Alternative Fuels
SIBCON 2022: Development of ISO 8217:2024 in progress; but ‘ineffective’ without industry adoption, foresees VPS
Captain Rahul Choudhuri shares how Singapore’s provisional national standard on specifications of marine biofuel (WA 2:2022) can protect ship owners keen on embarking with biofuel bunkering trials.

Published
12 months agoon
By
Admin
Development of the ISO 8217:2024 marine fuel quality standard, no matter how robust, will be ineffective without mainstream adoption by the shipping industry, believes the Managing Director for Asia, Middle East & Africa (AMEA) at VPS.
Captain Rahul Choudhuri shared his observations while speaking at the Marine Fuel Quality and Dispute Resolution session during the 22nd edition of Singapore International Bunkering Conference, also known as SIBCON 2022, on Wednesday (5 October).
Latest data from VPS, the world’s largest bunker fuel testing company, shows only 17% of ship operators using the latest ISO 8217:2017 specification, shared Captain Choudhuri.
“The majority of ship operators are using ISO 8217:2010/2012 specifications which is already 10 years old and 13% of the same group are still using the 2005 standards which is 17 years old,” he said.
“A new marine fuel specification is coming out in 2024 but the shipping industry’s adoption of the latest ISO 8217 specification is yet still so far behind. We will need much more traction to be able to use these new specifications effectively.
“Of course, ISO 8217:2024 will be a better specification otherwise it won’t be made but there is also a need for the right regulations to make this work otherwise I don’t think it [ISO 8217:2024] will take off.”
Captain Choudhuri, who is also the Chairman of the National Mirror Committee for Fuel Quality Specifications review & development at Singapore, highlighted the recent launch of a provisional national standard on specifications of marine biofuel (WA 2:2022).
The intention of WA 2:2022 is to support bunkering trials of biofuel at the Port of Singapore; such operations are conducted under a framework where specifications of the material shall comply with ISO 8217:2017 (with the exception of clause 5.1 of ISO 8217:2017 on FAME levels).
“When you're looking at standards, I want to use the biofuel interim standard [WA 2:2022] as an example of not only the industry but also regulatory bodies coming together to develop a standard which ISO 8217:2024 will have guidance to,” he explains.
“Singapore has a national committee that is very dynamic. It has taken initiative to develop a set of biofuel interim standards to support not only it’s bunkering sector but also the upcoming revision of ISO 8217 which is expected to be finished in 2024.
“However, in the meantime, there's still a big gap [between now and 2024] and that to me shows where the rubber meets the road. And here is where we welcome committed ship operators to come start their biofuel journey with us at Singapore.”
Related: Singapore: MPA develops framework to support biofuel bunker fuel deliveries
A series of SIBCON 2022 related articles have been earlier written by Manifold Times:
Related: SIBCON 2022: SGTraDex enters MOU with six bunkering sector tech providers
Related: SIBCON 2022: S&P Global Market Intelligence and Bunkerchain in MoU
Related: SIBCON 2022: Singapore sets out to drive transformation in bunkering
Related: SIBCON 2022 Interview: ExxonMobil to invest more than USD $15bn on GHG reduction initiatives by 2027
Related: SIBCON 2022 Interview: Eaglestar discusses challenges and possible solutions in embracing ammonia as a bunker fuel
Related: SIBCON 2022 Interview: Digitalisation in bunkering ops, can lower costs and enable decarbonisation, says StormGeo
Related: SIBCON 2022 Interview: Co-Convenors offer insights into Singapore’s upcoming Digital Bunker Document Standard
Related: SIBCON 2022 Interview: MFMs relevant for custody transfer of future liquid-based marine fuels, confirms Endress+Hauser
Related: SIBCON 2022 Interview: Clyde & Co discusses handling of bunker fuel quality disputes, alt fuels contracts
Related: SIBCON 2022 Interview: Singapore Bunkering TC Chairman shares republic’s direction on future marine fuel
Photo credit: SIBCON 2022
Published: 12 October, 2022
Methanol
Kambara Kisen orders methanol dual-fuel bulker from Tsuneishi Shipbuilding
Firm ordered a 65,700-dwt methanol dual-fuel dry bulk carrier with Tsuneishi Shipbuilding; MOL signed a basic agreement on time charter for the newbuilding that is slated to be delivered in 2027.

