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Skyports, TFG Marine complete Singapore’s first drone operations involving bunker tankers

Both successfully wrapped up Singapore’s first shore-to-ship beyond visual line of sight drone deliveries and collections of bunker fuel samples to and from bunker tanker vessels.

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Skyports, TFG Marine complete Singapore’s first drone operations involving bunker tankers

Drone delivery and inspection services provider Skyports Drone Services (Skyports) on Monday (21 July) said it has successfully and safely completed Singapore’s first shore-to-ship beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone deliveries and collections of bunker fuel samples to and from bunker tanker vessels.

Conducted in partnership with the TFG Marine, CBS Ventures and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the trial aimed to review safety parameters for using drones to improve tanker vessel operations. The flights demonstrated that drones can be safely used in marine fuelling environments such as around bunker tankers, under stringent safety requirements.

The trials concluded with the drones successfully transporting bunker fuel samples to and from TFG Marine’s vessel MT Diligence. This provides a faster, safer, and more sustainable alternative to in-person deliveries made by TFG Marine’s launch boats, which involve less efficient vessel-to-vessel crossings of delivery personnel.

Operated remotely from MPA’s Maritime Innovation Lab (MIL) 3.0, the Speedbird DLV-2 drone departed Skyports’ designated Take Off and Landing Pad (TOLP) at the Maritime Drone Estate, flying BVLOS to the vessel. Once at the vessel, the drone descended above the deck, lowering a cargo box on its winch, to where trained TFG Marine crew loaded the bunker oil sample.

Signalling to the remote pilot, the crew vacated the area to a safe zone, with the remote pilot retracting the winch and flying the drone back to the TOLP. From there, TFG Marine personnel collected the oil sample, taking it to its lab on land for quality testing.

A core part of the trial was validating and demonstrating that drones can safely operate in marine refuelling environments with risk mitigation measures in place. This involved extensive research and regulatory discussions over the course of nearly two years, including pre-trial checks on electrostatic discharge from the drone, and  performing real-time gas and vessel drift measurements prior to drone operations on MT Diligence. 

In flight route planning, the drones also approached the tanker perpendicularly to the winch area with a structured flight sequence, avoiding the most hazardous areas of the tanker. In the unlikely event of a signal loss, the drone is also preprogrammed to exit the way it approached the vessel.

During the trial Skyports provided a full end-to-end service, including route planning, regulatory approvals, drone operations, training to vessel crew and data collection and analysis.

Following the trial and analysis of the results, Skyports will continue to work with MPA and the tanker community to expand the trials and strengthen safety protocols.

Alex Brown, Director of Drone Services, Skyports, said: “With Singapore seeing over 130,000 vessel calls annually, according to statistics from the MPA, drone technology has real potential to reduce the risks associated with vessel-to-vessel transfers in Singapore’s port waters and enhance operational efficiency. After extensive research, training and preparation by our team over the last two years we’re proud to see our team successfully and safely completing their trials, providing a proven roadmap to drone operations around marine refuelling environments.”

Kenneth Dam, Global Head of Bunkering, TFG Marine, said: “TFG Marine is pleased to support innovative technology that can transform traditional maritime activities. We’re constantly looking to improve operational performance and make bunkering services easier with a focus on transparency and reliability through digital solutions. We’re excited to partner with Skyports and the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore on a new drone delivery initiative in one of the world’s busiest ports.”

 

Photo credit: Skyports Drone Services
Published: 23 July, 2025

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Genevos and Koedood Marine Group team up on maritime hydrogen fuel cell deployment

Collaboration will explore how ready-to-use marine fuel cell systems can support shipowners and shipyards in the transition towards zero-emission operations.

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July 20, 2026

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Genevos and Koedood Marine Group team up on maritime hydrogen fuel cell deployment

Marine fuel cell systems provider Genevos recently said the company signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with engine supplier Koedood Marine Group to explore the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell systems for inland and coastal maritime transport. 

The LOI was signed by Phil Sharp, co-founder and CTO of Genevos, and Mühlheim, Business Development Director of Koedood Marine Group during the 2026 Advanced Maritime Technology Show in Amsterdam.

Building on Koedood’s proven experience in hydrogen maritime projects – including its ongoing work with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and TNO on hydrogen engine development – the collaboration will explore how ready-to-use marine fuel cell systems can support shipowners and shipyards in the transition towards zero-emission operations. 

“Koedood has a strong reputation in the maritime sector and a deep understanding of vessel operators’ needs. This LOI is an important step in exploring how Genevos’ hydrogen fuel cell systems can be deployed more widely across inland and maritime applications, helping shipowners reduce onboard emissions with robust, practical and scalable clean power solutions,” said Sharp.

The collaboration aligns with growing market demand for rapidly deployable hydrogen solutions and the wider need to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission technologies across the maritime sector. 

“With this collaboration, we are further strengthening our portfolio of maritime energy solutions. Together with Genevos, we are exploring how we can support our customers in the adoption of hydrogen technology,” said Mühlheim.

 

Photo credit: Genevos
Published: 20 July, 2026

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DNV awards TADC to Econowind for VentoFoil 3-Series

System actively harnesses wind power to generate forward thrust, helping to reduce bunker fuel consumption and mitigate FuelEU penalties.
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July 17, 2026

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DNV awards TADC to Econowind for VentoFoil 3-Series

Dutch wind-assisted propulsion technology firm Econowind on Wednesday (15 July) said it has received a Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) from classification society DNV for its VentoFoil 3-Series boundary layer suction wing. 

The company said the certification confirms compliance with DNV’s ST-0511 standard for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems and enables easier integration of VentoFoils on DNV-classed vessels worldwide. 

