Alternative Fuels

Korean Register issues AiP for methanol-fuelled MR tanker

K Shipbuilding led vessel’s basic design and methanol fuel tank design and S&SYS undertook fuel supply system development; KR ensured safety and regulatory compliance.

Published

6 months ago

June 7, 2023

Admin

Classification society Korean Register (KR) on Tuesday (6 June) granted an Approval in Principle (AiP) for a methanol-fuelled MR tanker, jointly developed by KR, South Korean shipbuilder K Shipbuilding and equipment manufacturer S&SYS at Nor-Shipping 2023 in Oslo, Norway on 6 June.

As part of the Joint Development Project (JDP) between the three companies, the MR tanker is designed as a dual-fuel vessel, harnessing the power of marine gas oil (MGO) and methanol. The vessel incorporates two methanol fuel tanks positioned on the port and starboard sides of the open deck.

K Shipbuilding spearheaded the vessel's basic design and the methanol fuel tank design, while S&SYS undertook the development of the fuel supply system. KR ensured the safety and regulatory compliance of the design by thoroughly reviewing national and international regulations, leading to the issuance of the AiP for the methanol-fueled MR tanker.

With an increasing focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime industry, the adoption of decarbonized alternative fuels has become imperative. Initiatives like the EU's 'Fit for 55' package, targeting a minimum 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, have underscored the urgency for shipping companies to explore viable solutions. Consequently, many major shipping companies have recently placed orders for methanol dual fuel vessels.

Methanol possesses significant advantages as a marine fuel. It is a liquid fuel similar to bunker fuel at room temperature, eliminating the need for pressurization. Compared to extreme temperature fuels like LNG at -162 degrees Celsius, hydrogen at -253 degrees Celsius, and ammonia at -34 degrees Celsius, methanol is easier to store and transport. Furthermore, it is considered a green fuel with strong potential for commercialization in the maritime sector due to its technical feasibility, less toxic nature compared to ammonia, and lower technical requirements compared to LNG fuel.

Lee Hyungchul, Chairman & CEO of KR, said:“KR remains committed to advancing decarbonized alternative fuel technologies, with a particular focus on providing technical support for decarbonization efforts. The ‘Methanol Fueled MR Tanker’ joint development project stands as a testament to KR's dedication to driving the industry's transition towards greener solutions.”

Jang Yoonkeun, CEO of K Shipbuilding, said:“We are delighted to see that our years of hard work to develop green-fueled vessels has resulted in today’s AIP for the methanol-fueled MR tanker. We will further improve our technologies and pursue innovations to contribute to maritime decarbonization.”

Photo credit: Korean Register
Published: 7 June, 2023

Biofuel

Singapore: Kenoil enters milestone with STS bunker delivery of ISCC certified bio-blended LSMGO

Biofuel blended parcel also marked Kenoil’s first sale as an ISCC-certified marine fuel supplier to a prominent energy trader, which was subsequently delivered to a cruise ship in Singapore.

Published

15 mins ago

December 1, 2023

Admin

296Singapore: Kenoil enters milestone with STS bunker delivery of ISCC certified bio-blended LSMGO

ISCC-certified marine fuel supplier Kenoil Marine Services (Kenoil) on Friday (1 December) said it has successfully carried out the inaugural ship-to-ship bunker delivery of biofuel-blended low sulphur marine gas oil in Singapore.

The sustainable biofuel blend used in this milestone bunkering operation was a B24 composite blend of low sulphur marine gas oil and UCOME (Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester).

The 200 metric tonnes (mt) parcel was loaded onto Kosmos Lily, a bunker tanker operated by Kenoil, at Jurong Port via ISO road tankers.

This biofuel blended parcel also marked Kenoil’s first sale as an ISCC-certified marine fuel supplier to a prominent energy trader, which was subsequently delivered to a cruise ship in Singapore.

Desmond Chong, Managing Director, Kenoil Marine Services, said: “We are thrilled to play an integral role in the biofuel bunker supply chain alongside forerunners in sustainable fuels. As an established bunker tanker operator and supplier, Kenoil stays abreast of emerging developments in marine fuels by collaborating with like-minded partners to provide tangible solutions to the shipping industry to meet IMO’s carbon emissions targets.”

The growing momentum towards biofuels is attributed to the readily available supply, existing infrastructure and mature technology. Biofuels not only meet sulphur compliance regulations, they also present an opportunity for vessels to reduce their CO2 emissions.

Chong emphasised Kenoil’s steadfast commitment to green shipping through active participation in various ongoing initiatives.

“Our objective is to actively contribute to the bunker supply chain, with a dedicated focus on sustainable fuels, and play a part in the advancement of Singapore as a multi-fuel bunkering hub,” he said.

Photo credit: Kenoil Marine Services
Published: 1 December, 2023

Alternative Fuels

MPA and IACS ink LOI to collaborate on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation initiatives

LOI will focus on key areas such as marine electrification, the use of zero- and low-carbon bunker fuels onboard vessels, smart and autonomous ships, and digitalisation and cybersecurity.

Published

20 mins ago

December 1, 2023

Admin

MPA and IACS ink LOI to collaborate on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation initiatives

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) on Thursday (30 November) said they have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to collaborate on various maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation initiatives.

The LOI was signed by Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA and Mr Nick Brown, Council Chairman of IACS, at the sidelines of the 33rd session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly (A33) in London today.

Under the LOI, both parties will consider the development of technical standards and unified requirements to ensure that new maritime solutions are safely implemented.

The LOI will focus on key areas such as smart and autonomous ships, digitalisation and cybersecurity, marine electrification, and the use of zero- and low-carbon bunker fuels onboard vessels.

