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Alternative Fuels

SMW 2025: MPA unveils maritime digital platform for alternative bunker fuels training

Prototype platform, which will offer access training in the safe handling of alternative marine fuels and new technologies, was showcased at the event and will be ready by the second half of 2025.

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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Thursday (27 March) showcased the prototype of the Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF) Digital Platform, an initiative to help the global maritime workforce access training in the safe handling of alternative marine fuels and new technologies. 

The prototype platform was presented at the “Accelerating Digitalisation and Decarbonisation Conference” at Singapore Maritime Week (SMW 2025) and will be ready by the second half of 2025.

The METF Digital Platform offers maritime companies, seafarers and maritime professionals a systematic and easy way to find relevant courses, register and pay for them.

The platform is currently offered to Singapore-based maritime companies and/or Singapore-registered ships. This would be extended to more companies and stakeholders, including those based overseas, in the next phase.

The prototype is undergoing testing and validation with a group of industry pilot users.

Training progress and certifications received can also be tracked through the platform, helping both companies and individuals monitor compliance with the relevant industry and regulatory standards. By streamlining administrative processes such as training grant eligibility and certification management, the platform reduces the administrative burden on maritime companies and makes training easily accessible for seafarers and maritime professionals.

The METF was first introduced at SMW 2024 as part of Singapore’s efforts to advance maritime decarbonisation and workforce development. Since then, MPA has engaged training providers, shipping companies, and maritime associations to align training standards with industry needs. These efforts have led to the development of the METF Digital Platform, a training management system that simplifies access to training, streamlines certification issuance, and ensures alignment with evolving international standards.

In February 2025, the International Maritime Organization’s Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping Sub-Committee began work to develop interim guidelines for training seafarers in handling alternative marine fuels and new technologies. 

MPA contributed by  proposing draft training guidelines for the safe handling of methanol and ammonia, drawing on Singapore’s experience in competency frameworks, proficiency standards, and training programme development. This included the basic and advanced training for handling of methanol as fuel for maritime personnel by the Singapore Maritime Academy. 

The METF Digital Platform will support the practical implementation of such courses, ensuring seafarers have access to training that meets evolving international safety and operational requirements.

Related: SMW 2024: MPA to set up facility for maritime workforce to train in handling new bunker fuels

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 27 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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