Econowind added that the approval accelerates the deployment of wind propulsion across the shipping industry.

“DNV is one of the world’s leading classification societies. This TADC gives DNV-classed shipowners confidence that VentoFoils meet the highest industry standards,” said Chiel de Leeuw, Chief Commercial Officer at Econowind. 

“It simplifies the approval process for both retrofits and newbuilds. VentoFoils are ideal for late-stage design integration and retrofit projects. This is an important milestone for Econowind and for the wider adoption of wind-assisted ship propulsion.”

The 3-Series VentoFoil is Econowind’s best-selling suction wing to date, with over 150 units sold. The system actively harnesses wind power to generate forward thrust, helping to reduce fuel consumption and mitigate FuelEU penalties. The system includes a tilting foundation, allowing the wings to be tilted down during port operations or in adverse weather conditions, making it a flexible solution.

The TADC applies to the 16-meter VentoFoil 3-Series product design and supports easy integration into DNV-classed vessels without repeating the full design assessment process. This enables shipowners, shipyards, and project teams to move more efficiently from concept to installation, reducing project complexity and accelerating deployment. 

Hasso Hoffmeister, Senior Principal Engineer at DNV Maritime, said: “It is a great pleasure to award Econowind this new certificate. WAPS have been going from strength to strength over the past few years, from 2022 the number of vessels in operation has increased five times, and we’ve now topped the century mark. 

“And with the current advances in technology, materials, and production capacity in the segment, we expect this to accelerate. So, while the wind always changes, the shipping industry is likely to be sailing strong for years to come.”

Econowind expects the DNV Type Approval Design Certificate to accelerate adoption of the VentoFoil, particularly among shipowners seeking proven, independently certified technology that can support fuel savings, emissions reductions, and decarbonization goals.

MS Heinz of HS Schiffahrt is among the first vessels to sail under this TADC.The company said the approval builds on Econowind’s growing installed base and further strengthens confidence in wind-assisted ship propulsion as a practical solution to address energy scarcity and high fuel prices. 

In addition to the 3-Series, Econowind offers the 5-Series for the deep-sea market.

 

Photo credit: Econowind
Published: 17 July, 2026

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Malaysia: Maharani Freeport to implement MFM and e-BDN technologies for enhanced bunkering transparency

Initiatives reflect the Freeport’s commitment to delivering transparency, operational integrity and international best practices across its bunkering ecosystem, says MEG spokesperson.
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July 15, 2026

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MEG 1145 cropped MT

Maharani Freeport, a National Project officially launched by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, in November 2025, will be introducing mass flowmeter (MFM) and electronic bunker delivery note (e-BDN) technologies to its bunkering operations, learns Manifold Times.

These strategic initiatives underscore the port’s commitment in establishing a highly transparent, efficient and trustworthy bunkering environment, aligned with global best practices and addressing critical industry demands, according to a Maharani Energy Gateway (MEG) spokesperson.

MEG is the Master Developer of Maharani Freeport and seeks to position the Freeport as a strategic nexus for shipment, storage and trading operations on a global scale. MEG Synergy is the trading division and a wholly owned entity of MEG; it seeks to position Maharani Freeport as a strategic nexus for shipment, storage, and trading operations on a global scale.

As part of its long-term bunkering strategy, the Freeport is currently in the process of acquiring bunker vessels of various sizes to support marine fuel deliveries and accommodate the evolving requirements of regional and international customers. These vessels will be equipped with MFM technology to ensure accurate, transparent and efficient fuel transfer operations.

Including bunkering and ship-to-ship (STS) trading operations from its High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) Floating Storage Unit (FSU), MEG Synergy already oversees a healthy volume of Bunker cargo deliveries to regional players each month.

MFM for Trust, Transparency and Traceability

MEG highlighted the custody transfer of bunker fuels at the Freeport will be handled by MFM-equipped bunker tankers.

“The adoption of MFM technology to support bunkering operations is a direct response to persistent industry challenges such as quantity discrepancies and delivery disputes,” explained the spokesperson.

“By equipping our bunker vessels with certified mass flowmeters, we aim to ensure precise and verifiable fuel delivery measurements.

“This initiative is pivotal in fostering trust among customers and strengthening the Freeport’s reputation as a professionally managed zone where businesses can operate with confidence. The overarching goal is to create a secure and well-governed environment for commercial activities, reducing operational risks and uncertainties while supporting efficient and transparent trade.”

e-BDN to Digitalise Documentation Workflow

The implementation of electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDN), together with MFM technology, further aligns with the Freeport’s focus on creating comprehensive digital custody transfer records and robust data retention systems, added the spokesperson.

This digital approach, integrated with MFM technology, will streamline operational workflows, reduce administrative burdens and provide an immutable record of transactions to enhance transparency, minimising potential friction and expediting dispute resolution

MEG emphasised that the Freeport’s commitment extends beyond technological enhancements to encompass a comprehensive governance framework.

The port aims to adhere to stringent international standards, including those established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), while offering dispute resolution mechanisms under the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to ensure the swift and fair handling of disagreements.

This holistic approach to operational integrity and governance is designed to address perceived transparency gaps, positioning the Freeport as a reliable and commercially attractive hub for the maritime and commodities sectors.

Note: For enquiries in respect of Maharani Freeport, readers may reach out to:

[email protected]

Related: Interview: Maharani Energy Gateway – Forging a new energy nexus in the Straits of Malacca
Related: New Johor bunkering hub: Maharani debuts as Malaysia’s first duty-exempted energy freeport

 

Photo credit: Maharani Energy Gateway
Published: 15 July 2026

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