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LNG Bunkering

SEALNG reiterates benefits of LNG as marine fuel

Alternative fuels not economic, not available at scale, and unproven for shipping operations, it says.
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EDITOR: The article by SEALNG seems to be a response to a recent statement by Transport & Environment which suggests LNG marine fuel to be ‘an expensive distraction’.

Multi-sector industry coalition SEALNG Tuesday reiterated on the “critical continuing investment” needed in the adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel to meet both air quality and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets.

In an effort to ensure that industry and governments make a pragmatic and balanced analysis of the future of maritime fuels, SEALNG has issued the following statement:

Assessing the case for LNG must include the full benefits from both an air quality and GHG perspective. Assessing it purely from a GHG point of view is not responsible – we must consider the significant public health benefits LNG can and is delivering now through significant local emissions reductions in markets where it is being utilised.

The maritime industry has been working for decades to help ease the air quality issues around the globe. This serious health hazard still persists and must continue to be addressed. LNG is ready now as an unrivalled solution to these critical air quality issues. LNG far outperforms conventional marine fuels in terms of dramatically reducing local emissions to improve air quality and human health. LNG emits zero sulphur oxides (SOx) and virtually zero particulate matter (PM). Compared to existing heavy marine fuel oils, LNG emits 90% less nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions.

As regards GHG in the maritime sector, realistic reductions of up to 20% are achievable now with LNG. As technology continues to develop, these reductions will increase. Furthermore, LNG, in combination with efficiency measures being developed for new ships in response to the IMO’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), will provide a way of meeting the IMO’s decarbonisation target of a 40% decrease by 2030 for international shipping.

Current technologies are well ahead of where we were just a short time ago and there are clear technology pathways which will allow further emissions savings to be realised, for example advancements in dual fuel technology and propulsion, enhanced control systems, and future use of gas turbine technologies.

Today, LNG is the only scalable and economic alternative fuel available for the vast majority of deep sea ocean shipping. Alternative fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia are not economic, not available at scale, and unproven for shipping operations. They are called future fuels for a reason!

Electrification, batteries and hybrid solutions on the other hand may be viable for certain specific short sea, harbour or ferry type operations but this represents an almost infinitesimal portion of the world’s vessel fuel consumption.

These future fuels will require huge investments by industry and governments over decades to realise their potential. SEALNG encourages and supports industry and government initiatives which would assist with the development of future technologies.

LNG offers a commercially viable long-term bridging solution to a zero-emissions shipping industry. BioLNG (from biogas sources such as landfills and waste generators which is renewable and CO2 neutral) can and is already being used as a ‘drop-in’ fuel, significantly reducing GHG emissions. While longer-term, ‘power-to-gas’ is a key technology with the potential to produce large volumes of renewable LNG.

LNG-fuelled vessels and bunkering infrastructure can easily blend in bioLNG or zero- emission fuels.  Today’s investments will not become stranded and offer further potential to progress towards a zero- emission solution for shipping.

It should also be noted that the infrastructure for LNG supply is already there; the focus is on investments in the ‘last mile’ – getting the LNG from the bulk LNG terminals to the ship.

LNG is the only creditable alternative to meet national and international regulatory targets. It solves the sulphur and particulate matter emissions issues and dramatically reduces nitrous oxides. LNG also enables the shipping industry to take a major step forward to reduce GHG emissions. It is readily available at scale now and offers a proven, affordable, and competitive solution for the maritime sector while retaining tremendous flexibility for the future.

SEALNG, in conjunction with SGMF, is continuing to develop studies and tools for the industry to better understand the true benefits of LNG from both an air quality and GHG mitigation perspective. The coalition continues to encourage meaningful debate using current and academically supported data and analysis.
Related: LNG marine fuel ‘an expensive distraction’, says T&E study

Photo credit: SEALNG
Published: 4 July, 2018

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LNG Bunkering

PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

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PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. 

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post. 

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024. 

 

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s alternative fuel bunkering infrastructure.
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July 21, 2026

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CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

China’s Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., Ltd. (CIMC SOE) recently signed a contract with Sinopec (Beijing) Clean Energy Co., Ltd. to build a 12,000-cubic metre (m3) LNG bunkering vessel, according to Chinese maritime media.

