LNG Bunkering

FueLNG holds naming ceremony for ‘Bellina’, first LNG bunkering vessel in Singapore

Scheduled to be operational by end-2020, the 7,500m3 vessel will enable FueLNG to be the first to provide ship-to-ship LNG bunkering services in Singapore.

Published

4 years ago

October 2, 2020

Admin

FueLNG, a joint venture between Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M) and Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd, on Thursday (1 October) named Singapore’s first LNG bunkering vessel (LBV), FueLNG Bellina.

Scheduled to be operational by end-2020, FueLNG said the vessel will enable the company to be the first to provide regular ship-to-ship LNG bunkering services within the Singapore port.

FueLNG will also provide LNG bunkering from Singapore’s first dedicated LNG bunkering facility which will be built by Keppel O&M on its Floating Living Lab (FLL), with Shell supplying the LNG to the facility when it becomes operational at the end of 2021.

The 7,500m3 LBV supports initiatives implemented by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to increase the adoption of LNG as a marine fuel, facilitating the growth of Singapore as a global LNG bunkering hub, said FueLNG

Designed and built by Keppel O&M, the vessel is on track to arrive in Singapore later this year from the Keppel Nantong Shipyard in China.

The company noted the FueLNG Bellina is the world’s first bunkering vessel with Smart Notation. Equipped with Keppel O&M’s proprietary VesselCare solutions, these smart functions enable remote monitoring and real-time support of vessel operations.

When operational, the vessel’s first contracts will be to provide ship-to-ship LNG bunkering to the Shell-chartered tankers and for one of Hapag Lloyd’s container vessels.

Chee Hong Tat, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport & Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was present at the virtual naming ceremony of FueLNG Bellina held on Thursday.

“This occasion marks an important milestone in Singapore’s journey to achieve the IMO 2030 greenhouse gas emissions target,” said SMS Chee.

“It is our next step towards regular ship-to-ship LNG bunkering activities in Singapore. As we progress towards a low-carbon future, we will intensify our efforts to develop the Port of Singapore into a global LNG bunkering hub.”

“Building Singapore’s first LNG bunkering vessel and having a dedicated bunkering facility demonstrate our commitment to global customers that LNG as a marine fuel will be readily available in Singapore,” added Chris Ong, Chairman of FueLNG and CEO of Keppel O&M.

“Leveraging the capabilities of Keppel O&M and Shell, FueLNG is able to offer customers a variety of cost-effective and convenient LNG bunkering options. These include ship-to-ship bunkering for larger vessels such as containerships or being able to bunker smaller vessels such as harbour crafts on demand, 24/7, at our dedicated bunkering facility at the FLL in Keppel O&M’s shipyard.”

“We are looking to reduce our carbon emissions and LNG propulsion in our ships is one of the key contributors,” said Jan Christensen, Senior Director Global Fuel Purchasing at Hapag Lloyd.

“Singapore is a significant port of call and we are pleased that there will be the necessary infrastructure provided by FueLNG for us to bunker our LNG-powered vessels.”

“Singapore is an important country for Shell and it will be a key region of the world for our Downstream LNG business. LNG is the cleanest fuel currently available to the shipping sector in meaningful volumes,” added Tahir Faruqui, Director, FueLNG and Head of Downstream LNG, Shell.

“Collaboration is essential to reach milestones like this and I’d like to highlight and thank the MPA for supporting the growth of LNG as a marine fuel. FueLNG Bellina complements Shell’s existing fleet of bunker vessels, enabling us to safely provide LNG to customers across the world.”

FueLNG said it will provide LNG bunker to receiving vessels such as harbour crafts and small vessels from its dedicated facility, which will have a capacity of 3,500m3.

It complements the LBV’s bunkering services and will also be able to refuel the LBV.

Since conducting Singapore’s first commercial LNG bunkering operation in 2017, FueLNG noted it has safely completed more than 250 truck-to-ship bunkering operations, a strong testament to its operational expertise and high safety standards.

Photo credit: Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd
Published: 2 October, 2020

LNG Bunkering

Molgas commences LNG bunkering operations in United Kingdom

Firm successfully completed the first LNG bunkering of “MV Glen Sannox” since the ship was handed over to CalMac Ferries Limited last week.

Published

7 hours ago

December 2, 2024

Admin

Molgas commences LNG bunkering operations in United Kingdom

Molgas Group on Friday (29 November) said it successfully completed the first LNG bunkering of the MV Glen Sannox since the ship was handed over to CalMac Ferries Limited last week, marking its entry into the United Kingdom.

“We would like to thank CalMac Ferries Limited and Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow) Limited for their trust and long-term collaboration,” the firm said in a social media post.

