Tanker shipping company Somtrans on Saturday (8 August) said its new 20,000 m³ LNG bunkering barge has successfully been launched at China’s Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co Ltd (CIMC SOE).

The company said the barge is now one step closer to joining its fleet in January next year and beginning its journey at sea.

“From the first plans to seeing the barge enter the water, this project has involved years of expertise, teamwork and dedication from many people,” it said in a social media post. 

Separately, RensenDriessen Shipbuilding, which acted as a broker in the project, said the vessel was built by CIMC SOE, with newbuilding supervision carried out by EXMAR.  

Photo credit: Somtrans
Published: 11 August, 2026

Marine fuels supplier Peninsula recently published an article on why bio-LNG is emerging as a key fuel pathway in the maritime energy transition:

As the maritime industry accelerates its decarbonisation journey, operators face a growing challenge: reducing emissions while maintaining operational efficiency and commercial viability. While no single fuel offers a universal solution, Bio-LNG is increasingly attracting attention as a practical pathway for LNG-fuelled vessels seeking immediate emissions reductions without major infrastructure changes. 

The conversation around alternative fuels often focuses on future technologies and long-term investments. However, for many operators, the more pressing question is how to reduce emissions today using solutions that can be implemented within existing operations. This is where Bio-LNG presents a compelling proposition. 

“As operators look to balance compliance, cost and operational performance, Bio-LNG offers a practical solution that can be integrated into existing LNG infrastructure today. Increasing availability across key bunkering locations is helping turn decarbonisation ambitions into operational reality.” Cristina Danes, LNG Supply Trader, Peninsula. 

Building on Existing LNG Infrastructure 

BioLNG is a renewable marine fuel produced from certified biogenic waste feedstocks. While its origin differs from conventional LNG, it remains chemically equivalent, allowing it to be used within existing LNG infrastructure and dual-fuel engines. This compatibility eliminates the need for costly vessel modifications or extensive retrofitting programmes, reducing both complexity and investment requirements. 

For operators that have already invested in LNG-capable vessels, bioLNG offers a clear route to further improve environmental performance while leveraging existing assets and supply chains. 

The increasing availability of bioLNG across key bunkering hubs is helping remove barriers to adoption. Recent supply operations, including Peninsula’s first Bio-LNG delivery in the Port of Cadiz, illustrate how renewable marine fuels are becoming more accessible through existing LNG supply chains. 

Delivering Meaningful Emissions Reductions 

As regulatory requirements continue to evolve, the ability to demonstrate measurable emissions reductions is becoming increasingly important. BioLNG can achieve lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reductions of up to 90% compared with conventional marine fuels when produced from certified waste-based feedstocks. 

These reductions represent a significant opportunity for vessel operators looking to improve their environmental performance while balancing commercial considerations and operational requirements. 

Supporting Regulatory Compliance 

Alongside emissions reduction targets, compliance is becoming an increasingly central consideration in fuel procurement decisions. 

Frameworks such as FuelEU Maritime are creating new incentives for lower-carbon fuel adoption while introducing additional complexity into compliance planning. In this environment, BioLNG can play an important role in helping operators manage their emissions profile and support broader compliance strategies, including participation in mechanisms such as FuelEU pooling. 

As regulations continue to develop, flexibility will become an increasingly valuable asset. Fuels that can deliver both environmental and compliance benefits are likely to play a growing role in operators’ fuel strategies. 

A Practical Step Forward 

The maritime energy transition will require a mix of solutions, technologies and fuel pathways. While longer-term alternatives continue to develop, BioLNG provides an immediately available option for LNG-fuelled vessels seeking to reduce emissions and prepare for a more carbon-conscious operating environment. 

For many operators, the transition to lower-carbon shipping will not be defined by a single transformational change, but by a series of practical steps. BioLNG represents one such step: leveraging existing infrastructure, supporting regulatory compliance and helping bridge the gap between today’s operations and the future of shipping.

Photo credit: Peninsula
Published: 11 August, 2026

Singapore’s Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD) on Wednesday (5 August) said the findings of its latest study indicate that existing large harbour craft in Singapore are ready for the adoption of B100 biodiesel, provided appropriate fuel handling, storage and additive practices are in place.

The findings were published in MESD’s public report, Study on the Readiness of Existing Large Harbour Craft for B100 Biodiesel in Singapore.

“Overall, the results demonstrate the qualified readiness of existing large harbour craft in Singapore for B100 adoption, provided that appropriate fuel-handling, storage and additive practices are implemented,” MESD said in a social media post. 

“This represents an important step towards supporting the wider adoption of sustainable marine fuels and advancing Singapore’s maritime decarbonisation journey.”

The study evaluated fuel storage stability, engine performance, emissions and operational readiness through controlled laboratory testing and sea trials involving a tugboat and a bunker tanker.

MESD said the findings are highly encouraging, which include:

• Stable engine performance was maintained throughout the 200-hour sea trials, with no significant power loss, abnormal fuel-consumption trends or critical operational disruptions.
• Antioxidant additives improved oxidation stability and helped reduce the risk of fuel degradation during storage.
• B100 achieved brake thermal efficiency comparable to diesel, while producing lower carbon monoxide and particulate matter emissions, with a modest increase in nitrogen oxide emissions.

Led by the MESD, the study was conducted in collaboration with KST Maritime Pte Ltd, V-Bunkers Tankers, Alpha biofuels, Aderco, Maritec Naias and IHI Power Systems Co Ltd.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)​ and the ​Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI)​ also contributed to the study. 

MESD added that further research on long-term engine endurance, fuel stability and material compatibility is ongoing under its FAME 1000 project, with a related public report expected to be released later this year.

Note: The report can be accessed here.

Photo credit: Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence
Published: 7 August, 2026