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Interview: Total Marine Fuels Global Solutions discusses sector growth, IMO 2020, and future plans

Jesper Rosenkrans, Global Sales & Business Development Director at Total Marine Fuels Global Solutions, provides an update on company developments in 2020 and its future plans.
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Jesper Rosenkrans

The following interview is part of pre-event coverage for the upcoming Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON) 2020; where Manifold Times is an official media partner:

International bunkering firm Total Marine Fuels Global Solutions (TMFGS), which also ranks among Singapore’s top ten bunker suppliers for 2019, is in the midst of preparations for a change within the marine fuels industry, learns Manifold Times .

The Singapore bunkering publication took an opportunity to interview Jesper Rosenkrans, Global Sales & Business Development Director at TMFGS, who shared the company’s plans and investments for sustainable growth post IMO2020.

He further discusses how TMFGS provides additional services to their clients, the increased complexity in the credit and compliance landscape, the company’s operations in China, and more.

MT: What are the current areas of growth within the bunkering trade which TMFGS see major development in?

JR: One of the most important areas of growth currently is LNG bunkering, where we see a rapid development in infrastructure and investment in assets.

LNG as a marine fuel is no longer just a development on the horizon; it is ready to be the fuel solution of today and tomorrow.

As a global leader in LNG, the next 12 – 18 months promise to be equally busy and exciting for us, with further assets launched to serve the two biggest bunker hubs in the world in Rotterdam and Singapore, as well as the Mediterranean.

Our first chartered LNG Bunker Vessel (LNGBV), the largest one ever built, has just arrived in Rotterdam. She will go into service within the next few weeks. Her sistership is currently being built in China and should reach the French port of Marseilles by the end of 2021.

Finally, we signed an agreement with Pavilion Energy to jointly develop an LNG bunker supply chain in the port of Singapore. The latter covers the shared long-term time charter of a new 12,000-m3 LNG bunker vessel to be commissioned in 2021.

Securing our position as the global leader of LNG bunkering is important for us, as we collaborate with our shipping clients to sail beyond IMO 2020.

MT: Is TMFGS also investing in these areas and what are the reasons for doing so?

JR: As highlighted, LNG provides the environmental and economic profile to be the fuel solution for shipping today and for the years to come, and we have prepared for this through significant investments in assets and infrastructure.

In addition to LNG, we are also actively developing commercial biofuels solutions for our clients, with the first deliveries already taking place in Europe.

MT: With bunkering being a tight margin business, what are the other value-added commercial areas which TMFGS is working on to maximise margin?

JR: Margins do tend to be tight in our industry, so while we always need to be price-competitive, we are constantly working towards providing extra value for our customers. Two such value-drivers are in assisting with price-management solutions, and leveraging our geographical reach to bring additional flexibility.

As part of an integrated group with significant trading capabilities, we are able to tailor pricing solutions to meet customer needs. This includes providing embedded physical options, changing the pricing index, offering conversion to/from fixed price contracts, or building LNG prices on either gas- or oil- related indices. The core of this offering is that we will meet the business requirement of our customers, who can choose the index and structure of pricing for their bunkers according to their wishes.

In terms of geographical reach, we have a strategic network of supply locations that supports our customers. In Asia we see this with Singapore, China, and Korea, and in Northern Europe through key ports such as Rotterdam, Le Havre, and Hamburg.

MT: Has the various commodity-trading mishaps in Singapore changed the way TMFGS manages its credit and due diligence?

JR: As an oil major, we are committed to stringent and dynamic risk assessment. Our business model is built on reliability, and we have been actively managing enterprise risks –also in the space of credit and due diligence. We remain committed to ensuring that our customers know that when they deal with TMFGS, their business is in safe and trustworthy hands.

As part of a global organization, we are in a robust position and have good controls around any market exposure. When we deal directly with our customers, this in turn means we can pass that risk management onto them, helping to reduce their risk. We have really good relationships with our customers, and appreciately working actively with them on all matters.

MT: How has TMFGS adapted as an organisation to industry disruption driven by IMO 2020?

JR: We were aware that IMO2020 was going to impact the market significantly and create a changed landscape for the industry. We moved early in anticipation and preparation for that, which has been reflected in our organizational design and recruitment over the last couple of years.

IMO2020 was a game-changer, and we recognized the need to be ready for that with new thinking and fresh ideas, combined with deep technical and industry knowledge.

We needed to be ready and able to handle a dynamically changing market and new products, so there was a conscious and active strategy behind how we prepared for this ‘new normal’.

MT: With the main bunkering ports established; do you see any up-and-coming alternative bunkering ports presenting themselves as attractive marine refuelling locations?

