The first bunkering demonstration transferring liquefied natural gas (LNG) to a ship was carried out yesterday in Singapore by Pavilion Energy, one of the two companies licensed as LNG bunker suppliers in the country.
The Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Koh Poh Koon attended the ceremony highlighting that the expansion of LNG infrastructure and capabilities will further increase opportunities for LNG trading and bunkering, which are important elements for a regional gas hub. For instance, the Singapore LNG Corporation (SLNG) recently launched its first LNG trucking loading facility at its terminal. This will facilitate transportation of small LNG volumes to onshore consumers, as well as to vessels requiring LNG as bunker fuel.
“As the world’s largest bunkering port, Singapore remains committed to ensuring that the maritime industry has access to cleaner marine fuels. We plan to be LNG bunker-ready as early as 2020, and today is an important milestone in this journey. For example, the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has a programme to co-fund up to S$2 million for LNG-fuelled harbour craft. “ Mr Koon said.
Mr. Koon mentioned that five harbour crafts are expected from 2018 onwards. The five harbour craft include tug boats and bunker tankers from Keppel SMIT, Maju Maritime, Harley Marine and Sinanju Tankers.
Following the award of LNG bunkering licences to Pavilion and FueLNG last year, the MPA will embark on a three-year LNG bunkering pilot program this year. This will allow MPA to test operational protocols, gain operational experience and beef up Singapore’s capabilities to ensure that LNG bunkering is carried out safely, efficiently, and reliably, Mr. Koon added.
