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First SIMOPS methanol bunkering operation completed in Singapore

X-Press Feeder container vessel was successfully refuelled with close to 300 mt of bio-methanol by bunker supplier GET; use of MFM system and digital bunkering was also trialled during SIMOPS.

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First SIMOPS methanol bunkering operation completed in Singapore

X-Press Feeders, Global Energy Trading Pte Ltd (GET), and PSA Singapore (PSA) have successfully completed the first simultaneous methanol bunkering and cargo operation (SIMOPS) in Singapore on Monday (27 May), according to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. 

A X-Press Feeders container vessel on its maiden voyage from Asia to Europe was successfully refuelled with close to 300 metric tonnes (mt) of bio-methanol by GET, a MPA licensed bunker supplier, using MT KARA, a dedicated IMO type II chemical bunker tanker classified by Bureau Veritas and operated by Stellar Shipmanagement Services. 

The use of the mass flow metering (MFM) system for methanol, together with the use of digital bunkering, was also trialled during the SIMOPS. This follows the inaugural ship-to-containership methanol bunkering for the Laura Maersk in July 2023, and the successful ship-to-ship methanol bunkering of close to 1,340 metric tonnes of blended methanol for the Stena Prosperous on 24 May.

With these operations, the Port of Singapore is ready for commercial scale operations for shore-to-ship, ship-to-ship, and SIMOPS for methanol, and the same methodology is being followed for other new maritime fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen.

First SIMOPS methanol bunkering operation completed in Singapore

The SIMOPS was conducted at the new Tuas Port with the support of MPA, together with various government agencies and local research institutions. 

The methanol bunker fuel was supplied simultaneously while the container vessel was completing container moves. SIMOPS is the preferred mode of operation for container vessels to enhance operational efficiency. The cargo operation was carried out with the use of PSA’s double trolley quay cranes and automated guided vehicles at Tuas Port. The SIMOPS was completed in four hours. 

The ISCC-certified bio-methanol used for the SIMOPS was produced by OCI Global, a world-leading green methanol producer, and supplied via GET, a ISCC-certified supplier. The fuel was lifted at Vopak Penjuru Terminal, Singapore, which is a ISCC-certified storage facility for biofuels and methanol.

A Hazard Identification (HAZID) and Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) workshop was organised by MPA in the lead up to the SIMOPS. Adapting the experience from previous operations, participants from various government agencies, industry, and local research institutions, discussed potential risks and developed the corresponding prevention, control, and mitigation methods to address them. The bunkering plan was also discussed, and the various roles and responsibilities were clarified to ensure a coordinated cross-agency response in an event of an incident. To ensure all participants were familiar with the required procedures and safety measures, a tabletop exercise was also carried out with the relevant stakeholders after the workshop.

To ensure the safe conduct of the SIMOPS, MPA had worked closely with the bunkering stakeholders to ensure that crew members are competent and trained in handling methanol as a marine fuel and associated emergency responses. 

As part of the preparations for the methanol bunkering operations on 24 May and 27 May, the crew from Kara had also attended the MPA-approved training course for the handling of methanol as a fuel that was conducted by the Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA), which is part of the Marine Energy Training Facility (METF) announced at Singapore Maritime Week 2024. For new fuels such as methanol, ammonia and hydrogen, all crew are expected to undergo the new training.

Feedback from these initial batches will inform the course development by tripartite partners and our research community.

The Emergency Operations Centre set up at MPA’s Port Operations Control Centre monitored the operations, supported by a drone equipped with volatile organic compound detector and infrared camera to detect methanol leaks into the atmosphere and methanol flames in the event of an incident. MPA also worked with the Meteorological Service of Singapore to provide advance warning on lightning risk. Representatives from X-Press Feeders, GET, PSA, local research institutions, and other government agencies were also at the EOC as part of the emergency response team.

The methanol plume model, which was employed during the first methanol bunkering operation conducted in Singapore in July 2023, was enhanced to support the operation planning and incident response plan. The updated model incorporated specific SIMOPs parameters, including vessels’ structure, port configuration and infrastructure, and proximity of simultaneous activities being conducted during the SIMOPS. At steady state, the digital models will be used to support commercial scale operations in the Port of Singapore.

Following the completion of the world’s first ship-to-containership methanol bunkering in Singapore last year, MPA launched an expression of interest (EOI) for the supply of methanol as a marine fuel in Singapore. A total of 50 submissions from over 60 regional and international companies comprising energy companies, fuel suppliers, traders, bunker operators, and storage companies were received. The strong industry interest signals clear business confidence in Singapore as a key offtake location for methanol and provides strong indications that the industry is preparing for methanol bunker demand to scale up in the coming years. MPA will call for applications for a license to supply methanol blends as a marine fuel in Singapore before the end of the year.

