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MPA: Singapore bunker tanker fleet expected to run on net zero fuels by 2050

Net zero fuels such as ammonia, hydrogen, or methanol to be fuels used by Singapore’s 250 larger-sized harbour craft, mainly bunker tankers, by 2050.

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Singapore’s bunker tankers will be expected to run on net zero fuels such as ammonia, hydrogen, or methanol by 2050, according to a recent Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) report.

The Maritime Singapore Decarbonisation Blueprint: Working Towards 2050 document introduced Wednesday (9 March) outlined the future energy mix of Singapore’s domestic harbour craft fleet.

“By 2030, MPA aims to reduce absolute emissions from the domestic harbour craft fleet by 15% from 2021 levels, through the adoption of lower carbon energy solutions such as blended biofuel, LNG, diesel-electric hybrid propulsion, and full electric propulsion,” it states in the blueprint.

“By 2050, MPA aims for the harbour craft fleet to halve 2030-level emissions by transitioning to full-electric propulsion and net zero fuels.”

MPA in collaboration with the Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD CoE), a research unit jointly funded by Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), started a study of potential energy options for Singapore’s harbour craft industry over a thirty-year horizon.

The study completed in March 2020 evaluated and ranked ten energy types, taking into consideration their existing levels of adoption as well as future potential for deployment in the local harbour craft fleet.

Biofuel Compatibility Study for Singapore Harbour Craft

Findings from the study indicated biofuels (fatty acid methyl esters and hydrotreated vegetable oil) were the most feasible interim transition fuel, while LNG could be suitable for some larger types of harbour craft.

Other future fuels and energy solutions (including fuel cells, full electric battery systems, ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol) could gain maturity and commercial viability in the long term to achieve 2050 targets.

Based on the study’s findings and taking into consideration the diverse range of harbour craft types in Singapore’s domestic fleet, the 1,350 smaller-sized harbour craft – comprising launches, lighters, passenger ferries, tugboats – are expected to transit to fuel cells or full electric battery systems by 2050.

The 250 larger-sized harbour craft – mainly bunker tankers – are expected to run on net zero fuels such as ammonia, hydrogen, or methanol by the similar year.

Dr Sanjay Kuttan, the Executive Director at Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI), earlier told Manifold Times that it is ‘a matter of time’ before Singapore’s bunker tanker and harbour craft population start considering the use of electrification technologies for propulsion.

Related: Singapore: MPA maritime decarbonisation blueprint sets target for bunkering sector
Related: NTU and SMI report helps shipping industry adopt alternative and greener marine fuels
Related: SMTC 2021: Electrification of Singapore bunker tankers and harbour craft in government pipeline, says SMI

 

Photo credit and source: Maritime Singapore Decarbonisation Blueprint: Working Towards 2050
Published: 11 March, 2022

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Methanol

China: Stolthaven collaborates with ITOCHU Corporation for green methanol bunkering and export ops

Partnership will focus on development of a methanol bunkering system and enhancing methanol export capabilities.

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Stolthaven logo MT

Stolthaven Terminals, through its joint venture Tianjin Stolthaven Lingang Terminal (Stolthaven Lingang), on Thursday (12 June) said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Itochu Corporation to collaborate on storage and logistics solutions for green methanol.

This strategic partnership will focus on supporting the growing demand for low-carbon fuels through the development of a methanol bunkering system and enhancing methanol export capabilities.

Stolthaven Lingang has world-class terminal infrastructure and a strategic location in the Tianjin Lingang Industrial Zone in China. Through this MoU with Itochu, Stolthaven Lingang will seek to strengthen the supply chain infrastructure needed for alternative fuels.

Methanol is emerging as a viable marine fuel due to its lower carbon intensity and existing ease of handling, and the development of methanol bunkering services is expected to serve the increasing demand from the shipping sector.

Selenna Xu, general manager, Tianjin Stolthaven Lingang Terminal says: “This strategic partnership represents a pivotal step in building a green energy storage and transportation ecosystem in Northern China. By combining our terminal network and service innovation with Itochu’s global expertise, we aim to drive forward the development of a green energy hub for the region, with export capabilities beyond China.”

Satoshi Tojo, general manager at Itochu Corporation comments: “Itochu Corporation is committed to advancing the green methanol value chain through strategic partnerships and innovation. By leveraging our extensive global network and expertise in the energy and chemicals sectors, we are well-positioned to significantly contribute to the transition towards cleaner fuels.”

 

Photo credit: Stolthaven Terminals
Published: 13 June 2025

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Biofuel

LR: “Whitchampion” becomes first bunker tanker certified to load, carry and blend FAME B100 onboard

Second Whitaker tanker, Whitchallenger, will be undergoing a similar approval process and is expected to be certified later this year.

