The deal marks the first Category A bunkering tanker for the carriage of biofuel and methanol in Singapore
Singapore-based bunkering company will be able to include biofuel and methanol in its range of marine fuels by 2024
IN AUGUST, TWO VESSELS, ONE OF WHICH WAS METHANOL-FUELLED TANKER STENA PRO MARINE (PICTURED), COMPLETED SOUTH KOREA’S FIRST METHANOL BUNKERING OPERATION.
SINGAPORE is to host its first dedicated methanol bunkering vessel.
The 4,000 dwt IMO Type 2 chemical and oil tanker is set to be operational by the end of 2023.
It will be built at Sasaki Shipbuilding as part of a newbuilding contract signed by Global Energy Group units bunker supplier Global Energy Trading and Stellar Ship Management Services, along with Bureau Veritas. No price was disclosed.
The world’s leading bunkering port is well on its way to providing a range of green fuel options for vessels.
The new tanker will be the first Category A bunkering tanker for carriage of biofuel and methanol in Singapore.
“As the industry explores alternative fuel options to support its decarbonisation journey, developing the industry’s supply and bunkering capacities will be an essential step to scale up and ensure the availability of these new fuels,” said Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore regional vice-president David Barrow.
Global Energy Trading is licensed to provide bunker supply services in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. The Singapore-based bunkering company provides a full range of marine fuels that will include biofuel and methanol in 2024.
“We have made an important step to support the industry’s effort on carbon emission reduction by introducing alternative and green fuel bunkering supply chain solutions,” said group managing director Loh Hong Leong.
“The new tanker could pave the way for the next generation of a more versatile bunkering tanker.”
A feasibility study of methanol bunkering logistics in Singapore was announced last month by a group of companies including Maersk Oil Trading and American Bureau of Shipping.
“Methanol as bunker fuel will add a new dimension to the bunkering industry in Singapore, and we are pleased to work with the authorities, BV and relevant industry experts to develop methanol bunkering procedures and standards for safe bunkering and ship-to-ship operations,” Stellar Ship Management general manager Kelvin Kang said.