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Maersk: Charting the course to a climate-neutral Europe and sustainable shipping

The CEO of A.P. Moller – Maersk says it is naïve to believe the recently published European Commission “fit for 55” package “only” aims to reduce emissions.

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Søren Skou, the CEO of A.P. Moller - Maersk on Wednesday (14 July) offered his thoughts on the recently published European Commission “fit for 55” legislative package in a social media post:

Today, the European Commission published its long-awaited “fit for 55” legislative package. This basket of measures will affect all sectors of the European economy as only a concerted effort can make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050 and deliver the EU’s 2030 emissions reduction objective of at least net 55%. It is naïve to believe that the “fit for 55” package “only” aims to reduce emissions. 

It should also be seen as the European Commission’s push to ensure that the EU does not miss out on the green energy revolution. It is simply an opportunity our old continent cannot afford to miss.

A Virtuous triangle: fuels, ships and infrastructure

When it comes to shipping, three key measures are put forward by the European Commission:

  1. The inclusion of shipping into the EU ETS;
  2. The FuelsEU Maritime Regulation; and
  3. The revision of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED).

This regulatory triangle will aim to incentivize the right behavior (ETS), push the use of the right fuels (FuelsEU) and support the production of these fuels (RED revision). For Maersk, the EU has chosen the right approach. All three elements, provided that they complement each other, can accelerate the decarbonization of shipping.

Maersk supports the phased approach chosen in ETS and the strong focus on spurring and financing innovative and not yet commercially viable technologies. The ETS proceedings can and should serve to cover part of the competitiveness gap of new renewable fuels that shipping will start using shortly, instead of ending up as subsidies for existing technology.

Future proofing regulation: fuel lifecycles and CO2 equivalents

But all three elements of this regulatory triangle also need to consider the journey towards decarbonisation. We must not end-up picking winners (i.e. fuels) which are immature and sit on our hands until these become viable. Shipping needs to lower its emissions today and advanced biofuels such as green biomethanol should consequently be supported, at least for a period.

This can be done through an incentive mechanism in FuelsEU or RED for specific fuels based on their lifecycle emissions and their CO2 equivalent contents. Life Cycle Assessment will also ensure that we don’t push uptake of fuels with emissions elsewhere in the chain than from the ship. Only focusing on the CO2 coming out of the stack of the ship is no longer a credible or scientific path.

Stay at the IMO table

As stated previously, Maersk believes that the EU basket of measures should serve as an incubator to show the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that significant GHG reductions are possible and do not lead to major increases in consumer prices. We still believe that the EU should start with applying its virtuous regulatory triangle to intra-EU trade and then move to a broader scope if the IMO has not delivered by 2025. This will secure that EU Member States still have a strong voice at IMO based on facts and not politics. More importantly, it will be fundamental in securing a global carbon price for the 85% of shipping emissions not covered by the full EU MRV scope. By setting a deadline in 2025 we also acknowledge that we will not wait forever for the IMO. We need to see progress now.

Maersk looks forward to supporting and engaging with EU and non-EU stakeholders on the Fit for 55 package. This could chart the course for sustainable shipping and the EU’s role in transitioning our economies to climate neutrality.

 

Photo credit: Maersk
Source: LinkedIn
Published: 16 July, 2021

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Environment

Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia conduct table-top exercise to strengthen oil spill response

Exercise focused on several aspects including collaboration between government agencies and oil spill response firms to optimise oil spill response resources for incidents in Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Tuesday (11 February) conducted a table-top exercise (TTX) with Indonesia and Malaysia to enhance regional coordination and strengthen response capabilities for oil spills. The exercise brought together over 20 representatives from MPA, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Sea Transportation, Malaysia’s Environment Department, and oil spill response experts from ITOPF. As part of Singapore’s chairmanship of the Revolving Fund Committee (RFC) from April 2022 until March 2027, MPA led the TTX to foster collaboration between the littoral States of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The RFC, established through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the three littoral States and the Malacca Strait Council (MSC) in 1981, is a funding mechanism allowing each littoral State to draw cash advance from the Fund to combat oil spill from ships in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS). The exercise focused on coordination procedures to ensure swift and clear communication between the littoral States during an oil spill incident, rapid deployment of oil spill response assets by the littoral States, and collaboration between government agencies and oil spill response companies to optimise oil spill response resources for incidents in the SOMS. The response strategies and asset deployment plans tested during the TTX will be exercised during a Ground Deployment Exercise between the three littoral States and ITOPF in 2026. Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia conducts table-top exercise to strengthen oil spill response

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Tuesday (11 February) conducted a table-top exercise (TTX) with Indonesia and Malaysia to enhance regional coordination and strengthen response capabilities for oil spills. 

The exercise brought together over 20 representatives from MPA, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Sea Transportation, Malaysia’s Environment Department, and oil spill response experts from ITOPF.

As part of Singapore’s chairmanship of the Revolving Fund Committee (RFC) from April 2022 until March 2027, MPA led the TTX to foster collaboration between the littoral States of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. 