Published
3 days agoon
September 22, 2023By
Admin
Japanese shipowner Kambara Kisen has ordered a 65,700-dwt methanol dual-fuel dry bulk carrier newbuilding from Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd, according to Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) on Wednesday (20 September).
MOL said it signed a basic agreement on time charter for the newbuilding that is slated to be delivered in 2027.
The vessel will be designed to use e-methanol produced primarily by synthesising recovered CO2 and hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, and bio-methanol derived from biogas.
The vessel's design maximises cargo space while ensuring sufficient methanol tank capacity set to allow the required navigational distance assuming various routes, at the same time maximising cargo space.
MOL added the vessel is expected to serve mainly in the transport of biomass fuels from the east coast of North America to Europe and the U.K. and within the Pacific region, as well as grain from the east coast of South America and the U.S. Gulf Coast to Europe and the Far East.
Details on the time-charter contract:
Shipowner: Kambara Kisen wholly owned subsidiary
Charterer: MOL Drybulk Ltd.
Charter period 2027: -
Details on the newbuilding methanol dual fuel bulk carrier:
LOA: About 200 m
Breadth: About 32.25 m
Draft: About 13.80 m
Deadweight: About 65,700 MT
Hold capacity: About 81,500m3
Shipyard: Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
Photo credit: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
Published: 22 September, 2023
Methanol
Argus Media: Alternatives may drive methanol market growth
Driven by low-carbon policies and regulations, the transportation sector — especially the marine fuels industry — could be a source of heightened demand, according to Argus.

Published
3 days agoon
September 22, 2023By
Admin
The growth of sustainable alternatives to traditional methanol production sources likely will shape the market over the next several years, industry leaders said this week at the Argus Methanol Forum.
20 September
Driven by low-carbon policies and regulations, the transportation sector — especially the marine fuels industry — could be a source of heightened demand.
"The aim is to be net zero by 2050 but [those solutions are] expensive today and one of the main challenges to build e-methanol or bio-methanol plants is a huge queue for these pieces of equipment that aren't available," Anita Gajadhar, executive director for Swiss-based methanol producer Proman, said.
Bio-based and e-methanol plants of commercial scale, like Proman's natural gas-fed 1.9 million metric tonne/yr M5000 plant in Trinidad and Tobago, are not ready today.
"But that's not to say 10 years from now they won't be there," Gajadhar added.
Smaller projects are popping up. Dutch fuels and gas supplier OCI Global announced plans last week to double the green methanol capacity at its Beaumont, Texas, facility to 400,000 t/yr and will add e-methanol to production for the first time. Production will use feedstocks such as renewable natural gas (RNG), green hydrogen and biogas.
The globally oversupplied methanol market will not get any major supply additions starting in 2024 until 2027. But that oversupply will not last long, Gajadhar said.
Global demand has slowed this year, driven by stagnate economic growth and higher interest rates, according to industry observers.
As much as half of methanol demand is tied to GDP growth, with total methanol demand estimates at 88.9mn t globally in 2023. This is essentially flat from 2022, but up from 88.3m t in 2021 and 87.7mn t in 2020, Dave McCaskill, vice-president of methanol and derivatives for Argus Media's consulting service, said.
Demand is not expected to rebound to 2019 levels of 89.6mn t until 2024 or 2025, he added.
The period of oversupply combined with lackluster demand places methanol in a transition period, Gajadhar said, which opens the door for sustainable feedstock alternatives to shape market growth.
Danish container shipping giant Maersk and French marine logistics company CMA-CGM announced earlier this week a partnership to drive decarbonization in shipping. The partnership seeks to develop fuel and operations standards for bunkering with alternative fuels. The companies will develop net-zero solutions, including new technology and alternative fuels.
Maersk has previously ordered dual-fuel methanol-powered vessels and CMA-CGM LNG-propelled vessels.
The demand for alternative feedstock-derived fuels is there, but the ability to scale-up such production lags. Certified lower-carbon methanol produced using carbon capture and sequestration — also known as blue methanol— can ramp up much more quickly, according to Gajadhar.
By Steven McGinn
Photo credit and source: Argus Media
Published: 22 September, 2023
Biofuel
Royal Caribbean completes over 12 weeks of bio bunker fuel testing in Europe
Firm expanded its biofuel testing this summer in Europe to two additional ships — Royal Caribbean International’s “Symphony of the Seas” and Celebrity Cruises’ “Celebrity Apex”.

