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SeaTech Solutions, Singfar International, Methanol Institute in ‘first step’ for methanol bunkering at Singapore

Singfar International has identified “MT HANTEK 3” which SeaTech Solutions will evaluate and identify gaps to propose the necessary modifications and engineering work required for the vessel to bunker methanol.

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SeaTech Solutions Singfar International Methanol Institute in ‘first step for methanol bunkering at Singapore

SeaTech Solutions, Singfar International, and Methanol Institute (MI) on Thursday (27 January) jointly said they have agreed to collectively conduct a study that will assess current gaps in operating procedures, infrastructure, and equipment onboard bunker vessels in Singapore that will have to be bridged for the safe conduct of methanol bunkering operations in Singapore.

As the international shipping industry steams ahead with its plans to decarbonize under the mandate of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), different alternative fuels and technologies are explored to reduce the environmental footprint of marine vessels.

Methanol has been identified as a viable alternative fuel which can be deployed today to reduce the emissions of the shipping industry. As a clean-burning liquid fuel, methanol can deliver immediate emission reductions onboard marine vessels. When methanol is produced from renewable feedstocks such as carbon dioxide and agricultural residue it becomes a very low-carbon, and potentially carbon-neutral, fuel for ships.

This has led to a growing interest in methanol as a marine fuel. Currently, dual-fuelled vessels burning methanol already ply global trade routes and more newbuilds recently announced are expected to be in operation in near future.

As a global bunker hub, Singapore will need to develop the necessary capabilities, expertise, and facilities to bunker different alternative fuels including methanol. Currently, there lacks a dedicated bunkering standard for methanol in Singapore.

The IMO had previously issued the Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Methyl/Ethyl Alcohol as Fuel which outlines key considerations for methanol bunkering operations. Lloyd’s Register has also published its Methanol Bunkering Technical Reference which provides guidance on the safe bunkering of methanol with checklists to assist shipowners, operators, ports, and bunker suppliers.

Despite international experience with bunkering methanol at other ports, the parties of the MoU acknowledged that local circumstances and regulations in Singapore will have to be considered to ensure that procedures are fit for the safe and efficient bunkering of methanol at the world’s biggest bunker hub.

The study will consist of three elements. The parties will identify reference cases for methanol bunkering at other ports and review existing recommendations for methanol bunkering to assess the necessary modifications to adapt methanol bunkering procedures to the Singaporean context.

Singfar International has also identified MT HANTEK 3 from its fleet of bunker vessels which SeaTech Solutions will evaluate and identify gaps to propose the necessary modifications and engineering work required for the vessel to bunker methanol.

Lastly, SeaTech Solutions will prepare a conversion specification & concept design for Methanol Bunker Vessel, based on its recommendations for the MT HANTEK 3, for an Approval-in-Principle submission.

This study will serve as the foundation for developing standards and procedures for methanol bunkering in Singapore and strengthen Singapore’s position as a leading global bunkering hub providing shipowners with the continued confidence.

 

Published: 27 January, 2022

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LNG Bunkering

CIMC Enric LNG tank-swapping model used by boxship “Digul Mas” on maiden voyage

Vessel adopts an innovative LNG fuel tank swapping model, enabling flexible and efficient LNG refuelling without relying on large-scale bunkering infrastructure.

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CIMC Enric LNG tank-swapping model used by boxship “Digul Mas” on maiden voyage

Clean energy equipment and services provider CIMC Enric on Monday (31 August) said LNG-powered container vessel Digul Mas, owned by Indonesian listed shipping company TEMAS Group, has successfully completed its commercial maiden voyage.

The vessel has commenced operations on the inter-island route connecting Surabaya, Kendari, and Gorontalo, Indonesia.

The vessel adopts an innovative LNG fuel tank swapping model, enabling flexible and efficient LNG refuelling without relying on large-scale bunkering infrastructure.

As a key solution provider for the project, CIMC Enric supplied specialised marine LNG fuel tanks and delivered TEMAS Group’s 5 MMSCFD skid-mounted LNG liquefaction plant.

“Together, these solutions create an integrated LNG value chain covering liquefaction, storage and transportation, and marine fuel utilisation,” the company said. 

