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SIBCON 2022 Interview: ExxonMobil to invest more than USD $15bn on GHG reduction initiatives by 2027

Haur-Bin Chua, Regional Commercial Fuels Sales Director, Marine, ExxonMobil Asia Pacific, discusses market dynamics, the adoption of MFM technology, and digitalisation of the bunkering value chain with Manifold Times.

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Haur Bin Chua

The following interview with Haur-Bin Chua, Regional Commercial Fuels Sales Director, Marine, ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, is part of coverage for Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON) 2022, where Manifold Times is an official media partner.

MT: As an oil major capable of producing its own VLSFO, how has market dynamics changed for the company in Singapore after the introduction of major trading houses as bunker suppliers at the republic over the past few years?

At a macro level, the introduction of more bunker suppliers in Singapore promotes competition and innovation. This further improves Singapore status as a major regional bunkering and trading hub.

Furthermore, the increase in the number of suppliers also provides more choice to customers. Different suppliers have different areas of focus, and it is fundamentally important for fuel purchasers to know their suppliers. ExxonMobil’s focus as a responsible producer and supplier is to ensure that our fuels not only meet the IMO Sulphur mandate and ISO 8217-2017 standards, but also pass rigorous fit-for-use assessments for reliability and performance. We formulate our fuels with proprietary patented technology that helps identify and mitigate potential compatibility issues during the development process.

MT: ExxonMobil chartered the first MFM-equipped bunker tankers “Emissary” and “Jewel” during trials at the Republic and seems to be a supporter of MFM bunkering operations; does the firm have any plans to expand the use of MFM technology for bunkering operations to other parts of the world?

When it comes to marine fuel bunkering, having accurate and transparent data translates to cost benefits for our customers. It also allows vessel operators peace of mind when receiving bunker supply through MFM system.

We are very proud to be one of the pioneers for the MFM system. ExxonMobil was the first company to:

  • Market with a port authority approved MFM system
  • Guarantee delivery by a MFM system in Singapore
  • Deliver more than 1 million tons via MFM system
  • Launch an independently accredited MFM system in Hong Kong

Beyond Singapore where MFM is mandated, ExxonMobil has MFM implemented onboard its bunkering barges in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) ports as well as in France and Hong Kong.

MT: Digitalisation has been gaining pace around the world. The marine industry, including the bunkering sector, has been slow to pick it up. With data from MFM measurements already being digital, how should the bunkering industry should move towards digitalisation and transparency?

With digitalisation, there is value in exchanging data within an ecosystem to capture efficiencies and improve supply chain visibility. In Singapore, SGTradex was created as a result of Singapore Together Alliance for Action (AfA) on supply chain digitalisation. ExxonMobil is one of the participants working with the taskforce to explore ways to integrate disparate data into one supply chain common data infrastructure.

MT: What is ExxonMobil’s direction for alternative bunker fuels? Have any trends been spotted?

For the maritime industry, alternative low carbon options may co-exist in a multi-fuels future to address the specific needs of different shipping subsectors. Each of these options may present their own commercial and operational challenges, but to be successful, they will need to be safe, scalable, reliable, and viable.

In the near term, biofuels are an engine-ready alternative that can be used in existing engines without the need for extensive modifications. These biofuels have the potential to reduce GHG emissions by at least one-third compared with conventional marine fuel oil. ExxonMobil is already supplying marine biofuel in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region and recently, we have successfully completed a commercial bio-based marine fuel oil bunkering in the port of Singapore.

On the longer term, from Well-to-Wake basis, methanol, ammonia and hydrogen are promising alternatives to reduce the carbon footprint of shipping. However, one of their challenges is their lower energy content and the comparatively lower amount of energy they can store in the tanks of a ship. Ship designs would require changes to accommodate fuel containment and gas-supply systems or frequent bunkering.

To accelerate the deployment of these alternative bunker fuels in this hard to decarbonise marine sector, the right regulatory policies have to be in place. ExxonMobil advocates for a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) to provide a predictable long-term pathway of reductions in carbon intensity (CI) of the fuel pool to support the IMO’s ambition of reducing GHG emissions from shipping. To enable this, policy should include the following attributes:

  • Set declining annual targets for the Well-to-Wake CI of the consumed marine fuels expressed in gCO2equivalent/MJ
  • Be technology neutral to encourage multiple pathways and innovation
  • Provide flexibility to manage investments in the fleets and the growth of lower GHG emission emerging technologies and energy
  • Support lower-carbon fuels, as the life cycle assessment approach helps to provide an effective tool for comparing alternative fuels
  • Include reporting of the fuel CI on the Bunker Delivery Notes
  • In case of non-compliance, a pre-determined buy-out could provide revenues to a global fund dedicated to the marine sector

As a major marine fuel supplier, ExxonMobil supports the International Maritime Organization (IMO) with a plan to be part of the solution. To provide solutions in the multi-fuels future, we are investigating several potentially viable alternatives to conventional fuel formulations including biofuels, hydrogen, methanol and ammonia. By 2027 we plan to invest more than $15bn on initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our commitment to driving emission reductions in support of a net-zero future is outlined in our Advancing Climate Solutions – 2022 Progress Report.

