X-Press Feeders, Global Energy Trading Pte Ltd (GET), and PSA Singapore (PSA) have successfully completed the first simultaneous methanol bunkering and cargo operation (SIMOPS) in Singapore on 27 May 2024.
The SIMOPS was conducted at the new Tuas Port with the support of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), together with various government agencies and local research institutions. The use of the mass flow metering (MFM) system for methanol, along with the use of digital bunkering, was also trialled during the SIMOPS.
The X-Press Feeder container vessel, on its maiden voyage from Asia to Europe, was refueled with 300 metric tonnes of bio-methanol by GET, an MPA-licensed bunker supplier. This refueling was carried out using MT KARA, an IMO type II chemical bunker tanker operated by Stellar Shipmanagement Services. The methanol fuel was supplied while the vessel was simultaneously completing container moves.
Our vessel was not just the first to berth alongside here in Singapore and refuelled with green methanol, which reduces carbon emissions by 65% as compared to conventional marine fuel, but we were also the first in Singapore to achieve this while simultaneously loading and discharging cargo.
… said Francis Goh, Chief Operating Officer at X-Press Feeders
The inaugural ship-to-containership methanol bunkering for the Laura Maersk in July 2023 and the ship-to-ship methanol bunkering of 1,340 metric tonnes for the Stena Prosperous on 24 May 2024, set the stage for subsequent operations.
Furthermore, it was recently announced that MPA, in collaboration with 22 partners, including leading marine engine manufacturers, will establish the Marine Energy Training Facility (METF) to train over 10,000 seafarers and shore-based staff by the 2030s. The METF will leverage a decentralized network of training facilities in Singapore, utilizing partners’ assets and technologies to train the workforce in safe handling, emergency response, and incident management for future marine fuels such as methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen.
The SIMOPS (simultaneous operations) mode, preferred for enhancing operational efficiency, was conducted using PSA’s double trolley quay cranes and automated guided vehicles at Tuas Port. The operation was completed in four hours, demonstrating Singapore’s readiness for commercial-scale shore-to-ship, ship-to-ship, and SIMOPS methanol operations. This methodology is also being applied to other new maritime fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen.
Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, highlighted that the successful SIMOPS was a result of extensive preparation and training, emphasizing the importance of safety and efficiency. He noted that the learnings from these operations will improve SOPs and safety measures and expressed gratitude to all partners involved.
The ISCC-certified bio-methanol used for the SIMOPS was produced by OCI Global and supplied via GET, with the fuel lifted at Vopak Penjuru Terminal, an ISCC-certified storage facility for biofuels and methanol.
We congratulate our esteemed partners on this significant milestone. As a reliable infrastructure provider for maritime bunkering over the past 40 years in Singapore, Vopak is gearing up to make all our terminals methanol-ready.
… remarked Rob Boudestijn, Vopak Singapore’s President
Munee Chow, Group Business Manager of Global Energy Group, thanked partners for their efforts in the successful SIMOPS methanol bunker delivery. She affirmed Global Energy’s commitment to providing quality bunker services to support decarbonization efforts.
Nelson Quek, Regional CEO Southeast Asia at PSA International, stated that the successful simultaneous cargo operations and methanol bunkering at PSA Tuas Port showcased their commitment to reducing carbon emissions and adopting cleaner fuels. He emphasized PSA’s goal to promote green and sustainable development.
Hazard assessment and preparedness
In preparation for the simultaneous methanol bunkering and cargo operation (SIMOPS), the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) organized a Hazard Identification (HAZID) and Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) workshop. Participants from various government agencies, industry, and local research institutions discussed potential risks and developed corresponding prevention, control, and mitigation methods. The bunkering plan was reviewed, roles and responsibilities were clarified, and a tabletop exercise was conducted to ensure familiarity with procedures and safety measures.
Expression of interest for methanol supply
Following the successful ship-to-containership methanol bunkering in Singapore, MPA launched an expression of interest (EOI) for methanol supply, receiving 50 submissions from over 60 companies. This strong interest highlights confidence in Singapore as a key location for methanol bunkering, indicating readiness for scaling up methanol bunker demand. MPA plans to call for license applications for methanol fuel supply by the end of the year.
Developing methanol bunkering standards
MPA is developing the Technical Reference for methanol bunkering, including frameworks for mass flow metering (MFM) and digital bunkering. Additionally, MPA will enhance the IMO Type II chemical bunker tanker standards as part of the methanol bunkering licensing framework. Insights from the EOI will inform the development of a safe and efficient regulatory framework for methanol supply at a commercial scale.
Kelvin Kang, General Manager of Stellar Shipmanagement, expressed gratitude for the support from MPA and other stakeholders in the methanol bunkering project. He noted that the project enhanced their expertise in methanol bunkering operations, boosting their confidence in supporting partners’ decarbonization efforts. Meanwhile, Bashir Lebada, Chief Executive Officer of OCI Methanol & HyFuels, expressed excitement about fueling X-Press Feeders’ new methanol dual-fueled feeder ships, underscoring OCI’s leadership in green methanol.