Setting course for sustainable innovation in Asia Pacific

Bureau Veritas is supporting the maritime industry across the Asia Pacific region in its efforts to build a lower-carbon future. But to create an environment where game-changing ideas can flourish requires buy-in and collaboration from stakeholders across the board. Bureau Veritas’ new innovation Center of Alternative Renewable Energy (iCARE) in Singapore and an LNG bunkering project with Malaysia’s LNG Marine are helping move the industry in the right direction. 

Partnering for innovation in Singapore

Both the Singapore Economic Development Board and BV have high hopes for iCARE as a driver for sustainable growth and new technology. It should also serve as a means to foster maritime sector talents. “As we move into a new era of innovation and technology,” says Koh Shu Yong, Director of iCARE, “it is paramount to shape new paradigms for innovation in the industry and to develop more collaborative impact.”

BV’s solid position in the Asia Pacific region is thanks in no small part to our experience and proactivity in supporting future technology in the push to decarbonize. Guided by regional legislation and IMO directives, stakeholders are increasingly looking for ways to accelerate progress towards sustainability targets. By facilitating collaboration, iCARE will help BV and its stakeholders answer this challenge in Singapore. Already, work has begun on new projects, in close partnership with the new Maritime Centre for Decarbonization in Singapore.

An LNG first in Malaysia

Across the border, the push for net zero through alternative fuels is also ramping up in Malaysia. Here, BV has recently signed an approval in principle (AiP) for a first-of-its-kind LNG bunkering vessel concept by LNG Marine Sdn Bhd. “Our decision to seek an AiP is further reinforced by the fact that local shipping companies are keen to be part of the LNG bunkering cycle,” says Datuk Capt Ahmad Sufian Abdul Rashid, Chairman of LNG Marine.

With an average yearly traffic of over 100,000 vessels in the Malacca Strait, Malaysia is a significant hub for LNG bunkering. In such a hotspot, developing LNG capacity is key to reducing emissions from the shipping industry in its low carbon transition. While the demand for larger LNG vessels is set to continue across Southeast Asia, the trend presents a significant challenge for storage capacity.

LNG bunkering vessels, with their high-volume potential and flexibility, are emerging as a promising solution. LNG Marine’s concept is the first of its kind ever developed by a Malaysian company. BV’s design review of the bunkering vessel incorporates its latest notations in cyber management, and environmental protection. Designed to industry best practices and equipped with a battery hybrid to proactively reduce its GHG emissions, the vessel will one day cater to LNG-fueled ships of all varieties.