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DNV on IMO MEPC 81: Negotiations on new GHG reduction requirements continue

MEPC 81 continued its negotiation of GHG fuel intensity requirements, potentially in combination with a GHG pricing mechanism; approved proposals to designate Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea as ECAs for NOx, SOx and PM.

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Classification society DNV on Saturday (23 March) published a technical regulatory news titled ‘IMO MEPC 81: Negotiations On New Ghg Reduction Requirements Continue’. The following are excerpts from the update related to bunker fuel:

The 81st session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 81) continued its negotiation of GHG fuel intensity requirements, potentially in combination with a GHG pricing mechanism. 

Other important decisions include the reporting of transport work and more granular fuel consumption data in the data collection system, and approval of proposals to designate the Canadian Arctic and the Norwegian Sea as NOx, SOx and PM Emission Control Areas.

Energy efficiency

Use of ShaPoLi/EPL systems in the EEXI framework

To ensure a consistent and uniform approach to the immediate availability of power, including the power reserve, when using overridable shaft/engine power limitation (ShaPoLi/EPL), MEPC 81 revised the ShaPoLi/EPL guidelines. The revisions are based on provisions set out in IACS Recommendation 172 for systems which do not physically limit shaft or engine power and where the override of shaft power limitation can be indicated by giving an alarm. In this context, manual shaft power limitation systems can inhibit the initiation of the exceedance alarm for up to 5 minutes.

Review of the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)

MEPC 81 did not agree on a resolution stating that the CII rating system is currently within an experience building phase and that key elements of the system should be considered interim. Although recognizing that there are shortcomings in the CII framework, it was agreed that the CII is not a provisional measure and that such a resolution would undermine the CII. The concerns raised should be considered as part of the upcoming CII review.

Revision of the Data Collection System (DCS)

MEPC 81 adopted revised guidelines on SEEMP related to reporting fuel oil consumption per consumer type and transport work. This supports the adopted amendments to MARPOL Annex VI mandating the reporting of additional data elements through the DCS.

Carriage of biofuel blends

A proposal to allow for carriage of blends of up to 30% biofuel on bunker barges certified according to MARPOL Annex I was forwarded to the ESPH (Evaluation of Safety and Pollution Hazards of Chemicals) Working Group for further consideration.

Unified Interpretations

MEPC 81 agreed on Unified Interpretations to MARPOL Annex VI regarding:

  • the definition of heavy load carriers and
  • the application of the required EEDI to LNG carriers, cruise passenger ships, ro-ro passenger ships, ro-ro cargo ships (vehicle carrier) and ro-ro cargo ships, delivered on or after 1 September 2019.

Reduction of GHG emissions

Mid and long-term measures to reduce GHG emissions

To ensure shipping achieves the ambitions of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy, the MEPC 80 decided to implement a basket of measures consisting of two parts:

  • A technical element,which will be a goal-based marine fuel standard regulating the phased reduction of marine fuel GHG intensity
  • An economic element,which will be GHG emissions pricing mechanism, linked directly to the GHG intensity mechanism or as a stand-alone mechanism

The measures are scheduled to be adopted in 2025 and enter into force around mid-2027.

At MEPC 81, several regulatory proposals were on the table. While there was no agreement on the package of measures, there was convergence between member states, along with agreement on an overarching structure for the needed regulatory amendments, the “IMO net-zero framework”, in MARPOL Annex VI. This is intended to form the basis for refined proposals, including possible legal language, to be discussed at MEPC 82 in October 2024.

MEPC 81 also agreed to organise the expert workshop on the further development of the basket of mid-term measures, intended to facilitate the understanding of the preliminary findings of the comprehensive impact assessment, which are expected to be available by mid-summer.

Life cycle GHG/carbon intensity for marine fuels

MEPC 81 adopted amendments to the “Guidelines on Life Cycle GHG Intensity of Marine Fuels” (LCA Guidelines), which set out methods for calculating well-to-wake and tank-to-wake GHG emissions for all fuels and other energy carriers (e.g. electricity) used on board a ship. The amendments included the quantification of parameters related to biofuel production, the evaluation of GHG intensity of electricity and the actual tank-to-wake methodologies for actual/onboard emission factors, amongst others.

The LCA Guidelines do not include any provisions for application nor requirements; they are intended to support the GHG Fuel Intensity regulation under development. 

A GESAMP Working Group was established to consider new default fuel pathway values, certification of actual well-to-tank and tank-to-well emission factors, and more general methodological LCA issues. A Correspondence Group was established to address other social and economic sustainability topics and aspects of marine fuels, for possible later inclusion in the LCA Guidelines.

MEPC 81 considered how to develop a framework for the measurement and verification of tank-to-wake emissions of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) in the context of the LCA Guidelines. A separate Correspondence Group was established to further progress the matter.

