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Alternative Fuels

FueLNG receives World LNG Award 2021, celebrates operation milestones

LNG bunkering firm conducted over 460 operations conducted in 2021, comprising ship-to-ship and truck-to-ship bunkering, and truck-to-industry operations.

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FueLNG STS bunkering

FueLNG, a joint venture between Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M) and Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd, on Thursday (30 December) said it is driving the adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Singapore with over 460 operations conducted in 2021, comprising ship-to-ship (STS) and truck-to-ship bunkering, and truck-to-industry operations.

It is currently the only provider of STS bunkering in Singapore and has completed 24 STS bunkering operations since March 2021, contributing to the growth of the LNG ecosystem and the country’s ambition to become a leading LNG bunkering hub.

In recognition of the significant progress in promoting LNG bunkering and LNG distribution to the industry, FueLNG was conferred the World LNG Award 2021 for Outstanding Contribution in early December 2021.

Held as part of the World LNG Summit, the annual LNG Award recognised FueLNG for its industry-leading role in the LNG value chain, as well as for its contributions to the industry in areas such as innovation and knowledge.

Ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering

Since its first STS bunkering operation in March 2021, FueLNG Bellina, Singapore’s first LNG bunkering vessel, has provided LNG bunker to 24 vessels, including containerships and Aframax tankers. FueLNG undertook Asia’s first ship-to-containership LNG bunkering for the CMA CGM SCANDOLA. It was also the first vessel in Asia to conduct simultaneous container loading and discharging operations alongside LNG bunkering operations, shortening port stay time. This first STS LNG bunkering operation by CMA CGM and FueLNG underscored both companies’ commitment to contribute to Singapore’s ambition to become a leading LNG bunkering hub in Asia. Since March, FueLNG and CMA CGM, a world leader in shipping and logistics, have performed 19 LNG bunkering operations on CMA CGM vessels, representing the majority of operations performed by FueLNG in Singapore.

FueLNG also completed Singapore’s first STS bunkering of an LNG-fuelled oil tanker, Pacific Emerald, and the bunkering of several other LNG-fuelled container vessels and oil tankers.

In 2022, FueLNG will commence providing LNG bunkers to five LNG-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carriers which have been chartered by BHP to transport iron ore between Western Australia and China. This is part of BHP’s first LNG bunker supply agreement with Shell. FueLNG will also commence bunkering of 10 LNG-fuelled Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) owned by Advantage Tankers, International Seaways, and AET Tankers which are time-chartered to Shell.

In addition, FueLNG will partner Keppel O&M to undertake small-scale LNG bunkering for vessels in Singapore utilising Keppel O&M’s Floating Living Lab (FLL) from Q4 2022 onwards. FueLNG Bellina will carry out the LNG loading operations into the 3,750m3 Type-C storage tank onboard the FLL. This LNG will then be used to bunker dual-fuelled harbour craft and small-to-large sized vessels, enabling FueLNG to serve more vessels requiring LNG as a marine fuel.

Truck-to-ship (TTS) bunkering and truck-to-industry operations

In 2021, FueLNG completed around 440 TTS and truck-to-industry operations. FueLNG commenced operations to provide LNG logistics and refuelling services for PSA Singapore’s fleet of 160 LNG-powered trucks. This includes the transportation of LNG from the Singapore LNG terminal on Jurong Island to the LNG kiosk in PSA’s container terminal in Pasir Panjang.

Since its deployment, the LNG-powered trucks have helped PSA reduce its carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by around 20% against the diesel variant. The trucks are used to transport containers between vessels berthed at the wharf side to the container yard.

To date, FueLNG has completed 360 TTS operations and 360 truck-to industry operations.

Chris Ong, Chairman of FueLNG and CEO of Keppel O&M, added, “As the leading provider of LNG bunkering in Singapore, FueLNG has been delivering reliable, economical, and value-added LNG solutions for customers despite the operational challenges posed by the pandemic. We are seeing strong demand for LNG in Singapore for bunkering and other industrial uses. FueLNG, with its technical expertise and experience, is well-positioned to capture these opportunities. This is in line with Keppel’s Vision 2030 to pursue greener energy developments.”

Tahir Faruqui, General Manager, Shell Global Downstream LNG, said, “Conducting safe ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operations in Singapore is important for the continued growth of LNG as a fuel in shipping, and our remarkable progress in 2021 shows FueLNG’s commitment to this.”

“Shell believes LNG is the first step to decarbonise the shipping sector, as it offers immediate emissions reduction. But it doesn’t stop there. LNG is a fuel in transition as it has the potential to get to Net Zero emissions through bio-LNG and synthetic LNG (from green hydrogen). We look forward to continued growth in LNG bunkering in Singapore and at other key ports around the world.”

 

Photo credit: FueLNG
Published: 3 January, 2022

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Methanol

China: Stolthaven collaborates with ITOCHU Corporation for green methanol bunkering and export ops

Partnership will focus on development of a methanol bunkering system and enhancing methanol export capabilities.

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Stolthaven Terminals, through its joint venture Tianjin Stolthaven Lingang Terminal (Stolthaven Lingang), on Thursday (12 June) said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Itochu Corporation to collaborate on storage and logistics solutions for green methanol.

This strategic partnership will focus on supporting the growing demand for low-carbon fuels through the development of a methanol bunkering system and enhancing methanol export capabilities.

Stolthaven Lingang has world-class terminal infrastructure and a strategic location in the Tianjin Lingang Industrial Zone in China. Through this MoU with Itochu, Stolthaven Lingang will seek to strengthen the supply chain infrastructure needed for alternative fuels.