JR: Clearly, Singapore remains the biggest and strategically most important bunkering hub for the Asia region – and indeed the world – and we really do not see a situation where that changes.

In terms of developing locations, China is emerging rapidly. Recognizing this trend and reflecting our aim to be part of this growth, we were delighted to enter into a joint venture with Zhejiang Energy Group to launch Zhejiang Petroleum Marine Fuels Co Ltd. Through this JV we are able to offer international shipping companies a safe, reliable, competitive and high quality fuel supply solution across the Zhoushan – Ningbo – Shanghai zone.

MT: What services can potential bunkering partners of TMFGS introduce for themselves in order to increase their standing with your good company?

JR: Safety is the principle value of TOTAL – and a benchmark for how we operate.  This is also reflected in the partners we work with. Fundamental to this is shared standards. We have a rigorous vetting process, which is key to ensure those values and the focus on quality and safety are reflected in our partners.

Similarly, it is important for us that we share a core set of values, and the desire to build a long-term partnership. We aim to do business in a way, and with companies, that allow us to build relationships that stand the test of time.

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 4 September, 2020

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Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales soar by 7.5% on year in June 2025

4.59 million mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in June, up from 4.27 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2024, according to MPA.

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July 15, 2025

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Singapore: Bunker fuel sales soar by 7.5% on year in June 2025

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port increased by 7.5% on year in June 2025, according to Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) data.

In total, 4.59 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,594,700 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in June, up from 4.27 million mt (4,274,900 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2024.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in June (against on year) recorded respectively 1.70 million mt (+8.6% from 1.56 million mt), 2.31 million mt (-7.2% from 2.33 million mt), 1,900 mt (from zero), 4,500 mt (-88% from 8,000 mt) and zero (from zero).

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales soar by 7.5% on year in June 2025

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in June (against on year) recorded respectively 38,800 mt (+671.7% from 2,500 mt), 114,300 mt (+97.9% from 45,400 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero). B100 biofuel bunkers, introduced in February this year, recorded 1,000 mt of deliveries in June.

LNG and methanol sales were respectively 55,400 mt (-7.8% from 51,700) and zero (from zero mt). There were no recorded sales of ammonia for the month and so far in 2025.

Related: Singapore: Bunker sales volume raises to year record high of 4.88 million mt in May
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 4% on year in April 2025
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 0.5% on year in March 2025
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 8.1% on year in February 2025
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 9.1% on year in January 2025

A complete series of articles on Singapore bunker volumes reported by Manifold Times tracked since 2018 can be found via the link here.

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 15 July 2025

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Alternative Fuels

ITOCHU orders world’s first ammonia bunkering vessel for Singapore demonstration project

Company contracted Sasaki Shipbuilding to build the 5,000 m3 vessel and Izumi Steel Works to construct an ammonia tank plant that will be loaded onto the vessel, which is expected to be delivered in 2027.

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July 15, 2025

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ITOCHU orders world’s first ammonia bunkering vessel for Singapore demonstration project

ITOCHU Corporation (ITOCHU) on Monday (14 July) announced that it recently signed a shipbuilding contract for the construction of a 5,000 m3 ammonia bunkering vessel with Sasaki Shipbuilding. 

The company also announced an agreement regarding the construction of an ammonia tank plant that will be loaded onto the vessel with Izumi Steel Works. 

These agreements were signed by Clean Ammonia Bunkering Shipping Pte Ltd (CABS), a wholly owned Singapore-based specific purpose company of ITOCHU. 

In relation to this, CABS has concluded a financing agreement with The Hiroshima Bank for financing a part of purchase price of the vessel.

The agreements were concluded to pursue the Demonstration Project for Bunkering Ammonia as Marine Fuel in Singapore adopted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan as part of the Global South Future-oriented Co-Creation Project (large-scale demonstration in ASEAN member states). 

Going forward, with an eye toward the demonstration of ammonia bunkering in Singapore after building the world’s first newbuilding ammonia bunkering vessel, ITOCHU said efforts will be made to facilitate concrete discussions with the maritime stakeholders, including the port authority in Singapore, the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), and the fuel producers, while obtaining support from the Japanese Government.

The vessel is to be flagged under the Singapore Registry and is expected to be delivered in September 2027.

ITOCHU will establish a safe offshore bunkering operation of ammonia as marine fuel by way of ship-to-ship transfer through the development and construction of the vessel and demonstration. 

Then, by utilising the vessel, ITOCHU will establish connection between the first movers in clean ammonia production and the first movers in the ammonia-fueled vessels and secure initial demand for ammonia as marine fuel, aiming at the commercialisation of ammonia bunkering business in Singapore and expansion of similar business model to major maritime transportation points around the world, including Spain (Strait of Gibraltar), Egypt (Suez Canal) and Japan.

