MoU

SMW 2024: EPS commits six ammonia dual-fuel newbuilds to Singapore flag

EPS signed MoUs with MPA, ABS and LR to commit the ships to be registered under SRS upon delivery; MoUs will include joint capability and capacity-building on ammonia bunkering.

Published

11 months ago

April 18, 2024

Admin

SMW 2024: EPS commits six ammonia dual-fuel newbuilds to Singapore flag

The Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) on Wednesday (17 April) signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), and classification societies, ABS and Lloyd’s Register, committing six of its ammonia dual-fuel newbuilds to be registered under the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) upon delivery.

According to the joint statement, four Newcastlemaxes and two Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLACs) fitted with ammonia dual-fuel engines are slated for delivery from 2026 onwards.

The commitment of these newbuilds comes six months after EPS announced collaboration with MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (HHI) and yards from the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), supported by classification societies ABS and Lloyd’s Register, on the development of ammonia burning engine that will be fitted to the new fleet of EPS-managed vessels.

The collaboration envisaged under the MoUs will include joint capability and capacity-building on ammonia bunkering, seafarer training on management and safety aspects, expertise and knowledge sharing to explore ammonia-related solutions and standards for power generation and bunkering, and consideration of zero and near-zero fuel pilot trials.

EPS will also be working closely with MPA to explore and support crew training on zero and near-zero emission fuels and related technologies at the new Maritime Energy Training Facility to be established progressively by 2026.

"We are delighted to formalise our partnership with MPA through the signing of these MoUs,” said Cyril Ducau, Chief Executive Officer at EPS.

“As optimism grows on the transportation of ammonia following the continued expansion of ammonia production capabilities worldwide, we must recognise fundamentally that crew safety is of paramount importance.”

“This collaboration cements our commitment to work with key industry stakeholders to address challenges and strive to lead the safe transportation of zero- and near-zero emission fuels like ammonia and its adoption as a marine fuel. We look forward to furthering our partnership with MPA and the broader maritime community, to build on necessary training and capacity-building in order to strengthen the safety and environmental aspects, so that our collective efforts accelerate decarbonisation of the global shipping industry safely."

Teo Eng Dih, MPA Chief Executive, said, “We welcome EPS’ newbuilds to the family of Singapore-registered vessels. The delivery of EPS’ ammonia dual-fuel newbuilds from 2026 gives strong confidence on the use of ammonia as a marine fuel.”

“It will help accelerate efforts to develop the value chain and infrastructure required and the training of the workforce to be ready to safely handle ammonia as a fuel. We look forward to working with EPS, and other like-minded partners, on the concrete steps to advance the decarbonisation of international shipping.”

“ABS commends the MPA and EPS for their pioneering commitment to register six VLAC ammonia dual-fuel newbuilds. This bold initiative represents a crucial step towards the maritime industry's decarbonization goals, showcasing our collective commitment to innovation and sustainability stewardship. ABS is proud to support this effort with its gas carriers and ammonia expertise, paving the way for significant decarbonization in global maritime industry,” said John McDonald, ABS President and COO.

Alternative Fuels

CMA CGM to participate in bunkering trials of alternative fuels in Singapore

Under a renewed MoU with MPA, CMA CGM also plans to expand its fleet and vessel tonnage, adding more vessels under the Singapore Registry of Ships, including four 23,000 TEU LNG vessels.

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2025

Admin

CMA CGM to participate in bunkering trials of alternative fuels in Singapore

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the CMA CGM Group on Tuesday (18 December) said they have renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance sustainable shipping and innovation including in the area of alternative bunker fuels.

Under the MoU, CMA CGM plans to expand its fleet and vessel tonnage, adding more vessels under the Singapore Registry of Ships, including four 23,000 TEU LNG vessels.

This move reinforces Singapore's position as a maritime hub for CMA CGM and supports the company's goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050. In this regard, the CMA CGM Group has invested nearly USD 20 billion to order LNG and methanol powered ships and will have 153 ships capable of using low-carbon energies (biogas, biomethanol and synthetic fuels) in its fleet by 2029.

To support the transition to more sustainable fuels, CMA CGM will register and bunker alternative fuel vessels under the Singapore flag. With its expertise and insights on alternative fuels, the company will also participate in bunkering trials.

Notably, CMA CGM Iron, the company’s first of 12 dual-fuel methanol vessels, made its maiden call in Singapore in early March 2025, marking an important step in CMA CGM’s efforts to adopt alternative fuels and collaborate with Singapore on sustainable shipping initiatives.