Methanol is emerging as a viable marine fuel due to its lower carbon intensity and existing ease of handling, and the development of methanol bunkering services is expected to serve the increasing demand from the shipping sector.

Selenna Xu, general manager, Tianjin Stolthaven Lingang Terminal says: “This strategic partnership represents a pivotal step in building a green energy storage and transportation ecosystem in Northern China. By combining our terminal network and service innovation with Itochu’s global expertise, we aim to drive forward the development of a green energy hub for the region, with export capabilities beyond China.”

Satoshi Tojo, general manager at Itochu Corporation comments: “Itochu Corporation is committed to advancing the green methanol value chain through strategic partnerships and innovation. By leveraging our extensive global network and expertise in the energy and chemicals sectors, we are well-positioned to significantly contribute to the transition towards cleaner fuels.”

 

Photo credit: Stolthaven Terminals
Published: 13 June 2025

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Biofuel

LR: “Whitchampion” becomes first bunker tanker certified to load, carry and blend FAME B100 onboard

Second Whitaker tanker, Whitchallenger, will be undergoing a similar approval process and is expected to be certified later this year.

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Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) on Thursday (12 June) claim UK-based bunker operator John H. Whitaker (Tankers) Limited’s bunker tanker Whitchampion has become the first in the industry to load, carry and blend Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME B100) onboard under IBC Code and MARPOL Annex II regulations.

The development occurred after LR issued a chemical certification to allow Whitchampion to perform onboard blending of biofuels with petroleum distillates and residual fuel oils. The operation is authorised within UK coastal waters under a Tri-Partite Agreement between the Isle of Man Flag and the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UKMCA).

A second Whitaker tanker, Whitchallenger, will be undergoing a similar approval process and is expected to be certified later this year.

At present, bunker tankers certified under MARPOL Annex I are limited to carrying blends no more than 30% FAME under IMO regulations. Oil Fuels with higher bio-content fall under International Bulk Chemical Code (IBC Code) and MARPOL Annex II, typically requiring full chemical tanker status. That regulation has, in effect, frozen out a significant portion of the conventional bunker tanker fleet from supporting mid-to-high-range biofuel blending.

Whitaker’s Whitchampion is the first LR-classed vessel to bridge that gap. Through comprehensive Gap Analysis and Risk Assessment against the IBC Code and MARPOL Annex II requirements, LR developed an approach which involved mitigation of the assessed risks. This led to obtaining waivers/exemptions from the Flag Administration allowing this Annex I bunker tanker to gain chemical certification to carry FAME as cargo, without needing to convert to full chemical tanker status.

The successful delivery of dedicated onboard training on the safe handling of FAME has also led to UKMCA approval and a FAME Restricted endorsement to the existing Oil Tanker Dangerous Cargo Endorsement (DCE) for the crew.

Tim Wilson, Principal Specialist Fuels and Emissions, LR, said: “This certification demonstrates a credible and commercially viable route for existing bunker tankers to participate in the energy transition. It sets a clear blueprint for others to follow, enabling owners to consider the possibility of adapting existing bunker tankers for sustainable fuel delivery without resorting to prohibitively expensive conversions or replacement with a chemical tanker.”

Peter Howard, Technical Director at Whitaker Tankers, added: “This certification is the result of focused determination from all involved and underlines Whitaker’s commitment to providing clients with the flexibility they need to meet their decarbonisation goals. We’re proud to lead the way in this space with Whitchampion and look forward to progressing a similar certification with LR for her sister ship Whitchallenger later this year.”

 

Photo credit: Lloyd’s Register
Published: 13 June 2025

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Alternative Fuels

China’s SDARI receives AiPs for alternative-fuelled ships including ammonia bunker vessel

CSSC’s SDARI obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) certificates from classification societies ABS, RINA and LR for four vessel designs including a 50,000 cubic metre ammonia bunkering vessel.

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China’s SDARI receives AiPs for alternative-fuelled ships including ammonia bunker vessel

China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s (CSSC) Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI) recently obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) certificates from several classification societies for four vessel designs. 

Among the four is a 50,000 cubic metre (m3) ammonia bunkering vessel, which received AiP certificate from American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). 

It integrates liquid ammonia transportation and bunkering functions and can meet the long-distance transportation needs of liquefied gas goods such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquid ammonia. 

The ship is equipped with three IMO Type A independent liquid cargo tanks, and uses zero-carbon ammonia fuel to drive the main engine and generator, meeting the IMO greenhouse gas emission reduction strategy and actively responding to the latest greenhouse gas intensity (GFI) requirements of the 83rd meeting of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83). 

The entire ship is equipped with two independent 1,000 m3 deck liquid ammonia storage tanks, taking into account the ammonia fuel endurance requirements under multi-cargo loading and unloading, significantly improving operational economy and flexibility. 

In response to the needs of bunkering operations, it is specially equipped with a retractable bow thruster, side thruster and adjustable propellers to meet ABS’ DPS-1 notation and adapt to the complex port environment of bunkering operations. 

China’s SDARI receives AiPs for alternative-fuelled ships including ammonia bunker vessel

Meanwhile, a dual-fuel LNG/hydrogen-powered Ultramax bulker design and a 30,000 GT Roll-On/Roll-Off Passenger (ROPAX) ship designed to sail in the Mediterranean Sea received AiP certificates from RINA. 

SDARI also received AiP from Lloyd’s Register (LR) for a 113,000 dwt ammonia dual-fuel liquid cargo ship. The optimised propulsion system, specially configured with an ammonia dual-fuel power system and a wind-assisted propulsion system, is expected to save more than 10% energy, especially at low speeds. 

 

Photo credit: Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute
Published: 12 June, 2025

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