 

Photo credit: ITOCHU Corporation
Published: 15 July 2025

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Business

S@S Week 2025: Singapore conducts chemical spill exercise to gear up for methanol bunkering

Exercise simulated a methanol spill from a collision involving a methanol-carrying tanker off Singapore’s southern coast, triggering a multi-agency response which included spill containment.

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July 15, 2025

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RESIZED bunker tanker singapore

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Tuesday (15 July) conducted a multi-agency chemical spill exercise to strengthen Singapore’s operational readiness, as part of the International Safety@Sea (S@S) Week. 

MPA is organising the 12th edition of the S@S Week, with this year’s event being the international edition, taking place from 15 to 18 July 2025. 

Conducted off Singapore’s southern coast, the exercise involved 11 vessels and over 150 personnel from more than 10 government agencies and industry partners. Mr Murali, Mr Dominguez and Secretary-General, International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation, Mr Francis Zachariae, observed the exercise.

The exercise simulated a methanol spill from a collision involving a methanol-carrying tanker, triggering a multi-agency response. This included coordinated efforts for spill containment and the evacuation of injured crew. A range of drone-enabled technologies was trialled during the exercise, including 3D imaging to assess vessel damage and a water curtain misting system to limit the spread of chemical plumes. An Uncrewed Surface Vehicle was also deployed to monitor air quality, reducing the need for responders to enter hazardous zones to perform such monitoring. The Maritime Digital Twin and chemical plume modelling tools were used to enhance situational awareness and support decision-making throughout the exercise.

The exercise is part of MPA’s broader preparations for methanol bunkering and provided a valuable opportunity for agencies and industry partners to better understand the safety and operational challenges, and potential solutions, in handling alternative fuels. Following an open call in March 2025, MPA has received 13 applications for methanol bunker supplier licenses, reflecting strong industry interest in supplying methanol on a commercial scale in Singapore. MPA is evaluating the applications and targets to issue the licenses in Q4 2025, which will cover the period from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030. 

Themed ‘The Future of Maritime Safety: Navigating the Next Frontier’, the annual event brings together local and international maritime experts, and the maritime community to promote awareness and facilitate discussions on maritime safety. 

Speaking at the opening today, Mr Murali Pillai, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport, said that the maritime sector is facing increasingly complex global challenges, including heightened geopolitical tensions, climate change, and rapid transformation in digitalisation and decarbonisation. He highlighted that we can tackle these challenges by (i) equipping our workforce for future challenges, (ii) harnessing collective expertise through close collaborations and partnerships, and (iii) drawing upon technology and innovation to augment our capabilities. 

In his keynote address, Mr Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), underscored the need for robust safety frameworks and regulations as the maritime landscape evolves. He cited Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships and new ship designs and systems using sustainable marine fuels as examples of how the maritime sector is transforming and outlined IMO’s priorities in those areas. Mr Dominguez also highlighted the importance of government-industry collaboration and initiatives like the Safety@Sea Singapore Campaign to foster a safety-first culture at sea.  

This year’s conference features 19 speakers across three plenaries. Discussions will focus on issues shaping the future of maritime safety, including lessons learned from past incidents, and the human element in ensuring safety as the industry transforms. A new Safety@Sea Community Conversations event will also bring together representatives from shipping companies, regional ferry operators, harbour craft operators and terminal operators to share their experiences and efforts in fostering a safety culture in their organisations. 

Over 1,800 participants from more than 40 countries are expected to participate in the week’s sessions. Other highlights include the Responders Plus Programme (RPP) Maritime Workshop jointly organised by MPA and the Singapore Civil Defence Force, and two safety forums organised by the MPA-Harbour Craft and MPA-Pleasure Craft Safety Work Groups to promote safety awareness and best practices within the local maritime community. 

MPA is also enhancing safety across other areas of port operations. In collaboration with Skyports Drone Services, TFG Marine and CBS Ventures, MPA and the partners will complete Singapore’s first shore-to-ship drone trials for delivery and retrieval operations from bunker tankers later this week. 

The use of drones reduces reliance on harbour craft for such operations, improving efficiency while reducing pollution and congestion. 

It also minimises safety risks by removing the need for crew to handle and transfer heavy items between the ship and shore using harbour craft. Safety considerations, including the management of electrostatic discharge risks during the drone operations, are carefully reviewed in preparation for the trials. 

Findings from these trials will inform the development of safety protocols and an operational framework to support the phased implementation of this new maritime service.

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 15 July 2025

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