Alternative Fuels

TFG Marine to charter Consort Bunkers newbuild methanol bunker tankers in Singapore

Four 6,500-dwt IMO type 2 tankers, due to be delivered in late 2024 to 2025, are being constructed by Merchants Jinling shipyard in China and will be operated by Consort Bunkers for TFG Marine.

Published

2 years ago

July 30, 2024

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TFG Marine (TFG), the international marine fuel joint venture founded by Trafigura, Frontline and Golden Ocean, on Monday (29 July) announced the signing of a long-term time charter agreement with Singapore-based bunker supplier and logistics services provider Consort Bunkers for four newbuild methanol carriage-ready bunker tankers.

The 6,500-dwt IMO type 2 tankers are being constructed by Merchants Jinling shipyard in Nanjing, China and will be operated by Consort Bunkers for TFG Marine.

“Once constructed, these tankers will be integral to our bunkering operations in Singapore,” the firm said.

Deliveries will commence in late 2024 and continue into 2025. The vessels will be capable of carrying TFG Marine’s current range of marine fuels, including HSFO, VLSFO, MGO and biofuels up to B100, as well as any grade of liquid methanol in the future.

TFG Marine’s Global Head of Bunkering, Kenneth Dam, said: “This agreement is part of TFG Marine’s ongoing efforts to renew our fleet with modern, Mass Flow Meter-equipped bunker barges that are ready to carry the low-carbon fuels that will help shipping decarbonise,”

“We see a multi-fuel future for our industry, with methanol, biofuels, ammonia and more all having a role to play alongside traditional marine fuels in meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.”

S.K. Yeo, Director and General Manager of Consort Bunkers, said the company was proud to work with TFG Marine to enable methanol bunkering in future within the Port of Singapore with these advanced tankers.

“With the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore set to introduce a methanol bunkering licensing framework in the near future, we are supporting TFG Marine’s goal to take a leading role in providing low-carbon fuels to international shipping companies in this global bunkering hub,” he said.

Manifold Times previously reported Consort Bunkers possibly investing in up to 20 units of IMO Type II bunkering vessels capable of carrying conventional bunkers, biofuels (of up to B100), as well as methanol.

The new tankers will be fitted with Mass Flow Meters, as required by the MPA. TFG Marine added it has long advocated for the global adoption of MFMs to increase transparency in the bunkering process. A recent whitepaper sponsored by TFG Marine proposed Singapore’s MFM-based licensing system as a model for other port regulators to follow.

The newbuild order expands on TFG Marine’s initial investment in low-carbon fuel bunkering infrastructure. In January 2024, the company announced an agreement with Fratelli Cosulich Group for a methanol dual-fuel bunker barge to be delivered in late 2025 and deployed in the Port of Singapore.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 30 July 2024

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Alternative Fuels

Singapore-based Golden Island, Qingdao Port team up on alternative bunker fuels

Agreement covers green methanol, green ammonia and bio-LNG, with cooperation spanning fuel production and transportation through to storage, sales and bunkering.

Published

14 hours ago

September 22, 2026

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Golden Island, Qingdao Port team up on green methanol, ammonia and bio-LNG

Singapore bunker supplier Golden Island Pte Ltd on Monday (21 September) said it has signed a strategic framework agreement with Qingdao Port International Co Ltd to collaborate on the supply of alternative marine fuels.

The agreement covers green methanol, green ammonia and bio-LNG, with cooperation spanning fuel production and transportation through to storage, sales and bunkering.

“By combining our MPA-licensed bunkering capabilities with Qingdao Port’s incredible logistics and strategic hub position, we are building something truly robust for the global shipping industry’s low-carbon future,” the company said in a statement.

Qingdao Port International, which operates five major port areas in China, will bring its logistics network, storage facilities and customs clearance capabilities to the partnership.

Golden Island is licensed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to conduct methanol bunkering and is ISCC EU-certified.

The companies are also engaging with container liners, bulk carriers, oil tankers and cruise ships regarding the adoption of alternative marine fuels.

Photo credit: Golden Island Pte Ltd
Published: 22 September, 2026

Ammonia

HD HHI and HD KSOE secure ABS AiP for ammonia bunkering vessel design

ABS awarded approval in principle for the basic design of a 22,000 CBM bunkering vessel capable of supplying ammonia as marine fuel.

Published

14 hours ago

September 22, 2026

Admin

HD HHI and HD KSOE secure ABS AiP for ammonia bunkering vessel

Classification society ABS on Monday (21 September) said it has awarded HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) approval in principle (AIP) for the basic design of a 22,000 CBM bunkering vessel capable of supplying ammonia as marine fuel.

The approval is the result of a joint development project initiated earlier this year. ABS reviewed the design’s general arrangement, machinery arrangement, ammonia cargo handling system and fuel supply system against applicable class and international requirements.

Gareth Burton, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Engineering, said: “Bunkering infrastructure is a critical step for any marine fuel to scale, and it has to be implemented with safety designed in from the start.

“This AIP reflects the industry’s need for fuel flexibility while advancing the safe bunkering of ammonia. ABS is proud to support HD HHI and HD KSOE as they develop technologies that expand fuel flexibility.”

Ryu Hong-Ryeul, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of HD HHI, said: “As ammonia rapidly emerges as a viable low-carbon alternative fuel, demand for ammonia bunkering vessels is expected to grow in line with the increasing adoption of ammonia-fuelled ships.

“This AIP marks a significant milestone toward the commercialisation of ammonia bunkering vessels.”

ABS and the HD Hyundai group have worked together across a range of technologies supporting ammonia as a marine fuel. Recent projects have included AIP for HD KSOE’s ammonia cargo handling and bunkering system and initial review for HD HHI’s machinery arrangement in engine room.

Photo credit: ABS
Published: 22 September, 2026

Alternative Fuels

J-ENG completes land-based testing of hydrogen-fuelled marine engine

Engine will be installed on a 17,500 DWT multipurpose vessel to be built by Onomichi Dockyard for MOL and MOL Drybulk, with onboard demonstration testing scheduled to begin in April 2028.

Published

15 hours ago

September 22, 2026

Admin

Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) on Friday (18 September) said it has completed land-based testing of the world’s first hydrogen-fuelled engine for large commercial vessels, the 6UEC35LSGH.

During factory testing, the engine achieved a hydrogen co-firing rate of at least 95%, reducing GHG emissions by more than 95% compared with conventional heavy-fuel-oil engines.

By adopting a high-pressure direct injection system, which injects fuel directly into the cylinder at high pressure, J-ENG said the engine achieves stable hydrogen combustion.

Safety measures were also implemented, including a robust structure to prevent hydrogen leakage and double-walled piping for hydrogen supply lines.

“Approval testing was conducted in the presence of ClassNK and was completed successfully,” the company said.

The engine will be installed on a 17,500 DWT multipurpose vessel to be built by Onomichi Dockyard for Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and MOL Drybulk.

Hydrogen fuel will be supplied to the engine through a marine hydrogen fuel system, consisting of marine hydrogen fuel tanks and a fuel supply system, developed and manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

In addition, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) will conduct safety assessments throughout each stage of the engine’s development and the vessel’s design, construction and operation.

The vessel will then undergo sea trials before onboard demonstration testing begins in April 2028.

Kawasaki will also develop and manufacture bunkering equipment for supplying liquefied hydrogen to vessels.

“The demonstration will further evaluate the engine’s durability and performance under actual operating conditions,” J-ENG added.

Photo credit: J-ENG
Published: 22 September, 2026