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Alternative Fuels

SMW 2025: ABS to establish Singapore centre for alternative bunker fuels training

As part of a MoU with MPA, ABS will establish the ABS Singapore Maritime Safety Centre Maritime which will offer training in the safe handling of alternative marine fuels, such as ammonia and methanol.

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SMW: ABS to establish Singapore centre for alternative bunker fuels training

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) on Tuesday (25 March) renewed a multi-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration in research and development, talent development, workforce upskilling, support for startup maritime businesses, and regulatory alignment. 

The renewal marked a comprehensive and future-oriented collaboration that continues to strengthen Singapore’s role as a global maritime hub while advancing ABS’ strategic initiatives in Singapore.

As part of the five-year arrangement, ABS will establish the ABS Singapore Maritime Safety Centre, a cutting-edge facility designed to provide immersive training for seafarers and maritime professionals, in support of the MPA’s Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF).

ABS is investing USD$4.5 million in the centre, which is expected to create new employment opportunities for the region.

By employing the latest training techniques, including virtual reality and game-based training systems, the ABS Singapore Maritime Safety Centre can simulate realistic training scenarios with varying levels of complexity, without putting the vessel or crew at risk.

Maritime professionals and students will have the opportunity to learn and acquire skills in the safe handling of alternative fuels, such as ammonia and methanol, as well as the deployment of battery and electric propulsion systems at the Centre.

Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO, said: “The maritime industry’s transition to net zero demands not only innovation but also a workforce equipped to deliver all of the advances in technology and fuel without compromising safety.”

“Through this expanded collaboration with MPA, ABS is committed to advancing research and development, nurturing talent, and delivering world-class training that empowers seafarers and shore-based professionals alike in the safe operation of next generation assets.”

“Singapore’s leadership in maritime sustainability makes it the ideal partner for this critical mission. ABS is proud to support the transformational METF project and honoured to be selected as a partner.”

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “The renewal of MPA’s MOU with ABS underscores our shared vision for a sustainable and future-ready maritime sector.”

“By combining expertise in R&D, talent development and workforce training, we are strengthening  Singapore as a global hub for maritime innovation and the upskilling of maritime professionals. MPA looks forward to our continued collaboration with ABS and the addition of the ABS Singapore Maritime Safety Centre to the METF suite of training capabilities.”

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 25 March, 2025

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LNG Bunkering

PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

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July 21, 2026

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PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. 

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post. 

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024. 

 

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s alternative fuel bunkering infrastructure.
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July 21, 2026

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CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

China’s Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., Ltd. (CIMC SOE) recently signed a contract with Sinopec (Beijing) Clean Energy Co., Ltd. to build a 12,000-cubic metre (m3) LNG bunkering vessel, according to Chinese maritime media.

The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2028 and will support Sinopec’s efforts to expand its presence in the marine clean energy sector.

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s LNG bunkering infrastructure.

With this signing , CIMC Pacific Offshore Engineering’s LNG bunkering vessel orderbook is further strengthened, maintaining its leading position in the global market for small and medium-sized LNG bunkering vessels.

The contract also marked another milestone for CIMC SOE, which has seen a sharp increase in orders and business performance this year amid a surge in domestic LNG vessel demand.

 

Photo credit: Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

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Nuclear

ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

KRISO says AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.
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July 21, 2026

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ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO) on Thursday (16 July) received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its concept design of a 15,000 TEU Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-powered container ship utilising Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) technology.

KRISO said the AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.

“This achievement demonstrates international recognition of KRISO’s technological capabilities in the rapidly evolving field of nuclear-powered shipping, supporting the transition toward low-carbon maritime transport,” it said. 

Building on this milestone, KRISO will continue advancing basic and detailed ship design, paving the way for future demonstration and commercialisation of SMR-powered vessels. 

Through continued R&D and international collaboration, KRISO remains committed to strengthening next-generation maritime technologies and contributing to the safe deployment of nuclear propulsion in the maritime industry.

 

Photo credit: Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

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