SeaTech Solutions, Singfar International, and Methanol Institute (MI) will collectively conduct a study that will assess current gaps in methanol bunkering operations in Singapore.
The study will consist of three elements. The parties will identify reference cases for methanol bunkering at other ports and review current recommendations for methanol bunkering to assess the necessary modifications to adapt methanol bunkering procedures to the Singaporean context.
Singfar International has also identified MT HANTEK 3 from its fleet of bunker vessels which SeaTech Solutions will evaluate and identify gaps to propose the necessary modifications and engineering work necessary for the vessel to bunker methanol.
Lastly, SeaTech Solutions will prepare a conversion specification & concept design for Methanol Bunker Vessel, based on its recommendations for the MT HANTEK 3, for an Approval-in-Principle submission.
This study aims to serve as the foundation for developing standards and procedures for methanol bunkering in Singapore and strengthen Singapore’s position as a global bunkering hub providing shipowners with the continued confidence.
However, the parties of the MoU acknowledged that local circumstances and regulations in Singapore will have to be considered to make sure that procedures are fit for the safe and efficient bunkering of methanol at the world’s biggest bunker hub.
Methanol has been identified by the IMO as a fuel that delivers climate benefits today. Methanol is four parts hydrogen, one part carbon and one part oxygen and is typically produced from natural gas through reformation of the gas with steam to produce syngas and then converting and distilling the syngas to produce methanol.
This is known as ‘grey’ methanol and today accounts for 95% of total methanol used in the shipping industry. In saying this, grey methanol produces 80% less NOx, 99% less SOx, 95% Particulate Matter (PM) and approximately 20% less CO2 than HFO on a tank-to-wake basis according to MAN Energy Solutions.