“For Indonesia’s archipelagic shipping market, where natural gas pipeline infrastructure is limited and the construction of large-scale LNG bunkering terminals can be challenging, this model offers a flexible alternative.” 

By combining skid-mounted LNG liquefaction plants with standardised LNG fuel tanks, CIMC Enric’s virtual pipeline solution enables LNG to be produced, transported, stored, and supplied to vessels independently and flexibly—reducing the need for extensive modifications to existing bunkering infrastructure.

“The successful operation of Digul Mas marked an important milestone in the application of CIMC Enric’s virtual pipeline solution in overseas marine transportation, while demonstrating a practical and replicable pathway for the low-carbon transformation of maritime shipping in Indonesia and Southeast Asia,” the company added. 

 

Photo credit: CIMC Enric
Published: 1 September, 2026

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Biofuel

Singapore Shipping Association releases latest edition of biofuel bunkering FAQ

Focus of the document is on FAME-based liquid biofuels and blends as this type of biofuel is expected to become most widely adopted by the shipping industry.

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Singapore Shipping Association releases latest edition of biofuel bunkering FAQ

The Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) recently released its latest edition of frequently asked questions (FAQ) on the bunkering of biofuels for ocean-going vessels in the Port of Singapore. 

This update covers the latest technical, commercial, test and regulatory guidance of biofuel bunkering and onboard use of marine biofuels. 

The focus of the document is on FAME-based liquid biofuels and blends as this type of biofuel is expected to become most widely adopted by the shipping industry. Other non-FAME-based biofuels have also been addressed where relevant.

It also covers commercial considerations, including biofuel supply and availability, market outlook, pricing, sustainability documentation, government incentives, and the commercial supply chain for biofuels in Singapore.

“This publication is relevant to technical, marine, operations, sustainability and compliance personnel of ship owners and operators,” SSA said in a social media post.

“The FAQ is intended to be only for informational purposes and is not exhaustive.”

Note: SSA’s ‘FAQ on Bunkering of Biofuels for Ocean-Going Vessels in the Port of Singapore’ can be read here

 

Photo credit: Singapore Shipping Association
Published: 1 September, 2026

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Methanol

DP World names first methanol dual-fuel container ship in Denmark

“DP World London” completed its first bunkering in Rotterdam on 25 June 2026 with Unibarge as the bunkering partner and Methanex supplying the methanol.

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DP World names first methanol dual-fuel container ship in Denmark

DP World’s Marine Services business, Shipping Solutions, on Monday (31 August) announced the naming of its new methanol dual-fuel vessel, DP World London, at a ceremony in Aarhus, Denmark, marking a milestone in the company’s investment in more connected, resilient and lower-carbon supply chains. 

The DP World London is a 1,250 TEU container vessel built in China and delivered in April 2026. Owned by Germany’s Elbdeich Reederei and operated by DP World’s Shipping Solutions business, the Portugal-flagged vessel will operate on the North Europe service. 

Measuring 148 metres in length, the vessel is equipped with a modern five-cylinder main engine and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) technology to reduce emissions and support compliance with international environmental standards. It completed its first bunkering in Rotterdam on 25 June 2026 with Unibarge as the bunkering partner and Methanex supplying the methanol. 

Founded in Aarhus in 1977 as Unifeeder, DP World’s Shipping Solutions business operates feeder and shortsea services across Europe and other markets. It is part of DP World’s Marine Services portfolio.

Martin Gaard Christiansen, CEO, Shipping Solutions EAM, DP World, said: “This is a proud moment for our Shipping Solutions team. Aarhus is where our story began, and it remains central to our character. Our DNA is about staying close to customers, keeping our word, staying calm in volatile markets and finding practical solutions when conditions change. This dual-fuel vessel reflects both our heritage and the future we are building.” 

Ganesh Raj, Global Chief Operating Officer, Marine Services, DP World, said: “The future of maritime trade will be shaped by resilience, connectivity and more sustainable transport solutions. This methanol dual-fuel vessel is a tangible example of how DP World is investing in practical innovation to provide customers with more reliable, flexible and lower-emission shipping solutions. It also strengthens our integrated network, reinforcing our ability to deliver seamless supply chain solutions across ports, terminals, marine services, inland logistics and freight forwarding, while helping keep global trade moving.” 

 

Photo credit: DP World
Published: 1 September, 2026

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