On-board carbon capture

MEPC 81 discussed the issue of on-board carbon capture and established a Correspondence Group to further discuss the matter and develop a working plan on the development of a regulatory framework for the use of on-board carbon capture systems.

Identification and protection of Emission Control Areas (ECAs)

MEPC 81 approved proposals to designate the Canadian Arctic and the Norwegian Sea as ECAs for nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM).

For the Canadian Arctic, assuming adoption at MEPC 82, the requirements take effect as follows:

  • The 0.10% fuel sulphur content requirement takes effect from1 March 2027.
  • TierIII NOx requirements will apply to ships constructed on or after 1 January 2025, although the requirements will enter into force at the earliest on 1 March 2026.

For the Norwegian Sea, also assuming adoption at MEPC 82, the requirements take effect as follows:

  • The 0.10% fuel sulphur content requirement takes effect from 1 March 2027.
  • TierIIINOx requirements will apply to ships contracted on or after 1 March 2026; or, in the absence of a contract, keel-laid on or after 1 September 2026; or delivered on or after 1 March 2030.

Recommendations

DNV recommends that our customers take into account the work on new GHG reduction ambitions when considering energy efficiency, alternative fuels and other GHG reduction options for their existing fleet and newbuilds, and note the requirements with expected entry into force around mid-2027.

Companies operating in the Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea are advised to note the establishment of ECAs and the attendant effective dates of the requirements.

We also recommend signing up for our dedicated webinar, discussing the outcome of MEPC 81, taking place on 3 April 2024: https://www.dnv.com/events/mepc-81-meeting-summary-ghg- emissions-regulations-and-more/ 

Note: The full TECHNICAL REGULATORY NEWS No. 07/2024 – STATUTORY can be downloaded here.

 

Photo credit: shraga kopstein on Unsplash
Published: 25 March 2024

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Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales soar by 7.5% on year in June 2025

4.59 million mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in June, up from 4.27 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2024, according to MPA.

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Singapore: Bunker fuel sales soar by 7.5% on year in June 2025

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port increased by 7.5% on year in June 2025, according to Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) data.

In total, 4.59 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,594,700 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in June, up from 4.27 million mt (4,274,900 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2024.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in June (against on year) recorded respectively 1.70 million mt (+8.6% from 1.56 million mt), 2.31 million mt (-7.2% from 2.33 million mt), 1,900 mt (from zero), 4,500 mt (-88% from 8,000 mt) and zero (from zero).

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales soar by 7.5% on year in June 2025

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in June (against on year) recorded respectively 38,800 mt (+671.7% from 2,500 mt), 114,300 mt (+97.9% from 45,400 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero). B100 biofuel bunkers, introduced in February this year, recorded 1,000 mt of deliveries in June.

LNG and methanol sales were respectively 55,400 mt (-7.8% from 51,700) and zero (from zero mt). There were no recorded sales of ammonia for the month and so far in 2025.

Related: Singapore: Bunker sales volume raises to year record high of 4.88 million mt in May
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 4% on year in April 2025
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 0.5% on year in March 2025
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 8.1% on year in February 2025
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 9.1% on year in January 2025

A complete series of articles on Singapore bunker volumes reported by Manifold Times tracked since 2018 can be found via the link here.

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 15 July 2025

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Alternative Fuels

ITOCHU orders world’s first ammonia bunkering vessel for Singapore demonstration project

Company contracted Sasaki Shipbuilding to build the 5,000 m3 vessel and Izumi Steel Works to construct an ammonia tank plant that will be loaded onto the vessel, which is expected to be delivered in 2027.

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ITOCHU orders world’s first ammonia bunkering vessel for Singapore demonstration project

ITOCHU Corporation (ITOCHU) on Monday (14 July) announced that it recently signed a shipbuilding contract for the construction of a 5,000 m3 ammonia bunkering vessel with Sasaki Shipbuilding. 

The company also announced an agreement regarding the construction of an ammonia tank plant that will be loaded onto the vessel with Izumi Steel Works. 

These agreements were signed by Clean Ammonia Bunkering Shipping Pte Ltd (CABS), a wholly owned Singapore-based specific purpose company of ITOCHU. 

In relation to this, CABS has concluded a financing agreement with The Hiroshima Bank for financing a part of purchase price of the vessel.

The agreements were concluded to pursue the Demonstration Project for Bunkering Ammonia as Marine Fuel in Singapore adopted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan as part of the Global South Future-oriented Co-Creation Project (large-scale demonstration in ASEAN member states). 

Going forward, with an eye toward the demonstration of ammonia bunkering in Singapore after building the world’s first newbuilding ammonia bunkering vessel, ITOCHU said efforts will be made to facilitate concrete discussions with the maritime stakeholders, including the port authority in Singapore, the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), and the fuel producers, while obtaining support from the Japanese Government.

The vessel is to be flagged under the Singapore Registry and is expected to be delivered in September 2027.

ITOCHU will establish a safe offshore bunkering operation of ammonia as marine fuel by way of ship-to-ship transfer through the development and construction of the vessel and demonstration. 

