Alternative Fuels

Singapore: MPA, LR sign ‘Silk Alliance’ MoU to drive zero-emission shipping

Collaboration includes driving investments into scalable fuel supply infrastructure to meet demand aggregation and potential wider regional bunkering demands for alternative bunker fuels.

Published

2 years ago

July 5, 2023

Admin

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub (LR MDH) on Wednesday (5 July) said they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at collaborating on a fleet-specific decarbonisation strategy and implementation plan for ‘The Silk Alliance’ cross-industry initiative to enable zero-emission shipping across the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Through complementary technical skills and expertise, both parties will strengthen their commitment to developing partnerships in co-creating the green corridor to trial decarbonisation strategies for container ships operating primarily in Asia to achieve significant emission-saving impact. LR MDH, which is a joint initiative between Lloyd’s Register Group and Lloyd’s Register Foundation, won the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)-MPA NextGEN Connect Challenge for the “Development of a Route-based Action Plan Methodology based on The Silk Alliance”.

MPA’s entry into ‘The Silk Alliance’ initiative is a significant step forward towards deeper public-private sector collaboration between global maritime industry players and Singapore’s port regulator, focusing on actions to unlock key investments across the Indian and Pacific Oceans region as the green corridor cluster moves into an implementation phase.

The collaboration includes driving investments into scalable fuel supply infrastructure to meet the demand aggregation signal of members of The Silk Alliance and potential wider regional bunkering demands for alternative bunker fuels.

MPA’s contribution to The Silk Alliance, which is based on the Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub’s “First Mover Framework”, complements efforts to establish the supply of low- and zero-carbon fuel options, and also its collaboration with other partners to develop Green and Digital Shipping Corridors.

Nick Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Lloyd’s Register, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the MPA to the expanding ‘The Silk Alliance’ cross-industry collaboration. Flag and port authorities play a crucial role in increasing the industry’s confidence in zero-emissions shipping, and as the world’s largest bunkering hub, we see Singapore and the MPA as a driving force in advancing the safe uptake of low-to-zero emissions fuel in the global shipping industry.”

Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “MPA is pleased to be part of The Silk Alliance to accelerate the decarbonisation of container trade. The Silk Alliance will enable key stakeholders in Singapore to chart the transition towards low- and zero-carbon options. As the world’s largest transhipment container port and bunkering hub, Singapore will take active steps to support the decarbonisation of the container trade in line with IMO’s Revised Strategy to reduce emissions from shipping.”

Launched in May 2022 with 12 leading cross-supply chain stakeholders, The Silk Alliance brings together an integral group of organisations from both the private and public sector across the entire value chain of shipping. Inaugural members include port operator, PSA; shipowners, MSC Shipmanagement Ltd., Pacific International Lines (Pte) Ltd (PIL), Wan Hai Lines, X-Press Feeders, Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp.; shipyard, Seatrium; bunker logistical supplier, Singfar International; engine manufacturer, Wärtsilä; ship manager, Wilhelmsen Ship Management; and financial institutions, the Asian Development Bank and ING.

The Silk Alliance was initially focused on a baseline fleet that predominantly bunkers in Singapore and sails across Asia, East Africa, the Middle East, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. As the implementation phase rolls out, the baseline fleet’s demand is expected to eventually aggregate further to other regional hubs and deep-sea routes, such as the Singapore-Rotterdam green and digital shipping corridor.

Existing partners of The Silk Alliance have conducted a feasibility scenario analysis for green shipping for an in-scope fleet of container ships. Through close collaboration with the MPA and other members of The Silk Alliance, the LR Maritime Decarbonisation Hub expects that given Singapore’s status as both the top bunkering and transhipment port, supported by its innovation ecosystem, it can help accelerate The Silk Alliance’s decarbonisation efforts.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 5 July, 2023

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Newbuilding

Tsuneishi delivers world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulker to NYK

“Green Future” was delivered at Tsuneishi factory on 13 May and will be chartered by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers, an NYK Group company, from Kambara Kisen.

Published

24 hours ago

May 15, 2025

Admin

Tsuneishi delivers world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulker to NYK

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding on Wednesday (14 May) said it has delivered the world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulk carrier, Green Future.

The 65,700 dwt vessel was delivered at its factory on 13 May and will be chartered by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers, an NYK Group company, from Kambara Kisen.

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding said the vessel maintains the high cargo capacity and fuel efficiency characteristic of the TESS66 Aeroline design series, while enabling more sustainable operations through the use of methanol as a fuel.

The methanol fuel tank has been positioned to maximise safety and facilitate smooth cargo handling while maintaining loading efficiency. It is also equipped with a fuel-efficient main engine and Tsuneishi’s proprietary Aeroline technology to reduce wind resistance, delivering superior fuel performance.

