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Interview: Singfar International aims to be a leading global player in sustainable shipping and bunkering

Singfar embarks on plans to put it in good stride to support Singapore and global road to maritime decarbonisation by 2030/2050, shares Pai Hong Yao, Managing Director of Singfar.
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Singapore-based independent vessel owning, newbuilding management, and chartering firm Singfar International Pte Ltd (SFI) has plans to become a leading player in sustainable shipping and bunkering in the republic and beyond, learns Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times.

In May 2021, SFI entered into a memorandum of understanding with Lianyungang Shenghua Shipbuilding Co., Ltd (LYGSH), China, for the joint development and construction of a series of 7,000 dwt liquefied natural gas (LNG) propelled dual fuel (DF) bunker tankers.

Ambitions in Sustainability

“The maritime industry is currently undergoing massive disruptions to achieve the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)’s vision of decarbonisation by 2050,” shares Mr Pai Hong Yao, Managing Director of SFI.

“We believe this impetus and the rapid advancements in maritime technologies will lead to a greater demand for greener and more efficient vessels.”

“At SFI, we strive to build new vessels which not only comply with the latest regulations, but also allow our charterers and buyers to be at the forefront of the sustainability curve.

“As such, we have divested a number of our conventional and older tonnage over the past six months at fairly attractive market valuations. This will allow us to execute our company strategy to build a younger, greener and more efficient fleet.”

According to Pai, SFI’s pipeline of newbuildings, including two IMO Tier-III (USGC approved) scrubber-fitted Suezmaxes and the series of 5+5 LNG DF bunker tankers ordered from LYGSH, demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainable shipping.

“SFI’s focus on sustainability also aligns well with the Maritime and Port of Singapore (MPA)’s push for the republic to become a leading hub for maritime decarbonisation,” he states.

“We believe our adoption of the latest technologies, coupled with our extensive newbuilding expertise and vessel management, will allow us to contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s maritime sector’s sustainability agenda.”

Commercial Operations

SFI and its subsidiaries, which mainly derive revenue from charter fees, currently own and manage 26 existing crude and product tankers, of which 23 are bunkering tankers. The company has another two Suezmaxes and a conventional bunker tanker in the newbuilding stage, in addition to the 5+5 LNG DF bunker tankers under joint development with LYGSH.

SFI serves a myriad of local and international charterers, ranging from national oil companies, oil majors, to international trading houses. It has further chartered out a number of vessels to various parties on both spot and time charter contracts – creating customer diversification for its business.

“As SFI embarks on our plans to grow both locally and internationally, we need to be mindful of the challenges posed by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy in the short-to-medium term,” opines Pai.

“For the longer-term horizon, the overall health of the Singapore bunker industry will be vital to our growth plans.”

Alternative Fuels Direction

Looking ahead, Pai firmly believes SFI to be possessing the requisite expertise and experience to support the maritime sector’s transition towards a low-carbon future.

“The market is extremely fluid as developments are constantly made in both fuel sources and engine technologies,” he notes.

“Our core focus will be on supporting the transition to lower carbon fuels, which we are currently pursuing though our investment in the LNG-powered, DF bunker tankers.”

“However, we are also closely monitoring the developments of alternative marine fuels and technologies. SFI has invested in research and development through partnerships with relevant players in an effort to capture early market positions.”

A Global Player with Strong Local Roots

Moving forward, SFI endeavours to build a global fleet that creates value for stakeholders to “make Singapore proud,” according to Pai.

“Our company strives to provide quality tonnage assets on both spot and longer-term basis to third parties in the market,” he exclaims.

“Besides being commercially profitable, we want to be a leader in driving sustainability at the port of Singapore and beyond. The types of investments that we are making at SFI is a clear reflection of that.”

“My vision is to grow SFI into a world-class player in sustainable shipping and bunkering, with strong Singapore roots,” concludes Pai.

Related: Singapore: Singfar International makes shipping market debut with 5+5 DF bunker tanker newbuilding order

 

Photo credit: Singfar International
Published: 31 May, 2021

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Environment

Indonesia to expedite removal of sunken Malaysia-flagged tanker “Silver Sincere”

Vessel sank while carrying about 1,000 mt of waste oil on 12 January 2025; the wreck was discovered in March 2025 and was found to have drifted about 13 nautical miles from its original sinking site.

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July 20, 2026

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Indonesia to expedite removal of sunken Malaysia-flagged tanker “Silver Sincere”

Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs on Tuesday (14 July) held a cross-agency coordination meeting to expedite efforts in handling the Malaysian-flagged tanker Silver Sincere that sank off Bintan Regency, Riau Islands.

The vessel sank while carrying about 1,000 metric tonnes (mt) of waste oil on 12 January 2025. 

