DNV SVP & Regional Manager, Antony M Dsouza who recently moved to Singapore takes time to speak with bunkering publication Manifold Times to share his thoughts on maritime decarbonisation trends for the APAC region:

MT: How has your first few months as the newly appointed Regional Manager been?

It’s been an exciting and rewarding start. While the maritime business is global in nature, each region brings its own unique dynamics, opportunities, and challenges. Over the past few months, I’ve focused on immersing myself in the region—meeting with clients, engaging with industry stakeholders, and participating in key conferences and forums. These interactions have been invaluable in helping me understand the specific needs and priorities of the Southeast Asia, Pacific, and Indian Subcontinent markets. My goal is to ensure that DNV continues to deliver high-impact, value-adding services tailored to our clients’ realities, while also playing a meaningful role in shaping a safer, smarter, and more sustainable maritime industry in the region.

MT: The maritime industry is going through a lot of change lately. What’s the most exciting trend or development you are seeing within Asia?

The maritime industry across Asia is indeed undergoing transformative change, driven by decarbonization, digitalization, and evolving trade dynamics.

One of the most exciting trends I see emerging in the region is the accelerating momentum towards green shipping and clean energy transition. Governments, ports, and shipowners across Asia are increasingly committing to net-zero targets, investing in alternative fuels like ammonia, methanol, and LNG, and exploring electrification and hybrid solutions for short-sea shipping. This is not just a response to global regulatory pressure but a reflection of the region’s proactive stance in shaping the future of sustainable maritime transport.

Recent outcomes from MEPC 83 have further reinforced this direction. The adoption of new measures, including a greenhouse gas (GHG) fuel-intensity standard coupled with a global pricing and reward mechanism, marks a critical step toward regulatory clarity and accelerating innovation and adoption of low-carbon technologies across Asia.

At the same time, digital transformation is gaining pace. From smart port infrastructure to the adoption of advanced analytics, AI, and remote surveys, digitalization is improving efficiency, safety, and transparency across the value chain. Asia is uniquely positioned to lead in this space due to its strong manufacturing base, tech innovation hubs, and rapidly growing digital ecosystems.

What excites me most is how these trends are converging. The shift towards greener operations is being enabled and accelerated by digital tools, while regional collaboration—such as green shipping corridors and harmonized standards—is becoming more prominent. At DNV, we are actively working with stakeholders across the maritime value chain to navigate these changes, build confidence in new technologies, and support the industry’s transition towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

MT: Sustainability is a big topic in maritime — what’s one small but impactful step you think Asia can do to contribute?

Sustainability is indeed front and centre in the maritime sector, and while large-scale initiatives often dominate the conversation, I believe small, consistent steps can be just as powerful.

One impactful step Asia can take is to focus on greater regional collaboration around data transparency and emissions reporting. By encouraging ports, operators, and logistics partners to share standardized emissions data and operational efficiency metrics, we can build a stronger foundation for decision-making and accelerate the shift to cleaner practices.

This doesn’t require massive investment, but rather a shared commitment to transparency and collaboration. It empowers stakeholders, especially smaller players who may not have access to advanced decarbonization technologies, to benchmark, learn, and improve incrementally. Over time, this collective effort can create a ripple effect across the region, driving behavioural change, supporting regulatory alignment, and ultimately contributing meaningfully to global sustainability goals.

At DNV, we’re supporting this through our work in digital assurance, data validation, and advisory services, helping clients in Asia take practical, data-driven steps towards a more sustainable future.

MT: How is DNV assisting the decarbonization journey of Asian shipowners?

DNV plays a pivotal role in supporting Asian shipowners on their decarbonization journey by combining deep technical expertise, independent assurance, and a strong regional presence. We understand that decarbonization is not a one-size-fits-all process—each owner has different starting points, operating profiles, and investment horizons. That’s why we take a tailored, step-by-step approach to help our clients identify the most viable pathways toward compliance and competitiveness.

We established the Centre of Excellence for Maritime Decarbonization & Smart Shipping back in 2021, to strengthen our support for regional stakeholders. With expert teams based in Singapore, Australia, and India, the Centre serves as a regional hub for strategic advisory and technical support. We assist shipowners in navigating complex regulatory frameworks—including the IMO’s carbon intensity targets, the EU ETS, and FuelEU Maritime—while assessing fleet readiness and identifying optimal decarbonization pathways. The Centre has led key studies on topics such as ammonia bunkering safety, the future of seafarers, and green coastal shipping. It also provides tailored decarbonization plans and guidance on the adoption of alternative fuels and emerging technologies. Supported by digital tools like DNV’s ‘Pathway to Zero’ and the Veracity platform, we help shipowners model fuel scenarios, evaluate technology options, and make confident, data-driven investment decisions.