The RFC, established through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the three littoral States and the Malacca Strait Council (MSC) in 1981, is a funding mechanism allowing each littoral State to draw cash advance from the Fund to combat oil spill from ships in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS).

The exercise focused on coordination procedures to ensure swift and clear communication between the littoral States during an oil spill incident, rapid deployment of oil spill response assets by the littoral States, and collaboration between government agencies and oil spill response companies to optimise oil spill response resources for incidents in the SOMS.

The response strategies and asset deployment plans tested during the TTX will be exercised during a Ground Deployment Exercise between the three littoral States and ITOPF in 2026.

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 12 February, 2025

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LNG Bunkering

South Korea’s HJSC scores LNG bunkering vessel order from H-Line Shipping

HJ Shipbuilding & Construction has secured its first order of the year with a contract worth KRW 127.1 billion (USD 87.6 million) to build an 18,000㎥ LNG bunkering vessel for H-Line Shipping.

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South Korean HJSC scores LNG bunkering vessel order from H-Line Shipping

HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) has secured its first order of the year with a contract worth KRW 127.1 billion (USD 87.6 million) to build an 18,000㎥ LNG bunkering vessel for H-Line Shipping. 

The contracted vessel is a large-scale LNG bunkering ship measuring 144 meters in length, 25.2 meters in width, and 12.8 meters in depth. It is capable of supplying up to 18,000㎥ of LNG in a single operation to LNG-fuelled ships. 

Equipped with two independent LNG tanks certified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the vessel features a dual-fuel propulsion system that allows it to operate on both eco-friendly LNG and marine diesel oil. This advanced system ensures both stability and operational efficiency while effectively reducing carbon emissions.

Yoo Sang-cheol, CEO of HJSC, said, “As global LNG demand and supply continue to grow, the LNG bunkering vessel market will see steady expansion.” 

“We will focus on strengthening our expertise in building eco-friendly, high-value-added ships, securing a competitive edge that aligns with our legacy as a leader in shipbuilding.”

This achievement follows the company's success in 2014 when it built the world’s first 5,100㎥ LNG bunkering vessel for Japan’s NYK Line.

“This accomplishment also reinforces South Korea’s shipbuilding industry's efforts to enhance competitiveness by securing high-efficiency, environmentally friendly vessels in the global market,” HJSC said. 

“Notably, with the anticipated expansion of oil and natural gas drilling and the resumption of LNG exports under the second Trump administration in the US, the market for crude oil carriers, LNG carriers, and LNG bunkering vessels is expected to see significant growth.”

“This trend is likely to benefit the country’s highly competitive shipbuilding industry.”

 

Photo credit: HJ Shipbuilding & Construction
Published: 12 February, 2025

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Bunker Fuel

AMSOL tanker “Uhambo” commences offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay

Firm announced that its product tanker Uhambo has started offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay, signalling that the service has resumed in the maritime bay of South Africa.

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AMSOL tanker “Uhambo” commences offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay

Marine services provider AMSOL recently announced that its product tanker Uhambo has started offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay, signalling that the service has resumed in the maritime bay in South Africa.  

“Now flying the South African flag and an important platform for the ongoing training and development of tanker-endorsed South African seafarers, the Uhambo has commenced offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay, delivering locally refined marine fuel on behalf of its oil industry client,” the company said in a statement shared with Manifold Times

In November 2024, the South African Revenue Services (SARS) released new protocols including amendments under sections 21, 60, and 120 of the Customs and Excise Act. Some amendments pertain to the storage of imported bonded fuel goods in designated customs and excise storage warehouses.

SARS' move was anticipated to facilitate bunkering to resume off Algoa Bay, which has been shut down since September 2023

AMSOL’s Chief Commercial Officer Graham Dreyden, said: “Our ability to comply with stringent operating regulations and legislation as well as international maritime and marine standards underpins AMSOL’s track record.”

“This is the case for operations in Algoa Bay and we have worked closely with authorities and relevant stakeholders to ensure all legislative requirements for offshore bunkering operations are met.”

AMSOL’s CEO Dan Ngakane said he is positive about the growth of the company and its broader impact. 

“We have acquired five vessels in the last 4 years in order to meet the needs of our clients in the region for reliable and professional, risk managed marine solutions,” he said.

“In leading growth in the South African maritime sector, we remain committed to meeting the highest standards for environmental protection, safety and compliance whilst developing the talent required to keep our industry growing and moving forward.”

AMSOL said it is the only marine services business operating in the region with a proven track record in effective management of risk-mitigated fuel transfers through a portfolio of services that include in-port bunker delivery, offshore bunkering, ship-to-ship fuel transfer services and offshore terminal management.

Related: ENGINE: SARS releases final rules for South Africa’s offshore bunkering
Related: SARS seeks public comments on amendments to bonded bunker fuel storage regulations
Related: South African Revenue Service issues media statement on detention of bunkering vessels
Related: ENGINE: Algoa Bay bunkering at a standstill as authority detains barges – sources
Related: ENGINE: Algoa Bay closure spurs surge in bunker calls at nearby ports

 

Photo credit: AMSOL
Published: 12 February, 2025

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