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Alternative Fuels

IAPH launches digital version of tool to assess ports readiness levels for new bunker fuels

PRL-MF is a fuel-agnostic framework that ports can use to self-assess their readiness and identify areas requiring further development to facilitate bunkering of a new low- or zero-carbon marine fuel.
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IAPH launches digital version of tool to assess ports readiness levels for new bunker fuels

The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) on recently announced the launch of the first digital version of the Port Readiness Level for Marine Fuels (PRL-MF) self-assessment tool.

This new digital iteration of the tool supports the assessment of the readiness levels of ports for bunkering operations involving the different low- and zero-carbon fuels.

Established as a pilot project in 2022, following joint work by the IAPH Clean Marine Fuels Working Group, World Ports Climate Action Program (WPCAP) and Mission Innovation’s Zero Emission Shipping Mission, the PRL-MF is a fuel-agnostic framework that ports can use to self-assess their readiness and identify areas requiring further development to facilitate bunkering of a new low- or zero-carbon marine fuel.

The PRL-MF consists of nine readiness levels—largely following the schematic of the NASA Technical Readiness Level (TRL). The first three levels concern the research phase, the next three levels address the development phase and the last three levels speak to the deployment phase. There are four assessment areas: governance, safety, infrastructure and market.

Each readiness level contains a list of strategies and tasks that, when completed, will help ports assess their current readiness. By examining the tasks required for each readiness level, ports can create a practical roadmap and timeline of the port ambitions.

Previously only available as a downloadable PDF, WPCAP worked with U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to develop this easy-to-use digital tool that includes a list of assessment criteria, with guiding information to support port efforts across research, development, and deployment phases. 

It facilitates self-assessment by bringing all relevant port personnel working together in a single system where information can be exchanged, saved and communicated as needed. This tool is for use by the ports with the input of any relevant members of a port community, including the port authority, national maritime authority, ship-operating customers, and governments.

“It is important for ports to be able to say to ship owners: ‘we will be ready with this fuel, at this time, and this is what you can expect from us’ – and this tool does just that,” commented Rinske van de Meer, Policy Advisor at the Port of Rotterdam and Program Manager of WPCAP. 

“The Port Readiness Framework allows you to communicate to all stakeholders where your port is in the journey to supply new sustainable fuels or allow vessels using these fuels to bunker – from the research phase, to development and finally, deployment and bunkering of a new fuel”.

Note: For more information about the PRL tool, a contact form can be filled up here.

 

Photo credit: International Association of Ports and Harbors
Published: 16 October, 2024

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LNG Bunkering

PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

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July 21, 2026

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PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. 

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post. 

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024. 

 

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s alternative fuel bunkering infrastructure.
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July 21, 2026

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CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

China’s Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., Ltd. (CIMC SOE) recently signed a contract with Sinopec (Beijing) Clean Energy Co., Ltd. to build a 12,000-cubic metre (m3) LNG bunkering vessel, according to Chinese maritime media.

The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2028 and will support Sinopec’s efforts to expand its presence in the marine clean energy sector.

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s LNG bunkering infrastructure.

With this signing , CIMC Pacific Offshore Engineering’s LNG bunkering vessel orderbook is further strengthened, maintaining its leading position in the global market for small and medium-sized LNG bunkering vessels.

The contract also marked another milestone for CIMC SOE, which has seen a sharp increase in orders and business performance this year amid a surge in domestic LNG vessel demand.

 

Photo credit: Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

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Nuclear

ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

KRISO says AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.
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July 21, 2026

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ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO) on Thursday (16 July) received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its concept design of a 15,000 TEU Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-powered container ship utilising Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) technology.

KRISO said the AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.

“This achievement demonstrates international recognition of KRISO’s technological capabilities in the rapidly evolving field of nuclear-powered shipping, supporting the transition toward low-carbon maritime transport,” it said. 

Building on this milestone, KRISO will continue advancing basic and detailed ship design, paving the way for future demonstration and commercialisation of SMR-powered vessels. 

Through continued R&D and international collaboration, KRISO remains committed to strengthening next-generation maritime technologies and contributing to the safe deployment of nuclear propulsion in the maritime industry.

 

Photo credit: Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

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