Mr Okumura Sachio, Representative Director, President & Executive Officer of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, said: “This delivery marks just the beginning. We will continue constructing methanol dual-fuelled vessels at our overseas facilities and remain steadfast in our pursuit of technological innovation to contribute to a more sustainable maritime industry and global environment.”

NYK said the vessel is the first bulk carrier in the NYK Group to be equipped with a dual-fuel engine that uses methanol and fuel oil.

Vessel Particulars

LOA: 199.99 m
Breadth: 32.25 m
Depth: 19.15 m
Deadweight: approx. 65,700 metric tonnes
Capacity: approx. 81,500 m3
Draft: 13.8 m

Photo credit: Tsuneishi Shipbuilding
Published: 15 May, 2025

Events

Green Shiptech China Congress to explore alternative bunker fuels and ship technologies

LNG, methanol and ammonia as well as fuel cell integration will be among key issues discussed at the annual conference which will be held on 25 to 26 September in Shanghai.

Published

24 hours ago

May 15, 2025

Admin

Ridge China on Wednesday (14 May) announced it will be hosting the 14th Green Shiptech China Congress (GSCC), an annual conference which will be held on 25 to 26 September in Shanghai.

More than 4,400 experts and decision makers from governments, classification societies, shipowners, shipyards, research institutes, technology/equipment suppliers and consulting companies attended the previous GSCC from 2012 to 2024.

For 2025, over 400 industry experts, corporate decision makers and government officials will be engaged in comprehensive discussions on current issues of IMO, EU, USCG, China MSA’s policies and regulations, designs and standards for new ship models, innovative and sustainable green ship technologies at this annual conference.

Alternative bunker fuels such as LNG, methanol and ammonia as well as fuel cell integration will be part of the important issues discussed at the event.

Speakers will be from

IMO
European Commission
U.S. Coast Guard
China MSA
Financial Institutions
Maritime Research Institutes
Solution & Technology Providers
Shipowners
Shipyards
Classification Societies

Key topics

Policies and Regulations Update and Interpretate by IMO, European Commission, U.S. Coast Guard and China MSA
Retrofitting Vessels to Achieve Decarbonization Goals
Energy Efficiency Continues to Be Key for Decarbonization
Decarbonization Through Digitalization
Digital Technologies As a Key Enabler for Emissions Reduction
Impact of a Hull Coating Upgrade on Hull Efficiency
LNG As Marine Fuel: Pivoting Towards Cleaner Shipping
Methanol As a Marine Fuel
Ammonia’s Credentials As a Green Fuel
Wind Propulsion Technology
Fuel Cell Integration: Upcoming Challenges and Opportunity
Propelling Carbon-neutral Shipping with Green Engines and Alternative Fuels
Next-generation Electric and Hybrid Marine Propulsion Technologies and Components
Latest Developments in Energy Storage Systems

Interested parties may contact:

Mr. Quin Xu
Tel: +86 21 6607 8610 -8003
Mob: +86 13564222811
Email: [email protected]

Note: The English and Chinese version of the event website can be found here and here respectively while the event registration can be found here.

Photo credit: Ridge China
Published: 15 May, 2025

Biofuel

Burando Energies completes B30 bunkering operation for Teekay Tankers

Firm delivered a bespoke blend of VLSFO containing 30% ISCC Certified FAME Residue to Teekay Tankers in Port of Amsterdam.

Published

24 hours ago

May 15, 2025

Admin

Burando Energies completes B30 bunkering operation for Teekay Tankers

European marine fuel supplier Burando Energies on Wednesday (14 May) said it has successfully completed a bunkering operation for Teekay Tankers, delivering a bespoke blend of Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) containing 30% ISCC Certified FAME Residue in the Port of Amsterdam.

By blending its VLSFO with FAME Residue, Burando Energies said it is able to provide a scalable solution that meets both commercial and environmental targets.

“We are proud to support Teekay Tankers in taking concrete steps toward sustainable operations,” said Nick de Haan, Head of Decarbonisation Strategies at Burando Energies.

“This delivery showcases our ability to meet the evolving fuel demands of the global shipping industry with innovative, lower-carbon solutions that are also commercially viable.”

FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters) Residue is a renewable, second-generation bio-component derived from waste oils and residual feedstocks from biodiesel production. Unlike conventional biodiesel, FAME Residue is considered a more economical and circular option, offering a reduced carbon footprint at a lower cost.

Through extensive testing and evaluation, Burando Energies has secured a consistent, FAME Residue stream that blends well with VLSFO and maintains full compatibility with existing marine engines. The result is a drop-in fuel blend that lowers lifecycle emissions while enhancing both operational efficiency and fuel flexibility.

“Teekay Tankers has partnered with Burando for many years and has worked with us on the first FAME Residue biofuel delivery in Amsterdam,” said Mads Bjornebye, Manager Bunker Services at Teekay Tankers.

“Burando coordinated closely with both our Technical and Commercial teams to ensure a smooth delivery.”

Photo credit: Burando Energies
Published: 15 May, 2025