Published
3 days agoon
September 22, 2023By
Admin
Royal Caribbean Group on Tuesday (19 September) said it successfully completed over 12 consecutive weeks of biofuel testing in Europe.
Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas became the first ship in the maritime industry to successfully test and use a biofuel blend in Barcelona to meet part of her fuel needs.
The company confirmed onboard technical systems met operational standards, without quality or safety concerns, demonstrating the biofuel blend is a reliable “drop in” supply of lower emission energy that ships can use to set sail across Europe and beyond.
The tests across Europe also provided valuable data to understand the availability and scalability of biofuel in the region, the firm added.
Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, said: “This is a pivotal moment for Royal Caribbean Group’s alternative fuel journey.”
“Following our successful trial of biofuels this summer, we are one step closer to bringing our vision for net-zero cruising to life. As we strive to protect and promote the vibrant oceans we sail, we are determined to accelerate innovation and improve how we deliver vacation experiences responsibly.”
President of the Port of Barcelona, Lluís Salvadó, said: “Royal Caribbean’s success is a clear example of how commitment to innovation makes possible the development of solutions to decarbonise the maritime sector.”
“In this case, it involves the cruise sector and focuses on biofuels, an area in which the Port of Barcelona is already working to become an energy hub, producing and supplying zero carbon fuels, such as green hydrogen and ammonia, and of other almost zero-carbon alternative fuels, such as methanol, biofuels or synthetic fuels. Innovation and collaboration between ports and shipping companies is key to accelerate the decarbonisation of maritime transport.”
The company began testing biofuels last year and expanded the trail this summer in Europe to two additional ships — Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Apex.
The sustainable biofuel blends tested were produced by purifying renewable raw materials like waste oils and fats and combining them with fuel oil to create an alternative fuel that is cleaner and more sustainable. The biofuel blends tested are accredited by International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), a globally recognized organization that ensures sustainability of biofuels and verifies reductions of related emissions.
With Symphony of the Seas departing from the Port of Barcelona and Celebrity Apex departing from the Port of Rotterdam, both ships accomplished multiple sailings using biofuel and contributed critical data on the fuel’s capabilities.
“These results will help accelerate Royal Caribbean Group’s plans to continue testing the use of different types of biofuels on upcoming European sailings this fall. The company is exploring strategic partnerships with suppliers and ports to ensure the availability of biofuel and infrastructures to advance the maritime energy transition,” the firm said.
Photo credit: Royal Caribbean Group
Published: 22 September, 2023

Kambara Kisen orders methanol dual-fuel bulker from Tsuneishi Shipbuilding

Argus Media: Alternatives may drive methanol market growth

Royal Caribbean completes over 12 weeks of bio bunker fuel testing in Europe

Fincantieri to build two new hydrogen-powered ships for MSC Explora Journey fleet

Crowley and BWXT introduces nuclear power generation vessel concept

Baltic Exchange: Bunker Report (21 September, 2023)

ENGINE: Americas Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Former CEO of Singapore-listed New Silkroutes Group amongst three others facing 31 charges at court

Singapore: AGM and creditors meeting scheduled for An Hui Shipping, Nan Yi Maritime

Hyundai secures first HiMSEN methanol engine supply contract with Japanese shipyard

World Fuel Singapore Holding Company I to be wound up voluntarily, creditors to submit claims

Maersk and Equinor ink agreement for supply of green methanol bunker fuel

Singapore: Consort Bunkers and partners to develop ammonia bunkering tanker

VPS reiterates importance of understanding nature of biofuels, before mass adoption as bunker fuel for shipping

Expert shares insights on ammonia’s toxicity as a bunker fuel

MOL and Shell Marine Products Singapore team up on developing green bunker fuels

Study highlights emissions reduction of e1 Marine’s methanol to hydrogen fuel cell tech

DNV Decarbonisation Insights: Speed up energy transition, shipping industry must move faster towards net zero goal

DNV ‘Maritime Forecast to 2050’ report examines shipping’s energy future and role of technology in energy transition

Singapore: Equatorial Marine Fuel launches sustainable energy business unit, commits towards multi-fuel future
Trending
-
Business2 weeks ago
World Fuel Singapore Holding Company I to be wound up voluntarily, creditors to submit claims
-
Methanol2 weeks ago
Maersk and Equinor ink agreement for supply of green methanol bunker fuel
-
Newbuilding2 weeks ago
Singapore: Consort Bunkers and partners to develop ammonia bunkering tanker
-
Alternative Fuels2 weeks ago
VPS reiterates importance of understanding nature of biofuels, before mass adoption as bunker fuel for shipping
-
Ammonia2 weeks ago
Expert shares insights on ammonia’s toxicity as a bunker fuel
-
Alternative Fuels2 weeks ago
MOL and Shell Marine Products Singapore team up on developing green bunker fuels
-
Bunker Fuel2 weeks ago
Study highlights emissions reduction of e1 Marine’s methanol to hydrogen fuel cell tech
-
Decarbonisation1 week ago
DNV Decarbonisation Insights: Speed up energy transition, shipping industry must move faster towards net zero goal