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Whttaker Whitchampion MT

Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) on Thursday (12 June) claim UK-based bunker operator John H. Whitaker (Tankers) Limited’s bunker tanker Whitchampion has become the first in the industry to load, carry and blend Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME B100) onboard under IBC Code and MARPOL Annex II regulations.

The development occurred after LR issued a chemical certification to allow Whitchampion to perform onboard blending of biofuels with petroleum distillates and residual fuel oils. The operation is authorised within UK coastal waters under a Tri-Partite Agreement between the Isle of Man Flag and the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UKMCA).

A second Whitaker tanker, Whitchallenger, will be undergoing a similar approval process and is expected to be certified later this year.

At present, bunker tankers certified under MARPOL Annex I are limited to carrying blends no more than 30% FAME under IMO regulations. Oil Fuels with higher bio-content fall under International Bulk Chemical Code (IBC Code) and MARPOL Annex II, typically requiring full chemical tanker status. That regulation has, in effect, frozen out a significant portion of the conventional bunker tanker fleet from supporting mid-to-high-range biofuel blending.

Whitaker’s Whitchampion is the first LR-classed vessel to bridge that gap. Through comprehensive Gap Analysis and Risk Assessment against the IBC Code and MARPOL Annex II requirements, LR developed an approach which involved mitigation of the assessed risks. This led to obtaining waivers/exemptions from the Flag Administration allowing this Annex I bunker tanker to gain chemical certification to carry FAME as cargo, without needing to convert to full chemical tanker status.

The successful delivery of dedicated onboard training on the safe handling of FAME has also led to UKMCA approval and a FAME Restricted endorsement to the existing Oil Tanker Dangerous Cargo Endorsement (DCE) for the crew.

Tim Wilson, Principal Specialist Fuels and Emissions, LR, said: “This certification demonstrates a credible and commercially viable route for existing bunker tankers to participate in the energy transition. It sets a clear blueprint for others to follow, enabling owners to consider the possibility of adapting existing bunker tankers for sustainable fuel delivery without resorting to prohibitively expensive conversions or replacement with a chemical tanker.”

Peter Howard, Technical Director at Whitaker Tankers, added: “This certification is the result of focused determination from all involved and underlines Whitaker’s commitment to providing clients with the flexibility they need to meet their decarbonisation goals. We’re proud to lead the way in this space with Whitchampion and look forward to progressing a similar certification with LR for her sister ship Whitchallenger later this year.”

 

Photo credit: Lloyd’s Register
Published: 13 June 2025

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Alternative Fuels

China’s SDARI receives AiPs for alternative-fuelled ships including ammonia bunker vessel

CSSC’s SDARI obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) certificates from classification societies ABS, RINA and LR for four vessel designs including a 50,000 cubic metre ammonia bunkering vessel.

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China’s SDARI receives AiPs for alternative-fuelled ships including ammonia bunker vessel

China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s (CSSC) Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI) recently obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) certificates from several classification societies for four vessel designs. 

Among the four is a 50,000 cubic metre (m3) ammonia bunkering vessel, which received AiP certificate from American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). 

It integrates liquid ammonia transportation and bunkering functions and can meet the long-distance transportation needs of liquefied gas goods such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquid ammonia. 

The ship is equipped with three IMO Type A independent liquid cargo tanks, and uses zero-carbon ammonia fuel to drive the main engine and generator, meeting the IMO greenhouse gas emission reduction strategy and actively responding to the latest greenhouse gas intensity (GFI) requirements of the 83rd meeting of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83). 

The entire ship is equipped with two independent 1,000 m3 deck liquid ammonia storage tanks, taking into account the ammonia fuel endurance requirements under multi-cargo loading and unloading, significantly improving operational economy and flexibility. 

In response to the needs of bunkering operations, it is specially equipped with a retractable bow thruster, side thruster and adjustable propellers to meet ABS’ DPS-1 notation and adapt to the complex port environment of bunkering operations. 

China’s SDARI receives AiPs for alternative-fuelled ships including ammonia bunker vessel

Meanwhile, a dual-fuel LNG/hydrogen-powered Ultramax bulker design and a 30,000 GT Roll-On/Roll-Off Passenger (ROPAX) ship designed to sail in the Mediterranean Sea received AiP certificates from RINA. 

SDARI also received AiP from Lloyd’s Register (LR) for a 113,000 dwt ammonia dual-fuel liquid cargo ship. The optimised propulsion system, specially configured with an ammonia dual-fuel power system and a wind-assisted propulsion system, is expected to save more than 10% energy, especially at low speeds. 

 

Photo credit: Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute
Published: 12 June, 2025

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