The 50^th 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.

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

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

Shipowner and marine engineering solutions provider James Fisher and Sons (James Fisher) on Thursday (3 July) said it has marked a major construction milestone in the build of its LNG dual-fuel chemical tankers at the China Merchants Industry Yangzhou Dingheng Shipyard (YZDH).  

The company said the keel was laid for Orca Fisher, the first of four vessels in the Sealife class, in late May. 

The vessels were introduced as part of James Fisher’s Fleet of the Future, a long-term programme to modernise its tankships fleet with more efficient, lower-carbon vessels that support the use of alternative fuel propulsion. 

The new fleet – which include Orca Fisher, Narwhal Fisher, Tiger Fisher and Dolphin Fisher – are scheduled to join the fleet from early 2026, fulfilling the long-term demand for mid-sized ships in North-West Europe coastal shipping markets.  

Michael Arkley, Product Line Director (Tankships) at James Fisher, said: “This milestone marks more than the start of a hull – it’s a continuation of our ongoing and unwavering commitment to decarbonise the fleet and strengthen operational performance for our customers. It also reflects the depth of collaboration and trust we’ve built with YZDH, Bureau Veritas, Alpha Marine and other key partners across two successful newbuild programmes to date.”

The latest programme follows the successful delivery of Sir John Fisher and Lady Maria Fisher in 2023. Together, the vessels represent a third of James Fisher’s fleet and a multi-year partnership with YZDH, now responsible for constructing six of its ships.  

Manifold Times previously reported James Fisher ordering four new LNG dual fuel tankers from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou) Dingheng.

Related: James Fisher orders LNG dual-fuel tanker quartet from Chinese shipyard

Photo credit: James Fisher and Sons
Published: 4 July, 2025