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SMW 2026: MPA selects six partners for in-water hull cleaning, inspection trials

Alicia Bots, C-Leanship, Neptune Robotics, Oceanis Robotics, RINA and SEAHI Robotics have been selected to advance and scale up such solutions in support of lower-emission shipping.
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SMW 2026: MPA selects six partners for in-water hull cleaning, inspection trials

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (22 April) said it has selected six partners under its Call for Proposals (CFP) to advance and scale up in-water hull inspection and cleaning solutions in the Port of Singapore, in support of more efficient and lower-emission shipping.

The CFP 1 attracted strong industry interest, with 19 proposals received from 36 companies across nine countries.

The six selected partners – Alicia Bots, C-Leanship, Neptune Robotics, Oceanis Robotics, RINA and SEAHI Robotics – will receive close to SGD 3.7 million in R&D co-funding from Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) Fund to develop and trial in-water robotic hull inspection and cleaning solutions in Singapore’s port waters. The projects will involve technology providers, service operators, classification societies and shipowners working together to validate the solutions under actual operating conditions.

Marine growth on a vessel’s hull — known as marine biofouling — increases hydrodynamic drag as the vessel moves through water. This leads to higher fuel consumption and greater emissions.

As one of the world’s busiest ports, Singapore handles a high volume of vessel traffic. Efficient and safe hull cleaning solutions that do not disrupt vessel operations will enhance Singapore’s value proposition as a port, improve ships’ operational reliability and support maritime decarbonisation efforts.

While commercial in-water hull inspection and cleaning solutions exist today, it remains challenging to deploy them reliably with higher levels of automation and efficiency in a busy port.

Current solutions face limitations in handling complex parts of the hull such as propellers, rudders and sea chest, as well as operating reliably under stronger currents. These challenges are compounded by the need to operate in tight spaces alongside vessels and to meet ports’ environmental requirements for debris collection without disrupting port operations. 

The selected partners aim to address these challenges by leveraging advancements in robotics, automation, and remote operations.

The R&D co-funding from MINT Fund will support technology development and trials in live port conditions. These trials will test how such solutions can operate efficiently and safely alongside port activities, as well as its cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability, with the goal of enabling large-scale deployment.

The selected partners will commence technology development and trials from the second half of 2026, over a period of 18 months. MPA will work closely with industry partners to evaluate the outcomes and ensure that the solutions are deployed safely and in compliance with global requirements and standards.

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 23 April, 2026

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Alternative Fuels

CPN wraps up first B100 bio bunker fuel delivery to oil tanker in Hong Kong

CPN’s dedicated bunker tanker “Guo Si” delivered B100 marine biodiesel to oil tanker “TORM CORRIDO” on 8 June.

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CPN wraps up first B100 marine biodiesel delivery to oil tanker in Hong Kong

Hong Kong-based marine fuel supplier Chimbusco Pan Nation (CPN) on Wednesday (10 June) said it has successfully delivered B100 marine biodiesel to an oil tanker for the first time, bunkering the vessel TORM CORRIDO on 8 June. 

The operation marked a significant expansion of CPN’s B100 capability, bringing oil tankers into the range of vessel types it can serve with fully compliant, certified biodiesel supply in Hong Kong.

The achievement reflects a broader surge in market demand. Since CPN launched its B100 marine biodiesel service in January 2026, operator confidence has grown rapidly, and total volumes delivered in the second quarter of 2026 have already exceeded first-quarter totals by more than 300%. 

“Total B100 marine biodiesel volumes in Q2 2026 have already exceeded Q1 by more than 300%, driven by the trust of partners like TORM,” CPN said. 

The operation was carried out by CPN’s dedicated bunker tanker Guo Si, fully upgraded in compliance with the IMO IBC Code and Hong Kong Cap. 413E. 

“As Hong Kong’s only Type II-certified bunker tanker for B100 operations, Guo Si brings the specialist capability to handle pure biofuels safely and compliantly across vessel types,” the company added. 

 

Photo credit: Chimbusco Pan Nation
Published: 11 June, 2026

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Methanol

Agastya inks MoU with Andhra Pradesh to develop green methanol hub at Mulapeta Port

Project will establish a 1 MMTPA green methanol export-oriented unit on the East Coast of India, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a global hub for sustainable bunker fuels and green industrial products.
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Agastya inks MoU with Andhra Pradesh to develop green methanol hub at Mulapeta Port

India’s clean energy conglomerate Agastya Group recently said it has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Andhra Pradesh for the development of Agastya’s green fuels hub at Mulapeta Port, Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh.

The project will establish a 1 million tonnes per annum (MMTPA) green methanol export-oriented unit (EOU) on the East Coast of India, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a global hub for sustainable marine fuels and green industrial products.

With an estimated investment of over ₹54,000 Crore (USD 6.5 billion), the Agastya Green Fuels Hub will integrate large-scale green hydrogen production, green methanol manufacturing, carbon capture, renewable energy, and port infrastructure.

“Strategically located in the Indian Ocean Region, the facility will serve key global markets including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Europe, and other emerging green shipping corridors, supporting the decarbonization of international maritime transport and industrial sectors,” the firm said. 

The company added that the project represents a transformational step toward making India a net exporter of RFBNO RED III compliant green methanol to the world. 

Manifold Times previously reported Agastya Green Fuels signing a long-term green methanol offtake agreement with Sri Lankan bunker supplier SAR Maritime Agencies, a SAR Group company, for the supply of 250,000 metric tonnes (mt) per annum of EU RFNBO RED III Compliant green methanol.

Related: India’s Agastya inks green methanol offtake agreement with SAR Group

 

Photo credit: Agastya Group
Published: 11 June, 2026

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Biofuel

Physical supplier Verde Marine Energy renews ISCC EU certification

With the company’s certification as Trader with Storage and Proof of Compliance Trader, VME is ready to support shipowners, operators, charterers and traders with the supply of sustainable bio bunker fuels.

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Physical supplier Verde Marine Energy renews ISCC EU certification

Marine energy and lubricants physical supplier and trader Verde Marine Energy (VME) on Tuesday (9 June) announced that it has renewed its ISCC EU certification and is now fully REDIII compliant.

With the company’s certification as Trader with Storage and Proof of Compliance Trader, VME is ready to support shipowners, operators, charterers and traders with the supply of sustainable marine biofuels in line with the latest European renewable energy requirements. 

“As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, we are committed to offering our customers reliable access to certified biofuels, transparent documentation, and a strong compliance framework,” the company said in a social media post. 

 

Photo credit: Verde Marine Energy
Published: 11 June, 2026

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