DNV is also actively working on joint industry projects and pilots involving alternative fuels like ammonia, methanol, and LNG, as well as energy efficiency solutions such as wind-assisted propulsion and shore power integration. Our classification and certification services support the safe uptake of these technologies.

Finally, capacity building is key. We actively engage with regional stakeholders, including shipowners, ports, regulators, and academia through training, technical seminars, and knowledge-sharing forums to help build the ecosystem needed for a successful maritime transition to net zero.

By combining local insight with global best practices, DNV is committed to being a trusted partner in helping Asia’s maritime sector navigate the complex but necessary path toward decarbonization.

MT: Looking ahead, what is your one hope/ wish that you have for the APAC region?

My hope for the APAC region is that it continues to lead with ambition and collaboration in shaping a sustainable maritime future. Achieving decarbonization in the maritime industry requires the commitment of all stakeholders—not just shipowners and operators, but also private companies, industry experts, and policymakers. It is crucial for these groups to work together to address specific challenges such as technology development, financing models, and the regulatory framework needed to advance the sector.

With its diversity, scale, and innovation capacity, APAC has the potential to be a global catalyst for greener, safer, and smarter shipping—and DNV is committed to supporting that journey every step of the way.

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 7 July 2025

CBL International Limited (CBL), the listing vehicle of marine fuel logistics firm Banle Group recently announced the renaming of its Singapore-based wholly-owned subsidiary, Majestic Energy (Singapore) Pte Ltd to Banle International (Singapore) Pte Ltd.

In an interview with Singapore-based bunkering publication Manifold Times, Christofel Tian, Head of Singapore at CBL, dived into detailed plans for the subsidiary and its role in contributing to the Group’s regional growth ambitions including aspirations to move beyond biofuels and develop a full suite of sustainable marine fuels, including LNG, methanol, ammonia:

MT: According to CBL International’s website, Banle International Singapore, then known as Majestic Energy Singapore, was established in 2022. What are the significant milestones the subsidiary has achieved since then?

Since its establishment in 2022 under the name Majestic Energy (Singapore) Pte Ltd, our Singapore subsidiary has made substantial progress.

One of the subsidiary’s milestones is contributing to doubling the revenue of CBL in 2024 from 2023. As the primary fuel bunkering hub in the Asia-Pacific region, Singapore serves as a strategic base for CBL’s regional expansion. CBL’s revenue in Singapore increased by 102% year-over-year in 2024 as compared to 2023. This growth reflects both increased demand for traditional marine fuels and early adoption of biofuel.

Another milestone is playing a role in CBL’s launch of biofuel supply services across key markets. In March 2025, we successfully launched biofuel supply services in Singapore, after providing biofuel supply services in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and various ports in China. This aligns with global regulatory shifts such as the IMO GHG Strategy, which mandates a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and moves towards a net-zero future by or around 2050, positioning us at the forefront of Asia-Pacific’s green maritime transition.

These achievements underscore our rapid operational scaling and strategic importance within CBL’s regional network, which now spans over 60 ports globally, including 13 of the world’s top 15 ports.

MT: How will this rebranding affect Banle International Singapore’s operations and vision in the republic and the Asia-Pacific region?

The rebranding from Majestic Energy Singapore to Banle International (Singapore) Pte Ltd marks more than just a name change—it represents a deeper alignment with the Group’s identity and long-term vision.

Operationally, the rebrand strengthens our market presence in Singapore, the world’s largest bunkering hub with annual sales nearing 55 million metric tons in 2024. It also enhances brand recognition across the Asia-Pacific region, where CBL continues to expand its footprint across intra-Asia and Euro-Asia trade routes.

Strategically, the move allows us to better leverage the Group’s global resources, supplier networks, and ESG initiatives. For example, CBL’s biofuel sales surged by over 600% year-over-year in 2024, and our unified brand enables seamless execution of sustainability-focused strategies across all markets we serve.

Ultimately, this rebranding reinforces our commitment to being a trusted partner in the transition toward greener shipping solutions, while maintaining operational excellence and customer-centric service delivery.

MT: What are the short and long-term goals Banle International Singapore has set in the area of sustainable marine fuels?

Our short-term goals for 2025 to 2026 are to expand our biofuel capabilities in Singapore and other regional hubs, increase B24 and B30 biofuel supply availability across our 60+ port network, and collaborate with local regulators and industry stakeholders to promote adoption of TR 140:2025, the new national technical reference standard for biofuels in Singapore.

Beyond 2026, our long-term goals are to move beyond biofuels and develop a full suite of sustainable marine fuels, including LNG, methanol, ammonia, integrate vertically into the biofuel supply chain, from securing feedstock sources to refining, blending, and final delivery and support the global shipping industry’s decarbonisation journey by offering cost-effective, scalable, and compliant green fuel solutions.

We believe that the future of bunkering lies in diversified energy offerings, and we aim to be at the forefront of that transformation in the Asia-Pacific region.

