New measures to enhance Singapore as a premier bunkering port
MPA Singapore has introduced several new initiatives at SIBCON as part of Singapore’s continued efforts to enhance its bunkering processes and prepare the bunkering industry to meet the demands of the future.
This year’s SIBCON theme, “Driving Transformation in the Marine Fuel Industry“, aptly describes the current industry trends and developments. Addressing an international audience during the opening ceremony, Minister Lui said that the bunkering industry has to grapple with a rather challenging environment. In the face of these challenges, we must look towards the adoption of new technologies and new modes of operation, and seek to transform the bunkering industry such that we can ensure continued growth in a sustainable manner.
The sulphur limit in Emission Control Areas (ECAs) will be reduced from 1% to 0.1% with effect from 1 January 2015. To ensure that bunker buyers are able to lift fuel that comply with the requirements imposed in the ECAs, MPA has been working with the industry to make ECA-compliant fuel available here. The Port of Singapore will be ready to supply ECA-compliant fuel by 2015 when the new sulphur limits come into play
Also, MPA Singapore is being prepared for LNG bunkering. To establish safety and operation protocols for LNG bunkering, MPA will be commencing work on a pilot programme by early 2017 with interested parties of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) bunker supply chain. MPA will provide funding of up to $2 million per vessel for up to 6 LNG-fuelled vessels for the pilot programme.
There are several established modes of LNG delivery such as the use of iso-tank containers, ship-to-ship transfer and terminal-to-ship transfer. For the purpose of this pilot programme, MPA is evaluating the most cost-effective mode of LNG delivery to test and establish operational standards and procedures. This will ensure that Singapore is ready for LNG bunkering in the future.
Also read how MPA Singapore improves fuel quality and quantity