As part of the collaboration, both parties will have regular information and knowledge exchange, including discussions on industry challenges and opportunities, standards, best practices, and emerging technologies.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, said, “As we advance and accelerate the development of new technologies and solutions which benefit the global maritime community, it is important for harmonised standards to be adopted to ensure that these solutions can be implemented safely. We look forward to contributing and working closely with IACS to shape and develop standards that can help to ensure the safety of seafarers and protection of the marine environment.”

Nick Brown, IACS Chair, said: “This novel arrangement with the Singapore MPA will assist IACS’ efforts to keep safety at the forefront of the decarbonisation agenda by facilitating access to the data and expertise of one of shipping’s key bunkering and global hub ports.”

“By looking at the entire future fuel supply chain, IACS will be better able to address all the risk and mitigation measures that will need to be implemented onboard vessels and so ensure that safety considerations are front and centre when evaluating the prioritisation and deployment of the new fuels and technologies necessary to support the industry’s transition to a decarbonised future.”

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 1 December, 2023

Events

DNV, VPS, ZeroNorth and EMF among Marine Fuels 360 Award winners

Informa Markets announced recipients to twelve open awards across four sectors – Shipping, Bunker Trade & Supply, Decarbonisation & Technology and Bunkering services – and three special awards.

Published

1 hour ago

December 1, 2023

Admin

DNV, VPS, ZeroNorth and Equatorial Marine Fuel among Marine Fuels 360 Award winners

Informa Markets on Wednesday (29 November) announced the recipients to the inaugural Marine Fuels 360 Awards 2023 at a Gala Dinner held at the Marina Bay Sands.

Twelve open awards across four sectors – Shipping, Bunker Trade & Supply, Decarbonisation & Technology and Bunkering services were conferred, evaluated by a panel of judges formed by industry thought-leaders.

The hotly contested Decarbonisation Technology Award was awarded to Anemoi Marine Technologies, with their Rotor Sails technology standing out as an innovative, safe and effective solution for reducing environmental impact of the shipping industry, as well as its potential for wide- scale adoption.

Kim Diederichsen, CEO of Anemoi Marine Technologies, said: “What we do is we bring wind technology to the market, namely rotor sails. It's an honour being here, receiving this prestigious award this night.” Reducing fuel consumption and emissions on commercial vessels through utilising wind power for auxiliary propulsion, the technology can be adapted to various vessel types and sizes from existing vessels to newbuilds, to enhance their Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI).

TFG Marine Pte Ltd was awarded the Physical Supplier of the Year Award. It stands out as an industry leader for its scale of operations, proactive approach to decarbonisation, investment in technology, commitment to transparency and customer service. As one of the world’s largest physical bunker suppliers, TFG has delivered more than 10 million tons to over 480 clients globally over the last financial year.

Marine Fuels 360 Conference — *Marine Fuels 360 Awards*

“TFG is very honoured to get this award and it's a recognition of the hard work and the good work we have done and also the milestones we have achieved so far for the whole of the year. We will continue to strive to provide good services and transparency to our customers, support all the alternative fuels and energy transitions across all spectrum”, said Soo Yong, Regional Bunker Sales.

Three special awards were also presented to celebrate the recognise the outstanding work and exemplary contributions to three individuals, recognising their performance in the bunkering industry – Industry Icon, CEO of the Year and Lifetime Achievement:

The Industry Icon Award goes to Mr Choong Kien Siong, President, Equatorial Marine Fuel Management Services Pte Ltd, who said: “It is a great honour to receive this prestigious award. Together withthe new generation, Equatorial Marine Fuel will continue to adapt and reinvent ourselves as we sail into the green economy.”

The CEO of the Year was presented to Mr. Russell Hardy, Group CEO, Vitol Services Ltd. Receiving the award on his behalf is Captain Rishab Bahl, Managing Director of Mansel Pte Ltd, said: “The maritime industry has committed to a major decarbonisation mission and this is not going to be without challenges. Our industry will turn to Singapore for leadership and our industry has committed to a major decarbonisation mission where we will support Singapore’s decarbonising journey.

The honorary Lifetime Achievement was also conferred to Capt. Rajesh Unni, Executive Chairman, Synergy Marine Group, who said: “If there is one thing that I have learnt, is that Singapore offersthe opportunity on the basis of meritocracy, there is hope for people to take and given their all and there is chance, so I am grateful for this country for giving us the opportunity and that I have made some impact in your life, that hopefully is my mission.

The full list of awardees as below:

Shipping

Shipping Company of the Year - Hafnia
Ship Manager of the Year – Synergy Marine Group

Bunker Trade & Supply

Physical Supplier of the Year – TFG Marine Pte Ltd
Physical Trader of the Year - Minerva Bunkering Pte Ltd
Deal of the Year - Shell North America LNG
Alternative-Fuelled Vessel Design of the Year - Eaglestar Shipmanagement (S) Pte Ltd
Supply Chain & Logistics Excellence of the Year - TotalEnergies Marine Fuels Pte. Ltd.

Decarbonisation & Technology

Decarbonisation Technology - Anemoi Marine Technologies
Digitalisation- ZeroNorth
Start-Up of the Year - Njord

Bunkering Services

Classification Society - DNV
Marine Fuel Testing & Inspection Excellence - Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS)

Special Awards

Industry Icon – Mr Choong Kien Siong, Equatorial Marine Fuel Management Services Pte Ltd
CEO of the Year - Mr. Russell Hardy, Vitol Services Ltd
Lifetime Achievement – Capt. Rajesh Unni, Synergy Marine Group

Photo credit: Informa Markets
Published: 1 December, 2023