Then, by utilising the vessel, ITOCHU will establish connection between the first movers in clean ammonia production and the first movers in the ammonia-fueled vessels and secure initial demand for ammonia as marine fuel, aiming at the commercialisation of ammonia bunkering business in Singapore and expansion of similar business model to major maritime transportation points around the world, including Spain (Strait of Gibraltar), Egypt (Suez Canal) and Japan.

 

Photo credit: ITOCHU Corporation
Published: 15 July 2025

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Business

S@S Week 2025: Singapore conducts chemical spill exercise to gear up for methanol bunkering

Exercise simulated a methanol spill from a collision involving a methanol-carrying tanker off Singapore’s southern coast, triggering a multi-agency response which included spill containment.

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RESIZED bunker tanker singapore

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Tuesday (15 July) conducted a multi-agency chemical spill exercise to strengthen Singapore’s operational readiness, as part of the International Safety@Sea (S@S) Week. 

MPA is organising the 12th edition of the S@S Week, with this year’s event being the international edition, taking place from 15 to 18 July 2025. 

Conducted off Singapore’s southern coast, the exercise involved 11 vessels and over 150 personnel from more than 10 government agencies and industry partners. Mr Murali, Mr Dominguez and Secretary-General, International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation, Mr Francis Zachariae, observed the exercise.

The exercise simulated a methanol spill from a collision involving a methanol-carrying tanker, triggering a multi-agency response. This included coordinated efforts for spill containment and the evacuation of injured crew. A range of drone-enabled technologies was trialled during the exercise, including 3D imaging to assess vessel damage and a water curtain misting system to limit the spread of chemical plumes. An Uncrewed Surface Vehicle was also deployed to monitor air quality, reducing the need for responders to enter hazardous zones to perform such monitoring. The Maritime Digital Twin and chemical plume modelling tools were used to enhance situational awareness and support decision-making throughout the exercise.

The exercise is part of MPA’s broader preparations for methanol bunkering and provided a valuable opportunity for agencies and industry partners to better understand the safety and operational challenges, and potential solutions, in handling alternative fuels. Following an open call in March 2025, MPA has received 13 applications for methanol bunker supplier licenses, reflecting strong industry interest in supplying methanol on a commercial scale in Singapore. MPA is evaluating the applications and targets to issue the licenses in Q4 2025, which will cover the period from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030. 

Themed ‘The Future of Maritime Safety: Navigating the Next Frontier’, the annual event brings together local and international maritime experts, and the maritime community to promote awareness and facilitate discussions on maritime safety. 

Speaking at the opening today, Mr Murali Pillai, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport, said that the maritime sector is facing increasingly complex global challenges, including heightened geopolitical tensions, climate change, and rapid transformation in digitalisation and decarbonisation. He highlighted that we can tackle these challenges by (i) equipping our workforce for future challenges, (ii) harnessing collective expertise through close collaborations and partnerships, and (iii) drawing upon technology and innovation to augment our capabilities. 

In his keynote address, Mr Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), underscored the need for robust safety frameworks and regulations as the maritime landscape evolves. He cited Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships and new ship designs and systems using sustainable marine fuels as examples of how the maritime sector is transforming and outlined IMO’s priorities in those areas. Mr Dominguez also highlighted the importance of government-industry collaboration and initiatives like the Safety@Sea Singapore Campaign to foster a safety-first culture at sea.  

This year’s conference features 19 speakers across three plenaries. Discussions will focus on issues shaping the future of maritime safety, including lessons learned from past incidents, and the human element in ensuring safety as the industry transforms. A new Safety@Sea Community Conversations event will also bring together representatives from shipping companies, regional ferry operators, harbour craft operators and terminal operators to share their experiences and efforts in fostering a safety culture in their organisations. 

Over 1,800 participants from more than 40 countries are expected to participate in the week’s sessions. Other highlights include the Responders Plus Programme (RPP) Maritime Workshop jointly organised by MPA and the Singapore Civil Defence Force, and two safety forums organised by the MPA-Harbour Craft and MPA-Pleasure Craft Safety Work Groups to promote safety awareness and best practices within the local maritime community. 

MPA is also enhancing safety across other areas of port operations. In collaboration with Skyports Drone Services, TFG Marine and CBS Ventures, MPA and the partners will complete Singapore’s first shore-to-ship drone trials for delivery and retrieval operations from bunker tankers later this week. 

The use of drones reduces reliance on harbour craft for such operations, improving efficiency while reducing pollution and congestion. 

It also minimises safety risks by removing the need for crew to handle and transfer heavy items between the ship and shore using harbour craft. Safety considerations, including the management of electrostatic discharge risks during the drone operations, are carefully reviewed in preparation for the trials. 

Findings from these trials will inform the development of safety protocols and an operational framework to support the phased implementation of this new maritime service.

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 15 July 2025

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