First SIMOPS methanol bunkering operation completed in Singapore

MPA is currently developing the Technical Reference for methanol bunkering, which will include the framework to govern the use of MFM and digital bunkering for methanol. MPA will also study further enhancements for the IMO Type II chemical bunker tanker as part of its ongoing work to develop the methanol bunkering licensing framework and Port Limit Bunker Tanker requirements for methanol bunkering. Insights from the EOI submissions will also inform the development of the methanol bunkering regulatory framework to ensure the safe and efficient supply of methanol blends as a marine fuel in Singapore at a commercial scale.

MPA has implemented digital bunkering since 1 November 2023, making Singapore the first port in the world to commence end-to-end digital bunkering operations. As part of on-going enhancements to allow MPA-approved digital bunkering solutions to be compatible for use with the bunkering of new fuels, the digital bunkering trial conducted as part of the SIMOPs has demonstrated the ability to transmit the essential methanol bunkering information electronically to various stakeholders and MPA, enabling near real-time visibility of the bunker delivery process. The potential to fully digitalise the bunker delivery process, including the bunkering of new fuels, will lead to significant time and cost savings for the entire maritime community, and will be part of the licensing requirements.

MPA, together with 22 partners, including leading global marine engine manufacturers, will establish the METF which will collectively train over 10,000 seafarers and shore-based staff by the 2030s. The METF will be based on a decentralised network of training facilities based in Singapore. It will tap on partners’ assets and technologies to train the workforce on the safe handling, emergency response, and incident management involving future marine fuels such as methanol, ammonia and hydrogen.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, said: “The successful execution of the SIMOPS is the outcome of many months of preparation for tripartite stakeholders to plan, prepare, and train to ensure the safety of the crew, port and vessel, while maintaining a high level of efficiency.”

“The learnings gained from these operations will help to further refine the various SOPs and safety measures.”

“We thank all our SIMOPS partners in helping to achieve this and we look forward to working with other like-minded partners, including on the use of digital bunkering and mass flow meter solutions, to operationalise the delivery of the new  marine fuels in Singapore.”

Mr Francis Goh, Chief Operating Officer at X-Press Feeders, said: "Today marks a historic milestone for both Singapore and the global maritime industry. Our vessel was not just the first to berth alongside here in Singapore and refuelled with green methanol, which reduces carbon emissions by 65% as compared to conventional marine fuel, but we were also the first in Singapore to achieve this while simultaneously loading and discharging cargo.”

“These achievements demonstrate Singapore's position at the forefront of the global maritime industry's transition to renewable fuels. By working together collaboratively, we can achieve even greater progress.”

Related: Singapore bunkering sector enters milestone with first methanol marine refuelling op
Related: Singapore reaches new milestone with methanol bunkering op of “Stena Prosperous”
Related: SMW 2024: MPA to set up facility for maritime workforce to train in handling new bunker fuels
Related: SMW 2024: MPA receives 50 submissions for EOI to supply methanol bunker fuel in Singapore

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 27 May 2024

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Alternative Fuels

New agreements inked to advance marine electrification in Singapore

Lita Ocean, SeaTech Solutions, Pascal Technologies, and Evoy will develop a fully electric passenger harbour craft, specifically for Singapore, while Yinson GreenTech and Evoy will develop electric vessels.

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New agreements inked to advance marine electrification in Singapore

Innovation Norway and Team Norway on Wednesday (6 November) announced two agreements aimed at advancing sustainable maritime solutions, signed at the Singapore Norway Innovation Conference (SNIC) 2024.

The first agreement—a Letter of Intent (LOI)—was signed by Lita Ocean Pte Ltd, SeaTech Solutions International (S) Pte Ltd, Pascal Technologies AS, and Evoy AS, to develop a fully electric high-speed harbour craft specifically designed for Singapore’s maritime landscape. The second agreement—a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)—was signed between Yinson GreenTech and Evoy, aiming to foster collaboration in marine electrification across Asia. 

The LOI signed between Lita Ocean, SeaTech Solutions, Pascal Technologies, and Evoy marks a key milestone in Singapore’s ongoing efforts to decarbonize its maritime industry. 

The project will develop a fully electric passenger harbour craft, integrating cutting-edge technologies like advanced electric propulsion and air lubrication systems to maximise energy efficiency and performance. This new vessel will set new standards for sustainable harbour operations and support Singapore’s green transformation goals in maritime transportation. 

Evoy sign MOU in Norway Singapore agreement 02

The collaboration builds on previous advancements in electric harbour crafts in Singapore, positioning the project as a critical step toward achieving maritime decarbonisation and a cleaner, greener future for the region. 

Additionally, Yinson GreenTech and Evoy have signed an MoU that will combine their strengths to drive marine electrification in the region. Yinson GreenTech’s electrification solutions, paired with Evoy’s electric propulsion systems, will support the conversion of internal combustion engine (ICE) vessels to electric power and foster the development of new electric vessels. 

This partnership is aimed at advancing the transition to a more sustainable maritime industry, with the shared goal of exploring new opportunities, collaborating on upcoming projects, and playing a key role in the broader transition to greener shipping solutions in Asia. 

The MoU was signed by Jan-Viggo Johansen, Managing Director of marinEV at Yinson GreenTech, and Mads Roland-Glimsholt, Business Development Manager at Evoy. 

