The Coastal Sustainability Alliance (CSA), led by Kuok Maritime Group (KMG), is investing up to S$10 million to advance the maritime biofuel ecosystem in Singapore.
Green COP and Ken Energy, two CSA members, have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop stable B30, B40, and B50 biofuel blends over the next two years. The goal is to produce and commercially adopt up to 50% (B50) biofuel blends, derived from 50% agri-waste to Biobutanol, to significantly reduce carbon emissions in maritime operations.
The plan involves biofuel certification, sea trials, building a production plant by 2025, and launching commercial-scale production by 2026. An initial S$500,000 angel investment has been secured for a pilot plant for processing agri-waste, with over S$10 million expected for scaling production.
Ken Energy will focus on strengthening the market and commercial use of Biobutanol in maritime operations, while Green COP specializes in converting plant-based biowaste into sustainable biofuels.
Introducing the B50 blend reduces carbon emissions to 1.5 mt per metric ton of fuel burned, compared to 2.1 mt for the B30 blend. The production of Biobutanol is more energy-efficient and yields a higher volume of fuel than traditional methods, supporting the maritime sector’s transition to greener energy sources.
This development aligns with the CSA’s broader strategy, which includes the recent signing of the Coastal Sustainability Alliance PXO Electric Fleet MOU and the commencement of construction of the largest locally designed, built, and deployed electric tug and supply boat. The CSA, now with 27 members, will focus on green financing, ESG initiatives, vessel adoption, electrification, and technology enhancement for the coastal logistics ecosystem.
