The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the CMA CGM Group on Tuesday (18 December) said they have renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance sustainable shipping and innovation including in the area of alternative bunker fuels. 

Under the MoU, CMA CGM plans to expand its fleet and vessel tonnage, adding more vessels under the Singapore Registry of Ships, including four 23,000 TEU LNG vessels. 

This move reinforces Singapore's position as a maritime hub for CMA CGM and supports the company's goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050. In this regard, the CMA CGM Group has invested nearly USD 20 billion to order LNG and methanol powered ships and will have 153 ships capable of using low-carbon energies (biogas, biomethanol and synthetic fuels) in its fleet by 2029.

To support the transition to more sustainable fuels, CMA CGM will register and bunker alternative fuel vessels under the Singapore flag. With its expertise and insights on alternative fuels, the company will also participate in bunkering trials.

Notably, CMA CGM Iron, the company’s first of 12 dual-fuel methanol vessels, made its maiden call in Singapore in early March 2025, marking an important step in CMA CGM’s efforts to adopt alternative fuels and collaborate with Singapore on sustainable shipping initiatives.

MPA and CMA CGM will explore pilot trials, including the test bedding of an online registry for carbon accounting, and sharing best practices for zero and near zero emission marine fuels.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said: "This MoU marks a significant milestone of our collaboration with CMA CGM and also demonstrates CMA CGM’s significant support towards our shared vision to drive decarbonisation and digitalisation and support manpower development within the maritime sector. By leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we aim to create a more sustainable and innovative maritime ecosystem."

Mr Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, added, "I am pleased to renew our partnership with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, strengthening Singapore’s position as a key maritime hub for CMA CGM.”

“Together, we will drive forward innovative initiatives, particularly in the adoption of alternative fuels and digitalisation to enhance efficiency and performance. This collaboration reflects our commitment to leveraging top expertise to build a more resilient and sustainable global trade.”

The renewed partnership builds on an earlier MoU signed in 2022 and underscores the shared commitment to strengthening Singapore's position as a premier maritime hub.

Related: New CMA CGM methanol dual-fuel containership makes maiden call in Singapore

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 19 March, 2025

California Fuels and Lubricants (CFL)on Thursday (13 March) said it has executed a strategic relationship with TracTide Marine Corp in Port Hueneme, California. 

The partnership will focus on developing and further enhancing marine fuel services to the local offshore and international shipping sectors. Both companies have shared a long history of working together, which laid the groundwork for creating the alliance.

Through this collaboration, CFL will leverage its extensive supply capability and marine relationships, while TracTide contributes its vast logistics experience. Essentially, CFL will handle the marketing and supply with TracTide responsible for the operations. Together, the companies will enhance fuel availability, responsiveness and sustainability for coastal and international maritime clients.

“Our partnership with TracTide complements our existing marine offering to the rest of the California Coast,” said, Chuck McDaniel, President of California Fuels and Lubricants. 

“Port Hueneme is a key West Coast commercial port and working alongside TracTide will provide a best in class fuelling service to vessels operating in the region.”

TracTide will play a crucial role in optimising fuel delivery and operational efficiency for all vessel transfers within Port Hueneme.

“California Fuels and Lubricants has a strong reputation for excellence in fuel services,” said Josh Belchere, Vice President of Trac Tide. 

“This partnership is a natural fit, as we work together to create a more resilient and efficient fuelling network for the long term.”

This partnership reinforces CFL’s long-term commitment to being a leading fuel provider for the California maritime industry.

With transportation and terminal assets throughout California, CFL is a fully integrated player in the industrial, marine, cardlock and utilities channels. CFL is also the primary Shell commercial lubricants distributor and Shell Marine distributor in California.

Photo credit: California Fuels and Lubricants
Published: 13 March, 2025

Singapore-headquartered AET, a MISC subsidiary, and maritime battery developer and manufacturer Fleetzero recently signed an agreement for the development of the world’s longest-range plug-in hybrid-electric vessel. 

Under the agreement, one of AET's Lightering Support Vessels (LSVs) will be retrofitted with a plug-in hybrid-electric system.

The vessel will operate primarily on battery power, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by ~82% when compared to conventional LSVs on a tank-to-wake basis. This is estimated to avoid 1,220 tonnes of greenhouse gases significantly reducing fuel consumption and maintenance costs , while maintaining high safety standards.

The signing ceremony took place at the AET Offshore office in Galveston, Texas, with representatives from both companies present. The agreement was signed by Capt. Ron Wood, AET's Global Director, Commercial, and Mr Steven Henderson, Fleetzero's CEO. 

Zahid Osman, President & Group CEO of MISC Group, said: “By integrating plug-in hybrid electric solutions into our fleet, we are transforming ambition into action to deliver more energy with less emissions. This pilot project also allows us to evaluate the feasibility and operational performance of this technology, paving the way for potential deployment across AET’s and potentially MISC’s fleet.”

Mr Steven Henderson, Co-Founder & CEO of Fleetzero, said: “We are so excited about this project because it promises to advance marine electrification in a commercially viable way, and the impact is immense – drastically reducing emissions from the vessel operations.”

Photo credit: AET and Fleetzero
Published: 11 March, 2025