“This project not only represents a significant step forward in the adoption of cleaner fuels in the maritime industry of the United Kingdom but also for the expansion of our Pan-European Supply Network for the Marine Segment to receive (bio)LNG via various supply assets across multiple countries and ports.”

Photo credit: Molgas Group
Published: 2 December, 2024

Methanol

Methanol Institute: Progress in methanol integration across shipping and energy sectors (Week 47, 18 to 24 Nov 2024)

Plans for new fuel production across multiple global sites will feed expanded bunkering facilities with fuels able to be supplied to new global standards and for new dual fuel vessels built or retrofitted.

Published

4 days ago

November 28, 2024

Admin

The Methanol Institute, provides an exclusive weekly commentary on developments related to the adoption of methanol as a bunker fuel, including significant related events recorded during the week, for the readers of bunkering publication Manifold Times:

We know that the transition of the maritime industry to net zero carbon emissions requires an end to end approach across the value chain. This week provided evidence of the need to collaborate and co-ordinate in the supply chain from fuel production to cargo transport.

Plans for new fuel production across multiple global sites will feed expanded bunkering facilities with fuels able to be supplied to new global standards and consumed on new dual fuel vessels built or retrofitted for the purpose.

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 47 of 2024:

Maersk Completes First Methanol Retrofit of Large Containership, Expands Green Fleet

Date: November 18, 2024

Key Points:

AP Moller-Maersk has completed its first retrofit of a large containership, the Maersk Halifax, to dual-fuel methanol propulsion. The retrofit, carried out at the Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard in China, lasted 88 days and included expanding the vessel's hull to accommodate larger fuel tanks, increasing its capacity from 15,000 TEU to 15,690 TEU.

The vessel successfully underwent sea trials and has resumed operations on the Trans-Pacific trade route. Maersk highlighted that retrofitting existing ships can complement newbuilds in transitioning to low-emission fuels, advancing the company’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. This retrofit serves as a pilot project, with Maersk planning to integrate lessons learned into future conversions of its fleet.

Chimbusco Pan Nation Partners with Towngas for Methanol Bunker Fuel Distribution in Hong Kong

Date: November 19, 2024

Key Points:

Chimbusco Pan Nation Petro-Chemical Co, a leading marine fuel supplier, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hong Kong and China Gas Company (Towngas) to develop the distribution of green methanol as a bunker fuel in Hong Kong. This collaboration will focus on supplying methanol produced by Towngas, which is certified under ISCC EU and ISCC Plus standards. The biomethanol is derived from biomass and municipal waste at a production facility in Ordos, Inner Mongolia.

This agreement aligns with Chimbusco Pan Nation's long-term strategy to promote alternative marine fuels and enhance Hong Kong's position as a green maritime hub. Calvin Chung Dik-hong, the company’s director, highlighted the importance of this partnership in advancing sustainable maritime initiatives.

Hong Kong Unveils Green Bunkering Action Plan with Methanol and LNG Initiatives

Date: November 19, 2024

Key Points:

Hong Kong has launched its "Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering," targeting the development and adoption of alternative fuels, including methanol and LNG, as part of its maritime decarbonization efforts. The plan includes several key initiatives:

A pilot ship-to-ship LNG bunkering demonstration scheduled for early 2025.
A target for green fuels, including methanol and LNG, to constitute at least 200,000 metric tons of its annual fuel demand by 2030.
Reducing carbon emissions from Hong Kong-registered ships by at least 11% compared to 2019 levels.
Ensuring 55% of diesel-powered government vessels transition to green fuels by 2026.
Achieving a 30% reduction in carbon emissions from the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals compared to 2021 levels.
Encouraging 7% of Hong Kong-registered ships to use green fuels by 2030.

The government will facilitate collaboration between mainland Chinese green fuel suppliers and shipping companies to establish a robust supply chain. This initiative aligns with global emission reduction targets set by the IMO, aiming to maintain Hong Kong as a centre for sustainable maritime practice.

ISO Introduces First International Standards for Methanol as Marine Fuel

Date: November 20, 2024

Key Points:

The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has launched ISO 6853:2024, the first global standards for methanol used as a marine fuel. These specifications provide comprehensive guidelines for three methanol grades—MMA, MMB, and MMC—each tailored to meet the operational needs of maritime applications.

The standards address requirements for properties like lubricity, cleanliness, and tolerances. MMA includes stricter cleanliness requirements, while MMC offers broader tolerances to meet varied operational demands. Developed using International Methanol Producers and Consumers Association (IMPCA) guidelines as a baseline, the ISO 6853:2024 fills a critical gap in ensuring consistency and reliability for methanol in marine applications.

This milestone, led by ISO's working group convened by Chevron's Monique Vermeire, reflects the growing role of methanol in the decarbonization of maritime shipping. The standards aim to provide clarity for the industry as the adoption of methanol as an alternative fuel accelerates.