MPA and CMA CGM will explore pilot trials, including the test bedding of an online registry for carbon accounting, and sharing best practices for zero and near zero emission marine fuels.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said: "This MoU marks a significant milestone of our collaboration with CMA CGM and also demonstrates CMA CGM’s significant support towards our shared vision to drive decarbonisation and digitalisation and support manpower development within the maritime sector. By leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we aim to create a more sustainable and innovative maritime ecosystem."

Mr Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, added, "I am pleased to renew our partnership with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, strengthening Singapore’s position as a key maritime hub for CMA CGM.”

“Together, we will drive forward innovative initiatives, particularly in the adoption of alternative fuels and digitalisation to enhance efficiency and performance. This collaboration reflects our commitment to leveraging top expertise to build a more resilient and sustainable global trade.”

The renewed partnership builds on an earlier MoU signed in 2022 and underscores the shared commitment to strengthening Singapore's position as a premier maritime hub.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 19 March, 2025

Bunker Fuel

California Fuels and Lubricants partners with TracTide in Port Hueneme

Building on their past collaborations, the partnership will focus on developing and further enhancing marine fuel services to the local offshore and international shipping sectors.

Published

7 days ago

March 14, 2025

Admin

California Fuels and Lubricants partners with TracTide in Port Hueneme

California Fuels and Lubricants (CFL)on Thursday (13 March) said it has executed a strategic relationship with TracTide Marine Corp in Port Hueneme, California.

The partnership will focus on developing and further enhancing marine fuel services to the local offshore and international shipping sectors. Both companies have shared a long history of working together, which laid the groundwork for creating the alliance.

Through this collaboration, CFL will leverage its extensive supply capability and marine relationships, while TracTide contributes its vast logistics experience. Essentially, CFL will handle the marketing and supply with TracTide responsible for the operations. Together, the companies will enhance fuel availability, responsiveness and sustainability for coastal and international maritime clients.

“Our partnership with TracTide complements our existing marine offering to the rest of the California Coast,” said, Chuck McDaniel, President of California Fuels and Lubricants.

“Port Hueneme is a key West Coast commercial port and working alongside TracTide will provide a best in class fuelling service to vessels operating in the region.”

TracTide will play a crucial role in optimising fuel delivery and operational efficiency for all vessel transfers within Port Hueneme.

“California Fuels and Lubricants has a strong reputation for excellence in fuel services,” said Josh Belchere, Vice President of Trac Tide.

“This partnership is a natural fit, as we work together to create a more resilient and efficient fuelling network for the long term.”

This partnership reinforces CFL’s long-term commitment to being a leading fuel provider for the California maritime industry.

With transportation and terminal assets throughout California, CFL is a fully integrated player in the industrial, marine, cardlock and utilities channels. CFL is also the primary Shell commercial lubricants distributor and Shell Marine distributor in California.

Photo credit: California Fuels and Lubricants
Published: 13 March, 2025

Battery

AET and Fleetzero to develop world’s longest-range plug-in hybrid-electric vessel

One of AET’s LSVs will be retrofitted with a plug-in hybrid-electric system and will operate primarily on battery power following an agreement signed at AET Offshore office in Galveston, Texas.

Published

1 week ago

March 11, 2025

Admin

AET and Fleetzero to develop world’s longest-range plug-in hybrid-electric vessel

Singapore-headquartered AET, a MISC subsidiary, and maritime battery developer and manufacturer Fleetzero recently signed an agreement for the development of the world’s longest-range plug-in hybrid-electric vessel.

Under the agreement, one of AET's Lightering Support Vessels (LSVs) will be retrofitted with a plug-in hybrid-electric system.

The vessel will operate primarily on battery power, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by ~82% when compared to conventional LSVs on a tank-to-wake basis. This is estimated to avoid 1,220 tonnes of greenhouse gases significantly reducing fuel consumption and maintenance costs , while maintaining high safety standards.

The signing ceremony took place at the AET Offshore office in Galveston, Texas, with representatives from both companies present. The agreement was signed by Capt. Ron Wood, AET's Global Director, Commercial, and Mr Steven Henderson, Fleetzero's CEO.

AET FLEETWOOD

Zahid Osman, President & Group CEO of MISC Group, said: “By integrating plug-in hybrid electric solutions into our fleet, we are transforming ambition into action to deliver more energy with less emissions. This pilot project also allows us to evaluate the feasibility and operational performance of this technology, paving the way for potential deployment across AET’s and potentially MISC’s fleet.”

Mr Steven Henderson, Co-Founder & CEO of Fleetzero, said: “We are so excited about this project because it promises to advance marine electrification in a commercially viable way, and the impact is immense – drastically reducing emissions from the vessel operations.”

Photo credit: AET and Fleetzero
Published: 11 March, 2025