Record bunker sales continue

The lead developer will develop the end-to-end ammonia solution comprising generating 55 to 65 MW of electricity from imported low- or zero-carbon ammonia via direct combustion in a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine and facilitating ammonia bunkering at a capacity of at least 0.1 million tonnes a year  starting with shore-to-ship bunkering followed by ship-to-ship bunkering.

In a statement the MPA explains: “The project is part of Singapore’s National Hydrogen Strategy launched in 2022, which outlines Singapore’s approach to develop low-carbon hydrogen as a major decarbonisation pathway as part of the nation’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. A key thrust of this strategy is to experiment with the use of advanced hydrogen technologies that are on the cusp of commercial readiness. Ammonia is currently one of the most technologically-ready hydrogen carriers with an established international supply chain for industrial use.”

The introduction of alternative fuels requires new, purpose-built bunker barges.  Consort Bunkers, ClassNK, Yanmar Asia (Singapore) Corporation and Taiko Asia Pacific  have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to accelerate towards introduction of more bunkering ships capable of handling alternative fuels.

Singapore-based Consort Bunkers placed an order with COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry (Guandong) Co. Ltd. to construct four 7,999 DWT IMO Type 2 tankers, ready for biofuel and methanol bunkering. Incorporating their previous orders, a total of 13 biofuel/methanol bunkering tankers totalling over 90,000 DWT will join Consort’s fleet. ClassNK has been providing surveys and audits, Yanmar Asia has been providing main engines and generator engines, and Taiko Asia has been supplying cargo pumps package and various pumps package in engine room and pump room of the majority of Consort Bunkers’ fleet for more than a decade. Consort Bunkers has appointed them to take on the same role for this upcoming multi-fuel bunkering ships project.

Under the new MOU, the parties agreed to use their good relationship and respective expertise to complete Consort’s fleet renewal and expansion project, including new fuel bunkering vessels, and to contribute to regional and global implementation of alternative fuel use.

Consort Bunkers’ Director/General Manager SK Yeo said: “Establishing infrastructure capable of refuelling alternative fuels is essential for realising decarbonisation of ships. Our biofuel and methanol bunkering tankers reflect our commitment to respond to growing needs in this field quickly and sufficiently. Under the trusted partner ClassNK, Yanmar Asia, and Taiko Asia, we will continue increasing our engagement to offer any necessary bunkering options for the industry.”

Moves are also underway to prepare ships’ crews to operate ships using alternative fuels.

Technology group Wärtsilä has supplied its new dual-fuel engine simulator technology for Wavelink Maritime Institute (WMI), the maritime training arm of the Singapore Maritime Officer’s Union (SMOU).

The navigational and technological simulators are a central feature of the simulation suite at WMI.

“Seafarers today must continue to reskill and upskill, particularly in the areas of decarbonisation and new alternative fuels. Wärtsilä’s advanced simulator technology allows us to provide the highest quality maritime training, ensuring that our students are fully in step with the transition currently underway in the shipping industry,” says Teo Keong Kok, Managing Director, Wavelink Maritime Institute.

Image Credit: Wartsila

11/09/2024