Business

Obituary: Singapore bunker surveying industry loses veteran Daniel Phua

Daniel Phua passed away while doing what he loved most – playing golf – on Thursday (7 October), learned bunkering publication Manifold Times.

Published

4 years ago

October 8, 2021

Admin

Singapore bunker surveyor veteran Daniel Phua passed away while doing what he loved most – playing golf – on Thursday (7 October), learned bunkering publication Manifold Times.

Professionally, Phua is the Director of surveying firm Potential Inspection Services and a Director of the Academy of International Maritime Studies; he is also the Founder and President of the 2017-established Association of Bunker Industry Singapore, also known as ABIS.

Personally, he is also known as a loving family man; Phua leaves behind son Phua Nahum with daughter in law – Chong Hui Ting; eldest daughter Phua Naomi with son-in-law Seah Chee Fong and grandson Micaiah Seah; and youngest daughter Phua Natassia.

Words from the Phua Family

“Thank you for being a selfless, caring and ever loving father. Bringing not just rice but also joy and laughter home. Always teaching and guiding us to soar to our highest but also to stay humble to the ground. We will always remember the lessons you’ve taught us and also we will miss you dearly,” says the Phua Family in a joint statement.

Madeline Lee, Sales Manager, Island Oil Trading (Singapore)

You always gave us your sincere advice whenever we asked. You doted on your family and was happiest with your brood surrounding you with your cooking. With a broken heart, I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge and will always miss your rich laughter. I just wish we have more times to share together but with the golden memories you left behind, it will be cherished. You will always be remembered in my heart. Have a great journey up there. RIP.

Dennis Ho, Managing Director, ElbOil Singapore

I got to know Daniel back in the days when IBIA Asia was still in its formative years. I remember fondly the time we spent together during SIBCON week organising an IBIA initiated golf event to raise money for a scholarship fund that till today is benefitting the younger generation aspiring for a career in the maritime industry.

We went to organise a few more golfing events over the years. Be it canvassing for sponsors or taking up a few golf flights for these events, Daniel’s support and commitment is always there. Over the years, we developed a relationship that is hard to describe – but you know he’s there when you need him. He will be greatly missed by the Singapore bunkering industry. May he rest in peace.

Simon Neo, Operations Director, Sevenseas Oil Trading

I have known Daniel, since 2004 when he first joined IBIA as a member and also as an EXCO member. His passion for golf is so strong, that he together with some members of the EXCO, started to organise an annual golf event for the industry and have been very successful at it. He also made great contribution to the bunker surveying industry by establishing the Association of Bunkering Industry Singapore, commonly known as ABIS, to raise voices of the bunker surveying industry. It is sad to hear of his passing and the bunker surveying industry will greatly miss him.

Douglas Raitt, Regional Advisory Services Manager, Lloyd’s Register

I have known Daniel pretty much since I arrived in Singapore over 20 years ago and came to know him as a very hard working entrepreneurial professional in the bunker industry. He always had an incredible sense of humour and dealing with him was a delight. We have lost a great man who contributed a lot to the industry.

Association of Bunker Industry (Singapore)

We are all deeply sadden and shocked upon the demise of our ABIS President. We have lost a comrade, a friend and a leader whom had taken us from a bunch of loose sand and mounded us into an effective association that made contribution to the bunkering industry. It would be difficult for us to replace him.

Gabian Chew, Founder, Manifold Times

Daniel has been one of the rare individuals unafraid to speak his mind when it comes to the more sensitive issues pertaining the Singapore bunkering industry; these qualities were probably what led him to setup ABIS in order to give bunker surveying firms a voice at Singapore port.

Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts; he will be remembered.

Details of the wake for wreaths and visitors are as follows:
Date: 8 October to 12 October
Address: Blk 328 Woodlands Street 32
Postal Code: 730328

Photo credit: Phua Family
Published: 8 October, 2021

Newbuilding

Tsuneishi delivers world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulker to NYK

“Green Future” was delivered at Tsuneishi factory on 13 May and will be chartered by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers, an NYK Group company, from Kambara Kisen.

Published

23 hours ago

May 15, 2025

Admin

Tsuneishi delivers world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulker to NYK

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding on Wednesday (14 May) said it has delivered the world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulk carrier, Green Future.

The 65,700 dwt vessel was delivered at its factory on 13 May and will be chartered by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers, an NYK Group company, from Kambara Kisen.

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding said the vessel maintains the high cargo capacity and fuel efficiency characteristic of the TESS66 Aeroline design series, while enabling more sustainable operations through the use of methanol as a fuel.

The methanol fuel tank has been positioned to maximise safety and facilitate smooth cargo handling while maintaining loading efficiency. It is also equipped with a fuel-efficient main engine and Tsuneishi’s proprietary Aeroline technology to reduce wind resistance, delivering superior fuel performance.

Mr Okumura Sachio, Representative Director, President & Executive Officer of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, said: “This delivery marks just the beginning. We will continue constructing methanol dual-fuelled vessels at our overseas facilities and remain steadfast in our pursuit of technological innovation to contribute to a more sustainable maritime industry and global environment.”