The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2028 and will support Sinopec’s efforts to expand its presence in the marine clean energy sector.

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s LNG bunkering infrastructure.

With this signing , CIMC Pacific Offshore Engineering’s LNG bunkering vessel orderbook is further strengthened, maintaining its leading position in the global market for small and medium-sized LNG bunkering vessels.

The contract also marked another milestone for CIMC SOE, which has seen a sharp increase in orders and business performance this year amid a surge in domestic LNG vessel demand.

 

Photo credit: Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

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Alternative Fuels

ENGINE on Fuel Switch Snapshot: LSMGO surges to greater premium over biofuel

B100 discount to LSMGO widens to $541/mt in Rotterdam; Singapore’s B100 drops to $106/mt below LSMGO; Rotterdam LBM at $639-833/mt discounts to LSMGO.
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July 21, 2026

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ENGINE on Fuel Switch Snapshot: LSMGO surges to greater premium over biofuel

Once a week, bunker intelligence platform ENGINE will publish a snapshot of alternative and conventional bunker fuel prices in the world’s two biggest bunkering hubs. The following is the latest snapshot:

20 July 2026

  • B100 discount to LSMGO widens to $541/mt in Rotterdam
  • Singapore’s B100 drops to $106/mt below LSMGO
  • Rotterdam LBM at $639-833/mt discounts to LSMGO

B100’s premium over HSFO in Rotterdam has narrowed by $50/mt over the past week to $64/mt, while its discount to VLSFO has widened by $83/mt to $105/mt.

B100 has become far more competitive against LSMGO in Rotterdam, with its discount widening by $180/mt over the past week to $541/mt, as a surge in conventional fuel prices left B100 broadly unchanged by comparison.

B100’s price has risen by $109/mt in Singapore, but its discount to LSMGO has still widened by $102/mt to $106/mt, as LSMGO surged by an even greater $211/mt.

Rotterdam’s LNG premium over VLSFO has widened by $35/mt to $201/mt for vessels with Otto medium speed (Otto MS) engines. For vessels with diesel slow speed (diesel SS) engines, LNG has flipped to a $15/mt premium over VLSFO, from a $22/mt discount the prior week.

Liquefied biomethane (LBM) discounts to VLSFO in Rotterdam have narrowed by $50-52/mt to $203-396/mt over the past week. Against LSMGO, LBM discounts have widened by $45-47/mt to $639-833/mt, depending on engine type.

In Singapore, LNG is now $42/mt cheaper than LSMGO for vessels with Otto MS engines, and $134/mt cheaper for vessels with diesel SS engines.

ENGINE on Fuel Switch Snapshot: LSMGO surges to greater premium over biofuel

Liquid fuels

HSFO and VLSFO prices in Rotterdam have jumped by $66/mt and $99/mt respectively over the past week, while LSMGO has surged by an even steeper $196/mt. A $9.69/bbl ($71/mt) rise in front-month ICE Brent futures, to $87.94/bbl ($645/mt), drove bunker prices sharply higher across the board.

Bunker fuel availability is tight for prompt delivery dates in the ARA ports, with buyers advised to enquire about stems between 5-7 days ahead to get good coverage, a trader said.

Rotterdam’s B100 price has risen by $16/mt over the past week. Dutch ZRE A ticket prices were unchanged at €107.50/mtCO2e.

Singapore’s HSFO and VLSFO prices have risen by $130/mt and $132/mt respectively, while its LSMGO price has gained an even steeper $211/mt over the past week.

VLSFO availability in Singapore has been tight, with several suppliers reporting low stock levels. Recommended lead times have widened from 13–17 days last week to 14–19 days now.

Liquid gases

Rotterdam’s LNG prices have surged by $134-136/mt over the past week, while its LBM prices have climbed by $149-151/mt.

LBM discounts to LNG in Rotterdam have narrowed by $15/mt to $404-411/mt.

Singapore’s LNG bunker benchmarks have surged by $196-197/mt over the past week.

By Erik Hoffmann

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 21 July, 2026

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