“As a proud partner in this Norway-Singapore initiative, Evoy is excited to bring our high-performance electric propulsion systems to Singapore’s maritime landscape. We are committed to setting new standards in sustainable harbour craft and working with our partners to support a greener future in maritime transport” Mads Roland-Glimsholt, Business Development Manager at Evoy. 

 

Photo credit: Evoy
Published: 8 November, 2024

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Alternative Fuels

ExxonMobil supplies Hapag-Lloyd with B25 bio bunker fuel blend in Antwerp

Firm supplied Hapag-Lloyd vessel “Colorado Express” with 1,320 mt of B25 bio marine fuel blend, which consisted of ExxonMobil’s Premium HDME 50™ fuel and waste-based FAME derived from UCOME.

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Hapag-Lloyd

ExxonMobil on Thursday (7 November) said it supplied Hapag-Lloyd’s vessel Colorado Express with 1,320 metric tonnes (mt) of a B25 bio marine fuel blend in Antwerp. 

The blend consisted of ExxonMobil’s Premium HDME 50™ fuel, a 0.10% sulphur Emission Control Area (ECA) fuel, and waste-based fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) derived from used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME).

“The ‘drop-in’ blend met the requirements of ISO 8217:2017 with the exception of the FAME component. The FAME content complied with EN 14214,” ExxonMobil said in a statement.

“The bio component was made material certified as meeting the sustainability requirements of the RED II: feedstocks not in competition with land for food production.”

ExxonMobil’s bio marine fuel blend underwent a range of tests prior to delivery in Antwerp. 

The blend offered an estimated 20.1% well-to-wake greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction compared with conventional marine fuel formulations on an energy basis.

“Hapag-Lloyd aims at having net-zero carbon fleet operations by 2045. As part of that commitment, we are continuously looking for opportunities to onboard new bio blends in our fuels mix. We appreciate ExxonMobil’s efforts to supply us with a bio blend with ULSFO, which is another step forward in our decarbonisation journey,” said Ilyas Muhammad, Head of Green Fuels at Hapag-Lloyd. 

“We successfully bunkered bio-ULSFO blend at our Colorado Express and so far our operational experience with this product is positive. We look forward to increasing bio-ULSFO consumption in the future,” said Nikolai Doerner, Senior Manager Biofuels at Hapag-Lloyd.

The Colorado Express used the bio marine fuel blend without incident; both NOx and particulate emissions were within accepted limits.

“ExxonMobil is looking for ways to support our customers [to] reduce their GHG emissions,” said Pelin Gillis, Marine Fuels Sales Manager, BNL, ExxonMobil. “We are proud to have helped Hapag-Lloyd on their journey to a lower GHG emissions future.”

“ExxonMobil has greatly extended its range of ‘drop-in’ bio marine fuel blends,” said Armelle Breneol, Marine Fuels Technical Advisor, ExxonMobil. 

“We now offer a B25 ULSFO, a B30 VLSFO, a B7 MGO and a B10 HSFO. This will help our customers access the blend they need to meet their engine operations and GHG emission reduction goals.”

 

Photo credit: Hapag-Lloyd
Published: 8 November, 2024

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Biofuel

GoodFuels delivers B30 bio bunker fuel blend to cruise ship “Norwegian Dawn”

B30 biofuel blend, produced exclusively from feedstocks certified as 100% waste and residues, was supplied by FincoEnergies in partnership with KPI OceanConnect.

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GoodFuels delivers B30 bio bunker fuel blend to cruise ship “Norwegian Dawn”

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn recently received a GoodFuels B30 sustainable biofuel blend while docked at the IJmuiden Cruise Terminal in the Netherlands, according to GoodFuels on Thursday (7 November). 

The B30 biofuel blend, produced exclusively from feedstocks certified as 100% waste and residues, was supplied by FincoEnergies in partnership with KPI OceanConnect. It offers a sustainable alternative that avoids competition with food resources. 

“By choosing GoodFuels’ sustainable biofuel, Norwegian Dawn can achieve up to 80-90% reduction in lifecycle CO₂ emissions compared to traditional marine diesel—requiring no engine modifications to realise these benefits,” GoodFuels said. 

Beyond reducing carbon emissions, biofuels contribute to cleaner air quality along cruise routes. For vessels like Norwegian Dawn, this means fewer local pollutants such as sulphur oxides (SOx), particulate matter (PM), and black carbon, ultimately benefiting both the environment and communities near these waters. 

“We’re excited to support Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in their move toward cleaner cruising. By choosing sustainable biofuels, they’re driving down emissions and setting a strong example for the cruise industry” said Mayu Kubo, Commercial Manager, Marine Biofuels at FincoEnergies.

The initiative aligns with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd’s ‘Sail and Sustain’ programme, which advocates for the use of renewable fuels across 40% of its fleet. 

Related: GoodFuels ceases bio bunker fuel deliveries in Singapore after near three-year run

 

Photo credit: GoodFuels
Published: 8 November, 2024

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