NYK said the vessel is the first bulk carrier in the NYK Group to be equipped with a dual-fuel engine that uses methanol and fuel oil.

Vessel Particulars

LOA: 199.99 m
Breadth: 32.25 m
Depth: 19.15 m
Deadweight: approx. 65,700 metric tonnes
Capacity: approx. 81,500 m3
Draft: 13.8 m

Photo credit: Tsuneishi Shipbuilding
Published: 15 May, 2025

Events

Green Shiptech China Congress to explore alternative bunker fuels and ship technologies

LNG, methanol and ammonia as well as fuel cell integration will be among key issues discussed at the annual conference which will be held on 25 to 26 September in Shanghai.

Published

23 hours ago

May 15, 2025

Admin

Ridge China on Wednesday (14 May) announced it will be hosting the 14th Green Shiptech China Congress (GSCC), an annual conference which will be held on 25 to 26 September in Shanghai.

More than 4,400 experts and decision makers from governments, classification societies, shipowners, shipyards, research institutes, technology/equipment suppliers and consulting companies attended the previous GSCC from 2012 to 2024.

For 2025, over 400 industry experts, corporate decision makers and government officials will be engaged in comprehensive discussions on current issues of IMO, EU, USCG, China MSA’s policies and regulations, designs and standards for new ship models, innovative and sustainable green ship technologies at this annual conference.

Alternative bunker fuels such as LNG, methanol and ammonia as well as fuel cell integration will be part of the important issues discussed at the event.

Speakers will be from

IMO
European Commission
U.S. Coast Guard
China MSA
Financial Institutions
Maritime Research Institutes
Solution & Technology Providers
Shipowners
Shipyards
Classification Societies

Key topics

Policies and Regulations Update and Interpretate by IMO, European Commission, U.S. Coast Guard and China MSA
Retrofitting Vessels to Achieve Decarbonization Goals
Energy Efficiency Continues to Be Key for Decarbonization
Decarbonization Through Digitalization
Digital Technologies As a Key Enabler for Emissions Reduction
Impact of a Hull Coating Upgrade on Hull Efficiency
LNG As Marine Fuel: Pivoting Towards Cleaner Shipping
Methanol As a Marine Fuel
Ammonia’s Credentials As a Green Fuel
Wind Propulsion Technology
Fuel Cell Integration: Upcoming Challenges and Opportunity
Propelling Carbon-neutral Shipping with Green Engines and Alternative Fuels
Next-generation Electric and Hybrid Marine Propulsion Technologies and Components
Latest Developments in Energy Storage Systems

Interested parties may contact:

Mr. Quin Xu
Tel: +86 21 6607 8610 -8003
Mob: +86 13564222811
Email: [email protected]

Note: The English and Chinese version of the event website can be found here and here respectively while the event registration can be found here.

Photo credit: Ridge China
Published: 15 May, 2025

Bunker Fuel

TFG Marine to launch bunker fuel supply operations in Jamaica on 1 June

Firm will commence marine fuel supply operations at Port of Kingston and on north coast of Jamaica, with Scott Petroleum, a local supplier with insight into Caribbean bunker market.

Published

23 hours ago

May 15, 2025

Admin

TFG Marine to launch bunker fuel supply operations in Jamaica from 1 June

Global marine fuel supply and procurement firm TFG Marine on Wednesday (14 May) said it will launch its bunkering service in Jamaica with its local partner, Scott Petroleum.

The marine fuel supply operations will commence at the Port of Kingston as well as on the north coast of Jamaica, from 1 June.

“The operation is being launched in partnership with Scott Petroleum, a trusted local supplier with over two decades of experience and unmatched insight into the Caribbean bunker market,” it said in a social media post.

Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) and Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO) fuels will be sourced locally from the Petrojam Limited-operated Kingston refinery and will be supplied via the bunker barge operated by Scott Petroleum.

“By combining Scott Petroleum’s local insight with TFG Marine’s global expertise and commitment to innovation, this new venture aims to set a new benchmark for marine fuel supply in the region, delivering reliable, efficient and transparent bunkering services to vessels calling at this key Caribbean port,” the company said.

Kenneth Dam, Head of Bunkering at TFG Marine, said: “We’re very happy to be setting up in Jamaica,” It’s a strategic location with strong demand and teaming up with Scott Petroleum means that we can hit the ground running with an existing reliable, well-run operation.

“We’re looking forward to bringing TFG Marine’s global expertise and fuel supply innovation to the Caribbean, and to raising the standard of service for marine fuel customers across the region.”

Gary Scott, CEO at Scott Petroleum, said: “We are excited about our partnership with TFG Marine. The new venture will form a strong force to expand the bunker service being offered in Jamaica and will be able to capture other opportunities that exist in the region”

Note: For inquiries regarding TFG Marine’s new vessel supply services in the region in collaboration with Scott Petroleum, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

Photo credit: TFG Marine
Published: 15 May, 2025