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SMW 2023: Maritime IAP discusses multi-fuel transition at annual meeting

Governments could support bunkering trials and regulatory sandboxes as well as partner industry stakeholders and green shipping consortiums to accelerate research into alternative fuel technologies.

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The Maritime International Advisory Panel (IAP) held its second annual meeting on 25 and 26 April 2023, during the Singapore Maritime Week 2023, according to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore on Thursday (27 April). 

The two-day session brought together global business leaders from the maritime sector and adjacent industries to discuss key trends in the maritime sector – digitalisation, cybersecurity, and the multi-fuel transition. 

This year, the Maritime IAP also welcomed six new members. Local industry and union leaders were also invited to bring perspectives to the discussions. Mr S. Iswaran, Minister for Transport and Minister in-charge of Trade Relations delivered opening and closing remarks as Chairman of the Maritime IAP. Mr Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Finance and Transport, led the discussions on both days.

Advancing the Multi-Fuel Transition

The Maritime IAP recognised that the decarbonisation of the maritime sector should not be viewed in isolation, but that there were synergies across different sectors and with each country’s domestic clean energy strategy. Among other solutions, the panel recommended that governments and the maritime industry could work with adjacent sectors such as the aviation and energy sectors to aggregate energy demand for low- and zero-carbon fuel solutions. 

The Maritime IAP acknowledged that the multi-fuel transition would require significant capital expenditure especially in its infancy, and discussed how the industry’s willingness to invest in commercial solutions could be coupled with support from governments to lower cost barriers and incentivise early movers, e.g. regulatory changes. The panel also highlighted the importance of preserving optionality when building infrastructure and ships through flexible and modular concepts to avoid stranded assets, while keeping multiple fuel pathways available. 

The Maritime IAP recommended that governments could articulate clear policy roadmaps for the promulgation of low- and zero-carbon fuels, as well as establish robust fuel standards and regulations at the national and international levels. Governments could support bunkering trials and regulatory sandboxes as well as partner industry stakeholders and green shipping consortiums to accelerate research into alternative fuel technologies and ship designs and encourage investments into these fuels. 

The panel reiterated that Green and Digital Shipping Corridors were important avenues for like-minded partners to take the lead in advancing the decarbonisation of shipping towards net-zero emissions. They also highlighted the need to build confidence and trust in the safety and efficacy of low- and zero-carbon fuels and their production.

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Forging Collaborations and Building An Inclusive Ecosystem 

The Maritime IAP recognised the valuable role that Maritime Singapore could play in strengthening collaborations and advancing industry transformation in the global maritime sector, by tapping on its strengths as a global hub port and international maritime centre.

The Maritime IAP agreed that it was important to build trust and improve transparency to foster effective collaboration on decarbonisation and digitalisation, which would mitigate various risks undertaken by various stakeholders. To accelerate digitalisation and decarbonisation meant that the various technology, credit, technical, market and infrastructure risks had to be borne by entities across the spectrum of shipyards, manufacturers, shipping lines, cargo owners, traders, charterers, banks, and governments. 

The Maritime IAP also highlighted the need to create a more inclusive ecosystem by engaging small and medium enterprises, which would allow the entire maritime value chain to reap the full benefits of digitalisation and decarbonisation. In addition, it was emphasised that governments needed to create a level playing field by setting standards and regulations to accelerate digitalisation and decarbonisation efforts. 

 Apart from government policy, it was also vital to engage the private sector to canvass ideas, expertise, and resources widely in order to effectively address the challenges of digitalisation and decarbonisation. Underscoring this was the continual need to strengthen public-private partnerships, so that governments could take into account commercial challenges and realities in policymaking to drive the intended outcomes.

Enhancing Digitalisation and Cybersecurity

The Maritime IAP suggested that governments could build neutrality and trust in data storage to promote data sharing. The panel also emphasised the importance of data standardisation and the interoperability of systems across borders, and to complement this with multilateral efforts such as those at the International Maritime Organization, plurilateral collaborations, bilateral initiatives, and partnerships with industry stakeholders.