Methanol-Ready Vessel AAL Antwerp, Embarks on Maiden Voyage for AAL Shipping

Date: November 21, 2024

Key Points:

AAL Shipping’s newest methanol-ready vessel, AAL Antwerp, has set sail on its maiden voyage following a formal naming ceremony at the CSSC Huangpu-Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou, China. The 32,000 DWT multipurpose heavy-lift vessel is part of AAL’s third-generation Super B-Class fleet, which includes eight ships designed to meet the demands of the multipurpose (MPP) heavy lift shipping sector.

The vessel joins sister ships AAL Limassol, AAL Hamburg, and AAL Houston in providing project cargo services across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. As AAL celebrates the halfway point of its latest fleet expansion program, the remaining four Super B-Class vessels, including AAL Newcastle and AAL Mumbai, will be delivered by 2026, offering increased heavy-lift capabilities of up to 800 tonnes

Liquid Wind Secures €44 Million to Advance eFuel Facility Development Worldwide

Date: November 21, 2024

Key Points:

Swedish eFuel developer Liquid Wind has raised €44 million in Series C financing, marking the largest investment in its history. The funding round, led by Uniper, HYCAP Fund I SCSp (HYCAP), and Samsung Ventures, will support the construction of 10 eFuel production facilities by 2027. This initiative is part of Liquid Wind's broader vision of establishing 500 facilities globally by 2050.

Each standardized facility will produce up to 100,000 tons of eFuel annually by recycling 150,000 tons of carbon dioxide, aligning with the maritime industry's demand for low-carbon fuels. This investment bolsters Liquid Wind’s capacity to accelerate production, address sustainability targets, and comply with new maritime fuel regulations.

Uniper, a key partner, highlighted their ongoing collaboration with Liquid Wind, including the NorthStarH2 eMethanol project in Östersund, Sweden. This project aims to produce 100,000 tons of eMethanol annually for the shipping and chemical industries. The partnership emphasizes Uniper’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.

Earlier this year, Liquid Wind collaborated with Alfa Laval, Carbon Clean, Siemens Energy, and Topsoe to establish an eFuel Design and Performance Centre in Denmark. This center focuses on innovating and streamlining the deployment of eFuel production plants, furthering Liquid Wind's goal to reduce global dependence on fossil fuels.

CSL Partnership Orders Two Methanol-Fueled Vessels for Offshore Wind Projects

Date: November 22, 2024

Key Points:

CSL OWL SRI, a new partnership between CSL and OWL, has placed an order for two subsea rock installation (SRI) vessels powered by dual-fuel methanol engines. These vessels, each with a capacity of 17,500 m³, are specifically designed to support the offshore wind energy sector.

Scheduled for delivery in August and November 2026, the vessels are engineered for efficiency and versatility, capable of performing subsea rock installations at depths of up to 100 meters. This development marks a significant step forward in integrating sustainable fuel technology into specialized maritime operations.

Photo credit: Methanol Institute
Published: 28 November, 2024

Alternative Fuels

Eni and MSC to jointly explore potential use of LNG and bio bunker fuels

As part of a MoU, both will explore potential use of LNG as well as lower-carbon energy carriers, such as HVO and bio-LNG biofuels, as well as lubricants from renewable raw material, for use on MSC fleets.

Published

6 days ago

November 26, 2024

Admin

Integrated energy company Eni and shipping and logistics provider MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company on Monday (25 November) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at developing joint initiatives in the field of sustainability and energy transition.

The agreement includes the potential use of LNG as well as lower-carbon energy carriers, such as HVO and bio-LNG biofuels, as well as lubricants from renewable raw materials, for use on MSC fleets dedicated to both logistics and cruise transport.

Renewable energy solutions will be assessed to contribute to the decarbonisation of MSC’s sites and facilities. More generally, the agreement aims to create new synergies between the two companies’ operations, from logistics services to intermodal transport, covering both agro-industrial activities for the production of raw materials, including Agri feedstock, for biorefining, and the storage and transport of HVO biofuels through innovative intermodal sea, rail and road transport solutions.

The agreement provides for good circular economy practices, from the on-board use of plastics also from renewable and recycled raw materials, including single-use packaging products, to the collection and management of waste produced on board the fleets, and the potential redevelopment of decommissioned Eni areas and assets.

Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, said: “This agreement marks the start of our collaboration with MSC in the decarbonisation of transport and cruise services. MSC is the world leader in the sector and we are confident that together we will be able to develop and implement decarbonisation initiatives, that provide an important contribution to the sector and to the reduction of emissions from our transport systems.”

Diego Aponte, MSC Group President, said: “We look forward to working more closely with Eni as we broaden and deepen our approach to sustainability and decarbonization across the MSC Group of companies.”

Photo credit: MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
Published: 26 November, 2024