility, voyage optimisation

Delegates at last week’s Appec conference in Singapore said a multi-fuel approach is needed to tackle the complexities of energy transition in the shipping sector.
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A multi-fuel approach is needed to tackle the complexities of energy transition in the shipping sector, said delegates at last week’s Appec conference in Singapore.

16 September 2024

With energy transition in the early stages, delegates agreed that conventional fuels will be used in tandem with a mix of low to zero carbon fuels in a flexible and cost-efficient way. “I think we’re moving from a world where we have only one homogeneous choice to a world of heterogeneity when it comes to alternative fuels,” said the head of maritime safety, sustainability and technical at Australian resources firm BHP Ashima Taneja. Chartering dual-fuelled vessels is “about creating that flexibility,” Taneja added.

“Energy efficient technologies will definitely be a very strong component of hitting the 2030 targets,” said the chief operating officer of Singapore bunker supplier and marine logistics firm Equatorial Marine Fuel Choong Sheen Mao, adding that “marine fuels will play a very significant role”. “Running ships on a mix of alternative fuels and fossil fuel will provide “a bit more longevity to these conventional fuels” said Choong.

Maritime participants want to ensure that safety standards and infrastructure for alternative fuel bunkering are ready, with seafarers well trained to handle various fuels. Shipping firms need to have the “confidence” that multi-fuel bunkering procedures will remain largely similar regardless of port, said the director of decarbonisation and net zero pathways at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore New Wei Siang. Port agreements, like digitally-enabled green shipping corridors, serve as a vital collaboration that support the maritime industry in testing solutions and syncing knowledge.

“Emission reduction is not just changing fuels. It is also how to use your ship more efficiently,” said the head of sustainability, decarbonisation and marine fuels at Singapore container shipping firm Pacific International Lines Chia Yujin. More fuel could be saved through green shipping corridors if ships “have clear visibility over port congestion situation at the end of the voyage, and… can adjust our speed to match our arrival,” he added.

“A lot can be achieved by using alternative fuels… when price support is there but also focusing on other initiatives such as voyage optimisation, just running your feet more efficiently. That can help you achieve those targets involved,” according to Taneja.

“We almost cannot use a one size fits all approach,” said the managing director of Nigerian trading and logistics firms Cabipa Chibuzor DU Chiadikobi, noting that “emerging” economies remain a step behind in the energy transition journey. “I’m quite sure that shipowners want to have that guarantee that even if we make the transition to alternative fuel, certain destinations will be able to have the port infrastructure and, most importantly, the alternative fuel for them to be able to bunker.”

“At the end of the day, shipping is still a business,” said Choong. “We have to be competitive and you only can be competitive when there is a level playing field.”

By Cassia Teo

 

Photo credit and source: Argus Media
Published: 17 September, 2024

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PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

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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. 

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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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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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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.

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Photo credit: Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering
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ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

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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. 

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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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