 

Photo credit: ExxonMobil
Published: 12 October, 2022

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Methanol

CMA CGM, SIPG and Shanghai Electric Group join forces on green methanol bunkering

Companies signed a long term supply cooperation deal to develop a fully integrated green methanol value chain, which is expected to propel Shanghai into a regional green methanol bunkering hub.

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CMA CGM, SIPG and Shanghai Electric Group join forces on green methanol bunkering

French shipping giant CMA CGM on Friday (21 March) said it has signed a green methanol long term supply cooperation agreement with SIPG Energy and Shanghai Electric Group on 20 March to develop a fully integrated green methanol value chain. 

The agreement is expected to accelerate Shanghai Port's development into a regional green methanol bunkering hub, securing its first-mover advantage in the low-carbon transformation of shipping and further consolidating Shanghai's leadership in global maritime trade.

“This collaboration underscores CMA CGM's leadership in maritime decarbonisation and strengthens our partnership with major Chinese partners,” the company said. 

Under the agreement, Shanghai Electric Group will provide mid-to-long-term green methanol fuel supply for CMA CGM. In partnership with SIPG, green methanol will be transported via land-sea combined logistics from Shanghai Electric’s production base in Taonan to Shanghai Port, the world's largest container port. 

Shanghai Electric said the agreement will form a complete “production-transportation-bunkering” chain. The company further elaborated that its Taonan project is an important foundation for it in the field of hydrogen-based green fuels. 

CMA CGM, SIPG and Shanghai Electric Group join forces on green methanol bunkering

Firmly committed to the energy transition in shipping and  its use of alternative marine fuels, CMA CGM said it has set a Net Zero-Carbon target for 2050.

Last month, CMA CGM IRON, the group's first dual-fuel methanol made its maiden call in Singapore. With a container capacity of 13,000 TEUs, it is the first in a series of 12 new dual-fuel methanol vessels for CMA CGM.

“At CMA CGM, we address the challenges related to the availability of clean fuels. Our partnership strategy drives us to implement innovative and sustainable solutions to achieve our energy transition objectives,” said Farid Trad, Vice President of Bunkering & Energy Transition of CMA CGM Group. 

“Our landmark collaboration with SIPG and Shanghai Electric Group marks a new milestone and shows our commitment to Net Zero-Carbon by 2050.”

 

Photo credit: CMA CGM
Published: 21 March, 2025

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Events

China: Speaker lineup revealed for Green ShipTech Innovation Asia Summit 2025

Key issues that will be discussed at event include low-carbon ship construction and transformation, latest green technology equipment, alternative marine fuel selections and supply status.

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Green ShipTech Innovation Asia Summit 2025 to be held in Shanghai on 16 May

Shine Consultant, the organiser of Green ShipTech Innovation Asia Summit 2025, on Thursday (20 March) announced the line-up of speakers for the event to explore the new trends in the shipping industry. 

With over 300 attendees expected to attend, the Green ShipTech Innovation Asia Summit 2025 will be held in Shanghai, China, on 16 May. 

Themed Diversified Innovation for Sustainable Green Transformation, the summit will host a main forum called Green Development Strategies and Pioneer Practices Towards Zero Carbon Goals and two sub-forums, Green Shipbuilding and Retrofitting Forum and Green Shipping Ecosystem Cooperation Forum. 

It will focus on key issues such as low-carbon ship construction and transformation, the latest green technology equipment, alternative marine fuel selections and supply status and digital ship management technology. 

