Connect with us

Alternative Fuels

NTU MESD receives SGD 12 million to further explore maritime decarbonisation

Phase Two to include studies on Bio-LNG, ammonia bunkering, methanol, CCUS, and value chain and impact analysis of alternative maritime energy.

Admin

Published

on

Digitalisation and AI for Maritime Sector 01

Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Finance and Transport Chee Hong Tat on Tuesday (11 October) said the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) will be awarding a total SGD 22 million to support the Maritime Energy and Sustainable Development (MESD) Centre of Excellence and Centre of Excellence in Modelling and Simulation for Next Generation Ports (C4NGP).

Maritime Energy and Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence

Specifically, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) will receive SGD 12 million in additional funding over the next five-year period to support MESD’s efforts to deepen research for 14 maritime decarbonisation R&D projects that were developed in Phase One for potential industry deployment in Phase Two.

The MESD will initiate joint projects on 16 R&D areas which it has identified with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and industry partners. These projects include trials on alternative bunker fuels and energy sources, as well as associated adoption pathways.

“SMI is pleased to support the Phase Two funding for MESD and C4NGP,” said SMI Chairman Mr Wong Weng Sun.

“The two centres of excellence form the repositories of deep expertise and knowledge in the respective areas of green shipping and next generation port, and have made significant R&D achievements since their establishment.

“In the next phase, the Centres will focus efforts on translating their rich R&D capabilities for industry adoption. They will continue their role in supporting and building a strong and vibrant research and innovation ecosystem through maritime R&D excellence.”

Digitalisation and AI for Maritime Sector 02

Developments of MESD during Phase One (September 2017 – September 2022)

MESD covered the following three R&D focus areas in Phase One:

  • Energy management using energy management tools and waste energy recovery system for enhancing the performance of ports and ships.
  • Emission management through alternate, clean energy or fuel and emission control and monitoring to provide solutions for port and ship operators to meet global standard and handle future regulations.
  • Sustainable maritime operations to ensure that innovative approaches are practical and economically viable for ships and ports.

Some of the projects that had been undertaken in Phase One include:

  • Ammonia as marine fuel in Singapore;
  • Technical and operational feasibility of methanol fuelled vessels in China and Singapore;
  • Bio-liquefied natural gas (LNG) in shipping industry decarbonisation;
  • Study of alternative sources of energy for next generation multipurpose port;
  • Sustainable biofuel pathway for maritime application; and
  • Methanol as marine fuel for Singapore harbour craft

Developments of MESD during Phase Two (September 2022 – September 2027)

In the next phase of the centre’s research work, MESD aims to focus on emissions management and decarbonisation of maritime operations. This shift in focus will support Singapore’s energy strategy to switch to low-carbon alternatives. MESD’s work will also help to develop the energy value chain to support both harbour operations and international shipping in Singapore.

MESD will also endeavour to drive technology translation and place additional effort to push novel concepts from research projects in Phase One to the next level of readiness towards industry adoption in Phase Two by actively seeking joint projects with industry partners and agencies.

MESD has identified 16 R&D projects for Phase Two with inputs from MPA and is aligned with the recommendations from the Singapore Maritime Foundation’s international advisory panel on Maritime decarbonisation.

Some of the R&D projects to be undertaken by MESD in its Phase Two include:

  1. Bio-LNG for decarbonisation of international shipping
  2. Ammonia bunkering operation safety, mitigation and environmental impact study
  3. Methanol as a bunker fuel
  4. In-situ utilisation of carbon dioxide for shipboard application
  5. Carbon capture utilisation and storage scale up and sea trial
  6. Value chain and impact analysis of alternative maritime energy

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 12 October, 2022

Continue Reading

Biofuel

GREENMARINE and Vertoro to accelerate adoption of lignin-alcohol as marine fuel

Like fossil oil, liquid lignin can be used as a platform for fuel, chemical and material applications.

Admin

Published

on

By

Chuttersnap 1 1 MT

Methanol marine fuels consultancy GREENMARINE and Vertoro, a Maersk-backed Dutch start-up focused on developing liquid lignin technology which can be used as a bunker fuel, has signed an agreement to jointly accelerate the market validation and commercial roll-out of lignin-alcohol as sustainable marine fuels.

