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Strategic partnership formed to develop Malaysian port of Lumut into world-class maritime hub 

EC has awarded a EUR 1.9 million grant for feasibility studies, recognising the Perak port’s potential as a logistics and industrial hub; this is the first major project in Southeast Asia For poABI.

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Strategic partnership formed to develop Malaysian port of Lumut into world-class maritime hub

Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI) and Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak (PKNP), a state development agency, have formed a strategic partnership to develop the port of Lumut in Perak, Malaysia, into a world-class maritime hub, according to Port of Antwerp on Thursday (21 December).

The strategic partnership aims to make Lumut a world-class maritime hub and a catalyst for Perak's growth.

The European Commission has awarded a EUR 1.9 million (USD 2.1 million) grant for feasibility studies, recognising the port’s potential as a logistics and industrial hub. For PoABI, this is the first major project in Southeast Asia. 

The grant will be used for several feasibility studies. ​ Four studies on Malaysia are currently underway, laying the groundwork for a targeted approach in 2024. In the coming year, efforts will focus on Lumut and whether this port can become the gateway for Europe. This will focus on the draft master plan for Lumut Maritime Industrial Cluster (LUMIC).

Malaysia lies in a major international shipping lane between the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea. Located in Perak state, Lumut is a smaller port between Kuala Lumpur in the south and Penang in the north. Thanks to this strategic location, the port has great potential as a logistics and industrial hub, according to the port authority.

PoABI, a subsidiary of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, supports and strengthens overseas ports and terminals through consultancy, management solutions, investment projects and training. 

As part of the development of the port of Lumut, PoABI set up a development company together with PKNP. This company combines PKNP's local knowledge and network with PoABI's international expertise in project management, port management and training enabling the development and management of LUMIC.

Kristof Waterschoot, Managing Director PoABI, said: "The official establishment of this development company underlines our commitment to the development of LUMIC. Together with our partner PKNP, we are ready to create a sustainable industrial cluster, which will not only boost the local economy, but also contribute to the broader vision of progress and innovation for the state of Perak in Malaysia."

After similar projects in Duqm and Namibia, this is PoABi's first major project in Southeast Asia.

Given its strategic location and the strong confidence of foreign investors in Malaysia as the future centre of the logistics chain, the European Union has awarded a grant of EUR 1.9 million. 

Photo credit: Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Published: 21 December, 2023

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Business

Singapore: Ang Wee Keong from IMDA appointed as new MPA Chief Executive

Ang will relinquish his IMDA appointment as Assistant Chief Executive (International) of the Info-Communications and will officially take over from Teo Eng Dih from 16 June.

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Singapore: Ang Wee Keong from IMDA appointed as new MPA Chief Executive

Singapore’s Ministry of Transport on Tuesday (29 April) said Mr Ang Wee Keong, currently the Assistant Chief Executive (International) of the Info-Communications Media Development Authority (IMDA), will concurrently be appointed as Chief Executive (Designate) of the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) from 1 May to 15 June 2025. 

He will relinquish his IMDA appointment and be appointed Chief Executive of MPA from 16 June 2025. He will succeed Mr Teo Eng Dih, who will be appointed Deputy Secretary (Special Duties) at the Ministry of Transport with effect from 16 June. 

Mr Teo will remain as a member of the MPA Board until he steps down as CE MPA. Mr Ang will be appointed as a board member with effect from 16 June 2025.

“The Ministry of Transport thanks Mr Teo Eng Dih for his leadership and contributions as Chief Executive of MPA, and welcomes Mr Ang Wee Keong,” the ministry added. 

Mr Teo Eng Dih (张英智)

As the Chief Executive of the MPA, Mr Teo made significant contributions to grow Singapore’s International Maritime Centre and the PIER71TM startup ecosystem. During his tenure, the Port of Singapore attained new records in vessel arrivals, container throughput, bunker sales and registrations under the Singapore Registry of Ships. MPA was also recognised as one of the key global regulators by Lloyd’s List. These milestones were reached amidst a complex global operating environment marked by geopolitical uncertainties, supply chain disruptions and technological shifts affecting the flow of goods and supplies worldwide.  

Mr Ang Wee Keong (洪伟强) 

As the Assistant Chief Executive (International) of IMDA, Mr Ang made significant contributions in advancing Singapore’s digital interests and thought leadership in the international arena. He strengthened Singapore’s network of digital economy partnerships, and expanded collaboration through platforms like the ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting, Forum of Small States and Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG). He also oversaw the formulation of forward-thinking policies and regulations in digital technology and services to advance the growth of Singapore’s digital economy, including the upcoming Digital Infrastructure Act to enhance the resilience and security of systemically important digital infrastructure.