Speakers for the summit include:

  • Li Zhengjian, Chief Expert/Senior Engineer, the Chinese Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
  • Karim Fahssis, Decarbonization China Head, Maersk
  • Lu Yanhui, Vice President, COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Co., Ltd
  • Liu Jianfeng, Chief Technologist, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., LTD.
  • Li Zhonggang, Vice President, China Ship Design & Research Center Com.,Ltd.(CSDC)
  • Bo Cerup-Simonsen, CEO, Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping
  • Keiichiro Nakanishi, Managing Executive Officer, MOL(Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.)
  • Sun Haihua, Deputy Director of Shanghai Arbitration Commission, Deputy Chairman and Secretary-General of Shanghai International Shipping Center Development and Promotion Organization
  • Yan Wei, Vice President, Shanghai Maritime University
  • Ye Mao, Deputy President of the Design Research Institute, Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Co., LTD.
  • Wee Meng Tan, Chief Projects Officer, Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation
  • Yuan Chao, General Manager of Equipment, CSSC (Hong Kong) Shipping Company Limited
  • Zhang Yunxing, Head of the Ballast Water Convention Research Office, Hebei Maritime Safety Administration
  • Zhang Yong, Vice President, Shanghai Academy of Development & Reform
  • Gou Yingdi, Director of Sustainable Development and General Manager of the Technology and Development (Innovation) Center, Seacon Shipping Group
  • Zhao Cuiyun, Deputy Director of the Institute for the Construction of the Shipping Center and Director of the Green Shipping Research Office, Shanghai International Shipping Institute
  • Cao Xianfeng, Deputy Chief Digital Planner, COSCO Shipping (Qidong) Offshore Co., Ltd

Conference Framework

May 16 (am) 

Plenary Session: Green Development Strategies and Pioneer Practices Towards Zero Carbon Goals

May 16 (pm)

Sub-Forum I: Green Shipbuilding and Retrofitting Forum
Sub-Forum II: Green Shipping Ecosystem Cooperation Forum

Key Topics

  • Maritime regulatory focus under policy guidance towards zero-carbon goals
  • Global green ship type product key technologies and applications
  • Analysis of paths to improve the efficiency of existing ships
  • How shipping companies can achieve sustainable green transformation
  • Innovative design methods for green ship types
  • Development and design of methanol dual-fuel ship types
  • Innovation and application of ship engines and propulsion systems
  • Technological application and outlook of wind energy as auxiliary power for ships
  • Prospects and challenges of ammonia fuel application
  • Innovation in new marine fuels and supply systems
  • Upgrading of ship battery systems to meet shipping emission reduction
  • Fluid power energy-saving technology and practice to promote the green and low-carbon development of the shipping industry
  • Green ship repair, intelligent painting and VOCs management in ship and marine engineering
  • Exploration and practice in digital transformation and intelligent upgrading of the ship repair and modification industry
  • Practice of ship energy consumption data analysis and carbon intensity management
  • SCR technology innovation for NOx reduction in ship diesel engines
  • The latest technological applications of "carbon capture" in the shipping industry
  • Ballast water management systems in line with international standards
  • Shore power systems combined with green electricity to assist shipping decarbonization
  • Supply status and choice analysis of the marine green fuel market

Host:

  • Shanghai International Shipping Center Development and Promotion Organization

Co-organisers:

  • Shanghai Maritime University 
  • Shanghai Institute of Navigation
  • Jiangsu Association of Shipbuilding Industry
  • Jiangsu Society of Naval Architects And Marine Engineers

Supporting Organisations:

  • Shanghai Port Association
  • Hubei Association of Shipbuilding Industry
  • Shanghai International Shipping institute

Interested parties may contact:

Yulia Zhang
T: (+8621) 6095 7179
M:(+86) 158 3615 6079 (Also on WeChat)
E-mail: [email protected] 

Note: More information on the summit, including registration, can be found here

 

Photo credit: Shine Consultant
Published: 21 March, 2025

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Alternative Fuels

Molgas commences bio-LNG bunkering operations in Port of Zeebrugge

First deliveries of bio-LNG started in January, with multiple operations running smoothly through its logistics network and more deliveries are expected in the coming weeks, says Molgas.

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Molgas commences bio-LNG bunkering operations in Port of Zeebrugge

Madrid-headquartered Molgas Energy Group on Thursday (20 March) said it has started the supply of bio-LNG at the Port of Zeebrugge. 

The first deliveries of bio-LNG started in January, with multiple operations running smoothly through its logistics network. 

“More deliveries are already scheduled in the coming weeks,” it said in a social media post. 

The company said the expansion marked a significant step forward in its commitment to delivering sustainable and low-carbon energy solutions across Europe. 

“The Port of Zeebrugge as a key hub for bio-LNG fuelled vessels dealing with FuelEU Maritime, enabling us to serve the marine customers efficiently,” it said. 

“Through our Multi Truck to Ship (MTTS) process, we successfully manage deliveries of 200-300 tonnes simultaneous to the vessels operation (SIMOPS), demonstrating our operational excellence and flexibility.”

 

Photo credit: Molgas Energy
Published: 21 March, 2025

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