Developments by Singapore terminals to introduce concurrent bunkering operations for berthed vessels loading/discharging cargoes might spark a trend for more of such activities in the future, believe Singapore marine fuel suppliers.
To date, Sentek Marine & Trading and Sinanju Tankers are the only two bunker suppliers who have conducted concurrent bunkering operations at Singapore-based terminals.
“From a shipowners point of view, concurrent bunkering saves them time and this is beneficial to them,” a source at Sentek Marine & Trading told Manifold Times.
Concurrent bunkering operations at Singapore will require bunker suppliers who are able to adapt to new operating conditions.
“The activity requires a lot more coordination with the shipping agent and terminal operator,” he explains.
“Concurrent bunkering at berth is subject to terminal instructions, and there are several logistical issues to overcome before a bunker tanker is able to approach the berth.
“A longer berth time [for the berthed vessel working at the terminal] is a must when doing concurrent bunkering as it can take up to two hours before the bunker barge is able to position itself alongside the vessel.”
Sentek Marine & Trading supplied 800 metric tonnes (mt) of 380 centistoke (cSt) grade and 70 mt of low sulphur marine gas oil (LS MGO) to the Stolt Virtue during a concurrent bunkering operation at Stolthaven Singapore in February.
In October 2017, Dutch oil storage company Vopak launched concurrent bunkering operations at its Singapore Sebarok oil terminal where Sinanju Tankers carried out the bunker delivery.
“Oil terminals have a heightened safety protocol,” says Desmond Chong, General Manager of Sinanju.
“To prepare for Sinanju’s first concurrent bunkering operations, we had several meetings with their team to understand their concerns, requirements and safety procedures.”
According to Chong, Sinanju carried out site visits, risk assessments and established communications and emergency response procedures before being approved by Vopak.
Additionally, the bunker supplier took it upon themselves to assign their most experienced crew to carry out the pioneering operation and provided them with training focusing on safety and handling emergencies.
“In light of the scarce anchorage space and focus in increasing efficiency for vessels calling in Singapore for cargo operations and bunkering, we would expect to see more concurrent bunkering operations at oil terminals, provided the terminals are in agreement,” concludes Chong.
Photo credit: Stolthaven
Published: 12 March, 2018
Firm hopes to leverage partnership in Greece as a springboard to expand into neighbouring and overseas markets including Europe and China, says Robin Van Elderen, Regional Head Bunkers, Europe, Sing Fuels.
Singapore can help less developed countries in SouthEast Asia through ‘piloting and scaling fuels and technology as well as a leading hub for green finance’, said DNV Group President and CEO Remi Eriksen.
Octamar™ Ultra HF, Octamar™ Complete, and Octamar™ F35C were found to have improved the fuel economy while reducing exhaust gas and other emissions of marine engines in a series of trials, states report.
Disposal of evidence has resulted in Singapore not being able to provide full details to the United Nationals Panel of Experts which sought information regarding the case, says Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
‘We are proud to be amongst the first to show the successful steps taken by Singapore’s bunkering ecosystem to remain forward thinking and relevant,’ Choong Sheen Mao, Director of EMF, tells Manifold Times.
‘With the launch of a common data infrastructure, Kenoil aims to continue achieving an end to end visibility and transparency on the bunker data supply chain,’ states Kenoil Managing Director.