Singapore bunker supplier Golden Island Pte Ltd on Monday (21 September) said it has signed a strategic framework agreement with Qingdao Port International Co Ltd to collaborate on the supply of alternative marine fuels.

The agreement covers green methanol, green ammonia and bio-LNG, with cooperation spanning fuel production and transportation through to storage, sales and bunkering.

“By combining our MPA-licensed bunkering capabilities with Qingdao Port’s incredible logistics and strategic hub position, we are building something truly robust for the global shipping industry’s low-carbon future,” the company said in a statement. 

Qingdao Port International, which operates five major port areas in China, will bring its logistics network, storage facilities and customs clearance capabilities to the partnership.

Golden Island is licensed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to conduct methanol bunkering and is ISCC EU-certified.

The companies are also engaging with container liners, bulk carriers, oil tankers and cruise ships regarding the adoption of alternative marine fuels.

Photo credit: Golden Island Pte Ltd
Published: 22 September, 2026

Classification society ABS on Monday (21 September) said it has awarded HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) approval in principle (AIP) for the basic design of a 22,000 CBM bunkering vessel capable of supplying ammonia as marine fuel.

The approval is the result of a joint development project initiated earlier this year. ABS reviewed the design’s general arrangement, machinery arrangement, ammonia cargo handling system and fuel supply system against applicable class and international requirements.

Gareth Burton, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Engineering, said: “Bunkering infrastructure is a critical step for any marine fuel to scale, and it has to be implemented with safety designed in from the start.

“This AIP reflects the industry’s need for fuel flexibility while advancing the safe bunkering of ammonia. ABS is proud to support HD HHI and HD KSOE as they develop technologies that expand fuel flexibility.”

Ryu Hong-Ryeul, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of HD HHI, said: “As ammonia rapidly emerges as a viable low-carbon alternative fuel, demand for ammonia bunkering vessels is expected to grow in line with the increasing adoption of ammonia-fuelled ships. 

“This AIP marks a significant milestone toward the commercialisation of ammonia bunkering vessels.”

ABS and the HD Hyundai group have worked together across a range of technologies supporting ammonia as a marine fuel. Recent projects have included AIP for HD KSOE’s ammonia cargo handling and bunkering system and initial review for HD HHI’s machinery arrangement in engine room.

Photo credit: ABS
Published: 22 September, 2026

Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) on Friday (18 September) said it has completed land-based testing of the world’s first hydrogen-fuelled engine for large commercial vessels, the 6UEC35LSGH.

During factory testing, the engine achieved a hydrogen co-firing rate of at least 95%, reducing GHG emissions by more than 95% compared with conventional heavy-fuel-oil engines.

By adopting a high-pressure direct injection system, which injects fuel directly into the cylinder at high pressure, J-ENG said the engine achieves stable hydrogen combustion. 

Safety measures were also implemented, including a robust structure to prevent hydrogen leakage and double-walled piping for hydrogen supply lines. 

“Approval testing was conducted in the presence of ClassNK and was completed successfully,” the company said. 

The engine will be installed on a 17,500 DWT multipurpose vessel to be built by Onomichi Dockyard for Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and MOL Drybulk.

Hydrogen fuel will be supplied to the engine through a marine hydrogen fuel system, consisting of marine hydrogen fuel tanks and a fuel supply system, developed and manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

In addition, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) will conduct safety assessments throughout each stage of the engine’s development and the vessel’s design, construction and operation.

The vessel will then undergo sea trials before onboard demonstration testing begins in April 2028. 

Kawasaki will also develop and manufacture bunkering equipment for supplying liquefied hydrogen to vessels. 

“The demonstration will further evaluate the engine’s durability and performance under actual operating conditions,” J-ENG added.

Photo credit: J-ENG
Published: 22 September, 2026