“We at GREENMARINE Group are excited to join forces with Vertoro to bring their revolutionary lignin alcohol blend fuel to market,” said Fredrik Stubner, founder and CEO of GREENMARINE Group.

“This breakthrough technology redefines sustainable maritime fuels, delivering environmental benefits and cost efficiencies, paving the way for a greener, more competitive shipping industry.”

Dr. Michael Boot Boot, co-founder & co-CEO Vertoro, replied, “GREENMARINE Group has an excellent track record as a match maker for green fuel producers with engine manufacturers and shipping companies, opening many doors for us on both the fuel validation and offtake side.”

Vertoro, founded in 2017, produces liquid lignin exclusively from sustainably sourced forestry and agricultural residues by means of a patented thermochemical process. Like fossil oil, liquid lignin can be used as a platform for fuel, chemical and material applications.

Related: Maersk invests in Dutch start-up Vertoro to develop green lignin marine fuels

 

Photo credit: CHUTTERSNAP from Unsplash
Published: 11 July 2025

Continue Reading

Newbuilding

Singapore: Pinnacle Marine’s first B100 fuelled utility boat starts 1,000-hour research trial

Newbuilding operated by Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd will capture data on bunker fuel emissions, marine fuel behaviour, and performance.

Admin

Published

on

By

President MT

The 50th vessel constructed by local boat builder Pinnacle Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd, namely President 100, is starting 1,000 hours of real-time research trials in collaboration with several parties from Wednesday (9 July) onwards, it says.

Powered by B100 biodiesel, the newbuilding operated by Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd will capture data on bunker fuel emissions, marine fuel behaviour, and performance.

It will be participating in trials with Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD), Weichai Singapore, China Classification Society, Pacific International Lines (PTE) Ltd, Abo Shoten, Ltd. / 株式会社安保商店 , Abo Singapore, Wilmar International, Gulf Marine, Amspec Testing & Services, and AYK Engineering and Consulting.

President MT 02

The President 100, Pinnacle Marine’s first full biodiesel utility boat, was launched on Tuesday in the presence of over 100 guests.

“Our latest vessel, President 100, merges legacy and future. Named after our first aluminium boat (“President”) and inspired by B100 biodiesel, it leads the charge for our next 50 vessels — many of which will embrace green technology,” stated Pinnacle Marine in a LinkedIn post.

“The launch was amazing, with strong turnout from across the maritime sector — authorities, shipowners, operators, agencies, chandlers, researchers, offshore engineers, and petrochemical suppliers.”

It added: “We’re excited to see how it paves the way for wider adoption of B100 biodiesel — a cleaner, sustainable path for Singapore’s harbour craft sector.”

 

Photo credit: Pinnacle Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Published: 9 July 2025

Continue Reading

Newbuilding

BHP awards charter contracts for two ammonia dual-fuelled bulk carriers

BHP continues to work with the maritime industry to develop an ammonia bunkering plan for the two vessels when they are delivered from 2028.

Admin

Published

on

By

BHP ammonia DF charters

Global resources company BHP on Wednesday (2 July) signed contracts with COSCO Shipping Bulk Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of COSCO shipping Group (COSCO Shipping) for the charter of two ammonia dual-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carriers.

The new vessels to be built under this arrangement will be two of only a handful of vessels in the world capable of using ammonia as a bunker fuel.

The two vessels, expected to be delivered from 2028, will primarily transport iron ore from Western Australia to Northeast Asia.

When run on lower or low to zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ammonia, these vessels will be capable of reducing GHG emissions by at least 50% and up to 95% on a per voyage basis compared to a conventionally fuelled voyage.

The five-year time charter contracts are expected to contribute towards a reduction in the GHG emissions intensity of BHP chartered shipping.

BHP continues to work with the maritime industry to develop an ammonia bunkering plan – the process of fuelling ships with ammonia – for the two vessels when they are delivered from 2028.

Sourcing lower and low to zero GHG emissions ammonia is subject to an ongoing tender process.

 

Photo credit: BHP
Published: 9 July 2025

Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS



Trending