Revving up the revolution: LNG bunkering in Singapore

 

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NB: How has the LNG bunkering market in Singapore grown in the past few years?  

CL: With IMO’s 0.5% Global Sulphur Cap coming into force in 2020, LNG is set to play a significant role as a fuel source for the maritime sector. As a leading bunkering port, Singapore has actively taken steps to establish a vibrant LNG bunker ecosystem, including the appointment of licensed LNG bunker suppliers in 2016.

The following year, Singapore’s first LNG bunkering demonstration via truck-to-ship transfer was successfully carried out in Jurong Port. In 2019, the Singapore LNG terminal was modified to receive and reload small LNG ships (capacity between 2,000 m³ and 10,000 m³). With these developments, the Port of Singapore has strengthened and continues to improve its position as a regional LNG bunkering hub.
 

NB: How has Pavilion Energy contributed to expanding LNG availability in the region? 

CL: With a strong global LNG supply portfolio and strategic partnerships across the LNG bunker supply chain, we can supply LNG bunkers readily and reliably. We leverage our fully integrated energy business and LNG importer license for Singapore to deliver a competitive, comprehensive suite of LNG bunkering solutions for the Port of Singapore and the wider region.

Working alongside regulators and industry stakeholders, we pioneered the first truck-to-ship LNG bunkering operations in 2017 and ship-to-ship commercial LNG bunker operations in the Southeast Asia region in May 2019. We also recently chartered our first newbuild LNG bunker vessel for Singapore, a 12,000 m³ GTT Mark III Flex membrane LNG bunker vessel. The BV-classed vessel is slated for delivery in early 2021.

Additionally, we play an active role on several LNG bunkering technical committees and within industry working groups. We have contributed to the TR56 Standard on LNG Bunkering and TR48 Reference for Bunker Mass Flow Metering, sharing the knowledge and insights gained from our LNG bunkering milestones.
 

NB: How has the Maritime Port Authority (MPA) encouraged the development of LNG as a bunker fuel in Singapore? 

CL: As one of two licensed LNG bunker suppliers in Singapore, we appreciate the MPA’s support and partnership in working towards the shared goal of realizing LNG as a marine fuel in the Port of Singapore. We’ve benefited from MPA initiatives such as the LNG Bunker Vessel Co-Funding Grant, which will aid in the construction of our upcoming LNG bunker vessel.

We believe that such partnerships between the MPA and the industry will lead to greater confidence in LNG as a cleaner, more sustainable marine fuel, and subsequently encourage shipowners and charterers to commit to LNG-powered newbuilds.
 

NB: What projects is Pavilion Energy currently working on with Bureau Veritas?

CL: We are working closely with Bureau Veritas to ensure that our GTT Mark III Flex membrane LNG bunker vessel and its structures remain compliant with classification rules. We also previously engaged Bureau Veritas to work on the Quantified Risk Assessment that facilitated the safe and smooth operation of our first commercial ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operations milestone.

Photo Credit: Pavilion Energy