 The Maritime IAP highlighted the benefits of advancing digital solutions for greater productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. The panel suggested developing “one-stop” digital platforms that would connect various maritime stakeholders to facilitate more efficient sharing of data and provision of integrated services. The panel also recommended tapping on visualisation and simulation techniques to improve processes in the maritime industry, such as developing digital twins, which would open up new possibilities for transformation. 

The Maritime IAP also recognised the urgent need to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities of the maritime industry given the increased risk of cyber-attacks with growing digitalisation. The panel raised that government support was necessary to help the industry elevate their cybersecurity capabilities, especially against sophisticated and large-scale attacks on critical infrastructure.

The Maritime IAP also suggested that like-minded countries, ports, and companies could form alliances and partnerships to facilitate early sharing of cyber threat information and enable timely responses to threats. 

Developing A Strong Maritime Workforce 

The Maritime IAP, as well as local industry and union representatives, underscored the importance of attraction, recruitment, and retention of talent, especially as the maritime industry accelerates digital transformation and advances the multi-fuel transition. Tripartite collaboration with clear and regular communication with maritime workers would become more important to encourage upskilling, retraining, and strengthening our maritime workforce to prepare them for the transformation.

Mr S. Iswaran said, “I would like to thank the IAP members for their invaluable views and insightful contributions over the past two days. As a global maritime hub, Singapore remains committed to work with like-minded partners across industries and regions to support and accelerate maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation efforts. The IAP members have been strong allies in driving transformation of the maritime sector, and I look forward to sustaining this spirit of cooperation as we chart a path forward for the maritime sector.”

Established in 2022 by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the Maritime IAP aims to seek international perspectives on key long-term trends and developments that will shape the maritime industry. 

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 April, 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.

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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

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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.

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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

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Bunker Fuel

TFG Marine to launch bunker fuel supply operations in Jamaica on 1 June

Firm will commence marine fuel supply operations at Port of Kingston and on north coast of Jamaica, with Scott Petroleum, a local supplier with insight into Caribbean bunker market.

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TFG Marine to launch bunker fuel supply operations in Jamaica from 1 June

Global marine fuel supply and procurement firm TFG Marine on Wednesday (14 May) said it will launch its bunkering service in Jamaica with its local partner, Scott Petroleum. 

The marine fuel supply operations will commence at the Port of Kingston as well as on the north coast of Jamaica, from 1 June.

 “The operation is being launched in partnership with Scott Petroleum, a trusted local supplier with over two decades of experience and unmatched insight into the Caribbean bunker market,” it said in a social media post. 

Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) and Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO) fuels will be sourced locally from the Petrojam Limited-operated Kingston refinery and will be supplied via the bunker barge operated by Scott Petroleum.

“By combining Scott Petroleum’s local insight with TFG Marine’s global expertise and commitment to innovation, this new venture aims to set a new benchmark for marine fuel supply in the region, delivering reliable, efficient and transparent bunkering services to vessels calling at this key Caribbean port,” the company said. 

Kenneth Dam, Head of Bunkering at TFG Marine, said: “We’re very happy to be setting up in Jamaica,” It’s a strategic location with strong demand and teaming up with Scott Petroleum means that we can hit the ground running with an existing reliable, well-run operation.

“We’re looking forward to bringing TFG Marine’s global expertise and fuel supply innovation to the Caribbean, and to raising the standard of service for marine fuel customers across the region.”

 Gary Scott, CEO at Scott Petroleum, said: “We are excited about our partnership with TFG Marine. The new venture will form a strong force to expand the bunker service being offered in Jamaica and will be able to capture other opportunities that exist in the region”

 Note: For inquiries regarding TFG Marine’s new vessel supply services in the region in collaboration with Scott Petroleum, contact [email protected] or [email protected]

 

Photo credit: TFG Marine
Published: 15 May, 2025

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