According to authorities, the ship sank within Indonesian waters. After several surveys, the wreck was finally discovered in March 2025 and it was found to have shifted approximately 13 nautical miles from the initial sinking location.

The meeting was aimed to align cross-ministerial and institutional measures to expedite the handling of the Silver Sincere wreck while minimising risks to shipping safety, the marine environment, and national interests.

Deputy for Coordination of State Defense and National Unity Purwito Hadi Wardhono emphasised that the handling of the impact of the Silver Sincere sinking was the first case to be comprehensively coordinated, serving as a model for handling foreign vessels sinking within Indonesian jurisdiction.

Through this cross-sectoral coordination, the government will establish a clear and measurable framework that can serve as a reference for resolving similar cases in the future, while minimising state losses due to environmental pollution, damage to underwater ecosystems and infrastructure, and disruption to shipping lanes.

“The most important thing is to immediately stop and prevent the negative impacts of this ship sinking,” Purwito said.

“Therefore, a coordinating role is crucial, as maritime security governance involves various ministries and institutions with varying authorities, allowing for faster, more integrated, and more effective response,” he said. 

He added that the Silver Sincere was a Malaysian-flagged vessel that sank within Indonesian jurisdiction, and therefore, all handling processes must comply with the provisions of Indonesian laws and regulations.

In the meeting, Prof. Eko Ganis Sukoharsono, representing the SAE Energy Consulting Team, presented the results of an analysis based on 14 observation periods using Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite imagery. 

The analysis results showed strong indications of a waste oil spill that has resulted in marine pollution, damage to the seabed due to shifting shipwrecks, disruption of coastal ecosystems and fishing grounds, and potentially threatening the livelihoods of fishing communities around the Riau Islands. 

Purwito added these findings further emphasise the importance of accelerating the removal of the shipwrecks to prevent widespread environmental impacts, maintain shipping safety, and avoid the potential for greater state losses.

The meeting brought together representatives of related ministries and institutions including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Ministry of Environment, Attorney General’s Office.  

Related: MPA: Malaysia-registered tanker “Silver Sincere” sinks off Pedra Branca

 

Photo credit: MarineTraffic / Julian T
Published: 20 July, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

Singapore: FueLNG achieves 800th LNG bunkering operation milestone

Bunker tanker “FUELNG Venosa” delivered LNG marine fuel to bulk carrier “MV Ubuntu Humanity” at Eastern Bunkering A Anchorage (AEBA) on 11 July.

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Singapore: FueLNG completes 800th LNG bunkering operation

Singapore’s licensed LNG bunker supplier FueLNG on Friday (17 July) announced the successful completion of its 800th LNG bunkering operation in the republic.

The company said bunker tanker FUELNG Venosa delivered LNG marine fuel to bulk carrier MV Ubuntu Humanity at Eastern Bunkering A Anchorage (AEBA) on 11 July. 

“This achievement is more than just a number,” FueLNG said.

“It reflects the trust our customers place in us, the dedication of our operations team, the professionalism of our marine partners, and our unwavering commitment to safe, efficient, and reliable bunker deliveries.” 

Manifold Times previously reported FueLNG completing its 500th LNG ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operation.

Related: Singapore: FueLNG achieves milestone of 500th STS LNG bunkering operation

 

Photo credit: FueLNG
Published: 20 July, 2026

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Methanol

Western Baltic Engineering unveils green methanol bunkering vessel design for Klaipėda

Designed for flexible operations in shallow waters and local bunkering routes, the concept features an 800-metric-tonne green methanol capacity and the potential to supply up to 250,000 mt annually.

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July 20, 2026

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Western Baltic Engineering unveils green methanol bunkering vessel design for Klaipėda

Ship design and engineering service provider Western Baltic Engineering on Thursday (16 July) showcased its latest concept design for a green methanol bunkering vessel, developed for the operational needs of the Port of Klaipėda.

Designed for flexible operations in shallow waters and local bunkering routes, the concept features an 800-metric-tonne green methanol capacity and the potential to supply up to 250,000 metric tonnes (mt) annually. 

“It is Western Baltic Engineering’s first concept dedicated exclusively to green methanol bunkering, expanding our portfolio of alternative-fuel vessel solutions,” the company said in a social media post.

“Building on our experience in methanol-ready vessel design, it reflects our continued focus on enabling the industry’s transition to cleaner fuels.”

“As the maritime sector evolves, engineering companies have a responsibility not only to respond to market needs but also to anticipate future challenges,” said Marius Arkusauskas, Director at Western Baltic Engineering.

“By exploring emerging technologies and alternative fuel applications, we help our partners prepare for the next generation of maritime operations while contributing to a more sustainable future.”

 

Photo credit: Western Baltic Engineering
Published: 20 July, 2026

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