MT: With CBL’s biofuel sales volumes and sales surged over 600% year-over-year in 2024 and CBL launching its first biofuel supply services in Singapore in March 2025, what strategies will Banle International Singapore deploy to support the Group’s expansion in this?

We’re deploying a multi-pronged strategy to support the Group’s continued expansion in biofuels:

• Regional Outreach and Market Education: We’re actively engaging with shipping companies and shippers across Southeast Asia, Greater China, and Northeast Asia, promoting awareness and confidence in using biofuels like B24 and B30.
• Regulatory Engagement: We are working closely with local authorities in Singapore and elsewhere to shape favourable policies and standards, such as the TR 140:2025 standard, which will help accelerate adoption.
• Partnership Building: We are forging alliances with feedstock suppliers, refiners, and technology providers to secure stable and cost-efficient supply chains for biofuels.
• Technology & Automation Investment: Leveraging digital platforms and automation to improve inventory management, order fulfillment, and compliance tracking—ensuring efficient and transparent operations.

By combining these strategies, we aim to solidify our position as a leading provider of sustainable marine fuels in the region and contribute meaningfully to CBL’s global growth ambitions.

MT: With Singapore launching a new bio bunker fuels standard to complement ISO 8217: 2024, how will this impact the local biofuel market and the company’s biofuel operations?

The launch of TR 140:2025, Singapore’s new national technical reference standard for bio-bunker fuels, is a pivotal development for the local and regional biofuel market.

This standard complements ISO 8217:2024, which governs marine fuel specifications, and provides clear guidelines on quality, compatibility, and performance of biofuels used in the maritime sector. Its introduction is expected to:

• Boost Shipper Confidence: Standardised specifications reduce uncertainty about fuel quality and engine compatibility, encouraging wider adoption among shipping operators.
• Attract More Suppliers and Investors: With clearer benchmarks, more players—including refiners, traders, and logistics providers—are likely to enter the market, increasing competition and innovation.
• Support Regulatory Compliance: As part of Singapore’s broader push for green shipping and ESG compliance, TR 140:2025 aligns with initiatives like the FuelEU Maritime regulation, enhancing Singapore’s appeal as a sustainable bunkering hub.

For CBL, this presents an opportunity to scale up our biofuel operations, streamline quality control processes, and offer standardised products that meet or exceed both international and local requirements. We are already adapting our supply chain in Singapore to align with TR 140:2025, ensuring we remain ahead of the curve in delivering safe, high-quality, and compliant biofuels.

Related: CBL International renames Singapore subsidiary to bolster regional growth strategy
Related: VPS: Singapore releases new bio bunker fuels standard to complement ISO 8217:2024
Related: Exclusive: Banle Group stays ahead of the curve in bio bunker fuels and global expansion

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 11 June, 2025

Hong Kong-based marine fuel and lubricant trading company Hongkong E-Marine Supply Service Corporation Limited (E-Marine) in May obtained ISCC EU certification as Trader, learned bunkering publication Manifold Times.

“The decision to acquire International Sustainability and Carbon Certification EU (ISCC EU) status was due to E-Marine’s commercial alignment with evolving regulatory, commercial, and environmental demands in the maritime fuel supply chain,” shared Darcy Wang, Managing Director of E-Marine.

“This is especially true in the case for the push towards adoption of biofuels and alternative bunker fuels, as these materials become increasingly relevant in supporting maritime’s decarbonisation journey upon IMO 2030/2050.

“Obtaining ISCC EU status offers confidence to expectations from clients, regulators, and partners that E-Marine’s sustainability claims are legitimate and verified by a third party.

“Remaining relevant and adaptable is not just good practice, it’s a strategic imperative. The shipping industry’s decarbonisation is accelerating, and companies that embrace the transition will thrive.”

Travis Tey, Global Marine Fuel Sales & Procurement Manager at E-Marine, noted the company took about four months to complete the ISCC EU certification process in order to better support clients.

“This development means we can now fill in the gaps for our existing pool of clients that require ISCC certification and thus give them more options for a pool of approved bunker suppliers to choose from, especially in our area of expertise, Asia supply,” he explained.

“Further, having ISCC EU certification demonstrates E-Marine’s commitment to environmental responsibility; this directly supports climate action goals and shows stakeholders our company is reducing its environmental footprint in a verifiable way.”

Established in 2016, E-Marine upgraded from a small trader to a medium-sized trading house during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The bunker trading house’s exceptional performance in 2023 provided further push for an expansion to the Singapore market in 2024.

Related: Hong Kong-based bunker trading firm E-Marine introduces Global Sales & Procurement Manager
Related: Exclusive: Hong Kong-based bunker trading firm E-Marine expands operations with Singapore branch
Related: Exclusive: Bunker and lube trading firm Hongkong E-Marine Supply Service to open Singapore branch by June

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 9 June 2025