 

Photo credit: Singapore Polytechnic
Published: 30 April, 2025

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Technology

TFG Marine to launch of ZeroNorth e-BDNs at Port of Sohar after Singapore success

Kenneth Dam announced the successful trial and imminent roll-out of ZeroNorth’s electronic bunker delivery note solution for its customers in the Port of Sohar, in Oman.

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TFG Marine to launch ZeroNorth e-BDNs at Port of Sohar after success in Singapore

Global marine fuel supply and procurement firm TFG Marine on Tuesday (29 April) announced the company’s successful trial and imminent roll-out of ZeroNorth’s electronic bunker delivery note (e-BDN) solution for its customers in the Port of Sohar, in Oman.

A first for the Middle East region following the successful deployment of the same technology earlier this year by TFG Marine at the Port of Singapore. The eBDN trial in Oman was completed in collaboration with ZeroNorth and SGTraDex, using the Singapore standards as a benchmark.

Kenneth Dam, Global Head of Bunkering, said: "We’re excited to partner with ZeroNorth, Fratelli Cosulich Group Bunkers, SGTraDex and SOHAR Port and Freezone to shortly introduce e-BDNs to our customers here in Oman.”

“This technology, that we have already successfully introduced in Singapore is yet another step in modernising our industry. It will streamline the bunker delivery process, cut administrative burdens, enhance digital documentation and help build a smarter, more connected bunkering sector.”

“We remain committed to establishing e-BDNs as a global standard for bunker fuel delivery and will continue to work closely with port authorities to advocate for and deploy this technology across our operations.”

Dam made the announcement at the Oman Maritime, Ports and Energy Forum, during the panel discussion on The Transformative Power of Data: The Evolving Role of Digitalisation in Shipping and Bunkering.

Dam added the fully digital solution — accessible through TFG Marine’s mobile app and integrated with SGTraDex’s digital infrastructure, — will enable the inclusion of additional data, such as mass flow meter readings during fuel deliveries.

“By integrating this technology, we will drive significant improvements in efficiency, accuracy, compliance, and sustainability across our operations, complementing the global mass flow meter rollout across our fleet and reinforcing TFG Marine’s position at the forefront of the modern bunkering industry,” he said. 

Manifold Times previously reported TFG Marine announcing the introduction of ZeroNorth’s e-BDNs for its customers in Singapore during 23rd Singapore International Bunkering Conference (SIBCON) by the end of 2024.

In November last year, TFG Marine announced its first digitalised marine fuel delivery in Singapore using electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDNs).

Its team supplied VLSFO bunker fuel to Pacific Basin Shipping Limited’s Illovo River bulk carrier, marking the first of four bunkering deliveries that month where this new technology was successfully deployed. 

Related: SIBCON 2024: TFG Marine to launch ZeroNorth e-BDNs in Singapore
Related: TFG Marine achieves first digitalised bunker fuel delivery with e-BDN in Singapore

 

Photo credit: TFG Marine
Published: 30 April, 2025

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Biofuel

Hercules Tanker Management vessel “Mount Kibo” takes on B30 bio bunker fuel

HTM said its tanker was successfully supplied with B30 bunkers by tanker “Hercules Sky”, another HTM-owned vessel and operated by Peninsula, marking the first biofuel supply to the HTM fleet.

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Hercules Tanker Management vessel “Mount Kibo” takes on B30 bio bunker fuel

Hercules Tanker Management (HTM) on Tuesday (29 April) announced that its tanker Mount Kibo has been successfully supplied with B30 bunkers by tanker Hercules Sky, another HTM-owned vessel which is operated by Peninsula.

The operation marked the first biofuel supply to the HTM fleet.

HTM is the shipping venture launched last September by John A. Bassadone, founder and CEO of independent marine fuel supplier Peninsula. 

HTM said the operation carried out in the Strait of Gibraltar aligns with the recent discussions at MEPC 83, where key decisions were made to advance maritime decarbonisation, including new fuel standards and a global pricing mechanism for emissions. 

“Additionally, this initiative supports the objectives of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which promotes the use of renewable, low-carbon fuels and clean energy technologies for ships,” it said.   

“By utilising biofuels, we are contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the industry's transition towards cleaner energy solutions.”

Related: Peninsula founder launches shipping firm Hercules Tanker Management
Related: Peninsula “Hercules Sky” to supply biofuel bunkers in Gibraltar Strait

 

Photo credit: Hercules Tanker Management
Published: 30 April, 2025

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