Singapore-licensed LNG bunker supplier FueLNG on Friday (28 August) announced a seminar to mark the elevation of the LNG bunkering Technical Reference (TR 56) to the newly published Singapore Standard SS 727 – LNG Bunkering.

FueLNG said the launch of SS 727 represents a significant achievement for Singapore’s maritime industry, providing a comprehensive and robust framework to enhance the safety, consistency, and reliability of LNG bunkering operations. 

“The standard captures years of industry experience, technological advancements and operational learnings, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a leading global LNG bunkering hub,” the company said.

Manifold Times previously reported MPA announcing that the existing TR56 would be upgraded into a Singapore Standard in August 2026 to further strengthen safe and reliable LNG bunkering operations. 

MPA said this in conjunction with announcing the issuance of eight new licences to supply LNG as a marine fuel in Singapore from 1 September.

The licences were awarded to Aramco Trading Singapore, Equatorial Marine Fuel Management Services, ExxonMobil Asia Pacific, PetroChina International (Singapore), Shell Eastern Trading, Sinopec Fuel Oil (Singapore), TotalEnergies Gas & Power Asia (TEGPA)-Sembcorp Fuels (Singapore) Joint Venture, and Vitol Bunkers (S).

A highlight of the seminar was the presentation by Dr. Saunak Rai, Chairman of the Technical Committee for Bunkering (Cryogenic & Gaseous Fuels) and General Manager of FueLNG, who led the industry effort to develop the standard. 

In his address, Dr Rai shared the evolution of LNG bunkering standards in Singapore, tracing the journey from the early development of TR 56 to its elevation as Singapore Standard SS 727. 

He also provided insights into the collaboration between industry stakeholders, regulators and technical experts that shaped the standard, while recognising and thanking the Technical Committee and Working Group members whose dedication and expertise made this milestone possible.

The seminar also featured practical operational perspectives from Siah Poh Chiang, Operations Manager, FueLNG, who shared valuable lessons from FueLNG’s experience in conducting safe and efficient truck-to-ship LNG bunkering operations using the standards, further demonstrating how industry best practices have contributed to the development of the new standard.

The seminar concluded with a panel discussion on the Future of LNG Bunkering, moderated by Dr Saunak Rai. The session brought together a distinguished panel comprising Mark Nicdao of Shell, Zhanming Yang of Equatorial Marine Fuel Management Services, Michael Newman of Fearnleys Asia (Singapore and Richard Tan of TotalEnergies Gas & Power Asia. 

The panellists shared perspectives on the evolving LNG bunkering landscape, market outlook, regulatory developments, operational challenges, and the role of LNG in supporting the maritime industry’s transition towards lower-carbon fuels. 

“The exchange of views and audience engagement underscored the importance of collaboration across the maritime value chain to accelerate the adoption of safe, reliable and sustainable bunkering solutions,” the company added. 

“As one of Singapore’s leading LNG bunkering providers, FueLNG is honored to have contributed to this important industry milestone through both operational experience and technical leadership.”

Note: SS 727 is now available through the Singapore Standards e-shop here.

Related: Singapore: Equatorial Marine Fuel among eight selected for new LNG bunkering licences

Photo credit: FueLNG
Published: 2 September, 2026

Avenir LNG on Tuesday (1 September) announced the completion of the transaction first announced in March, establishing Avenir LNG as a 50/50 joint venture between NYK Line and Stolt-Nielsen.

The partnership brings together the global reach, expertise and capabilities of two leading maritime groups, providing an even stronger platform from which Avenir can continue to grow.

“For Avenir, our focus remains clear: expanding our global LNG bunkering and small-scale LNG activities, accelerating the adoption of Bio-LNG, and helping our customers navigate the transition towards lower-carbon shipping,” the company said. 

“We are incredibly proud of what the Avenir team has built to date and excited about what this new partnership makes possible.”

With the completion of the transaction, NYK said it has established a joint ownership and operating structure with Stolt-Nielsen for Avenir LNG, an operator in the LNG bunkering sector with one of the world’s largest fleets of LNG bunker vessels.

“The joint venture will pursue opportunities in LNG and bio-LNG bunkering, supporting the maritime industry’s transition to lower-emission fuels,” NYK said in a separate statement. 

Photo credit: Avenir LNG
Published: 2 September, 2026

Marine fuel supplier Verde Marine Energy (VME) said it has expanded its service portfolio with the supply and procurement of marine lubricants, from Tuesday (1 September). 

As part of this development, Patrick Koers will join the Verde Marine Energy team as Lubricant Trader.

The addition of marine lubricants marks a further step in broadening Verde Marine Energy’s offering to the maritime industry. Alongside its existing bunker activities, VME will now also support shipowners, operators and other maritime customers with their lubricant requirements.

Koers brings 40 years of experience in shipping and lubricant trading and will be responsible for developing and managing the lubricant activities within Verde Marine Energy. Having previously managed lubricant procurement, he will continue these activities from within VME from 1 September, while further developing the service for third-party customers.

Through the new lubricant service, customers can turn to Verde Marine Energy for the sourcing and procurement of marine lubricants, supported by market knowledge, technical understanding and an international supplier network. The addition also creates the opportunity for customers to combine their marine fuel and lubricant requirements through one point of contact.

In addition to marine lubricants, VME can also source AdBlue and urea products used in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from marine engines. This complements VME’s existing activities aimed at supporting customers with lower-emission solutions.

Joe Tierney, Head of Trading at Verde Marine Energy, said: “Adding lubricants to our portfolio is a natural extension of our existing activities. We already work closely with customers on their marine energy requirements, and this allows us to support them in another important part of their vessel operations. Patrick brings the experience and market knowledge needed to further develop this activity within Verde Marine Energy.”

Koers adds: “I am looking forward to joining Verde Marine Energy and continuing to develop the lubricant business from within VME. By combining the existing lubricant expertise with Verde’s bunker activities and customer network, we see a good opportunity to further strengthen the service we can offer to both existing and new customers.”

With the addition of marine lubricants, Verde Marine Energy further strengthens its service offering and its ability to support customers across their marine fuel and lubricant requirements.

For lubricant enquiries:

Patrick Koers
Lubricant Trader
Verde Marine Energy B.V.
[email protected]
[email protected] 

Photo credit: Verde Marine Energy
Published: 2 September, 2026