Singapore Conducts First Simultaneous Methanol Bunkering & Cargo Operation At Tuas Port

Singapore successfully operated its first simultaneous methanol bunkering and cargo operation (SIMOPS) at the newly constructed Tuas Port.

Global Energy Trading, PSA Singapore, and X-Press Feeders carried out the operation with assistance from the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore, other government agencies, and local research institutions.

The SIMOPS, which refueled an X-Press Feeder container vessel with roughly 300 metric tons (MT) of bioethanol, occurred on May 27, 2024.

GET, an MPA-licensed bunker supply, completed the bunkering of MT Kara, a dedicated IMO type II chemical bunker tanker classed by Bureau Veritas and operated by Stellar Ship Management Services.

The methanol fuel was delivered as the container vessel finished its container transfers, increasing operational efficiency.

The four-hour operation demonstrates Singapore’s readiness for commercial-scale operations such as ship-to-ship, shore-to-ship, and SIMOPS for methanol, ammonia and hydrogen.

OCI Global produced the ISCC-certified bio-methanol for the operation, which was supplied through GET.

The fuel was lifted at Singapore’s Vopak Penjuru Terminal.

This terminal is an ISCC-approved storage facility for biofuels and methanol.

Safety and Efficiency

Before the operation, MPA held a comprehensive Hazard Identification (HAZID) and Hazard Operability Study (HAZOP) workshop with various stakeholders to identify and mitigate potential risks.

Kara crew members also received MPA-approved training to handle methanol as a maritime fuel.

The MPA’s Emergency Operations Centre monitored the operation throughout, using drones equipped with volatile organic compound detectors and infrared sensors to detect any methanol leaks or flames.

Meteorological forecasts were also provided to ensure protection from lightning strikes.

Advancement and Future Readiness

The successful SIMOPS follows Singapore’s first ship-to-containership methanol bunkering in July 2023 and Stena Prosperous’s recent 1,340 MT ship-to-ship methanol bunkering on May 24, 2024.

MPA is preparing for a commercial scale-up after receiving 50 submissions from over 60 companies in response to an expression of interest for methanol supply.

Licensing applications for the methanol mix suppliers will be expected by the end of the year.

Digital and Technological Innovations

Singapore has been using digital bunkering since November 1, 2023, and the SIMOPS trial established the ability to transmit methanol bunkering information electronically, providing near real-time visibility of the bunker supply process.

The MPA is also working on a technical Reference for Methanol Bunkering, including rules for using mass flow metering (MFM) systems and digital bunkering.

Commitment to Decarbonisation

In collaboration with 22 partners, MPA will establish the Marine Energy Training Facility (METF) to train over 10,000 seafarers and shore-based employees in using new marine fuels like methanol, ammonia and hydrogen by 2030.

The program demonstrates Singapore’s commitment to decarbonising its maritime industry.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, MPA’s Chief Executive, emphasised the rigorous planning and coordination required to reach this milestone, highlighting the significance of safety and efficiency.

Mr. Francis Goh, COO of X-Press Feeders, described the achievement as a historic event for Singapore and the global maritime industry, demonstrating the country’s leadership in renewable energy.

Other industry leaders, such as Mr. Bashir Lebada of OCI Methanol & HyFuels, Mr. Kelvin Kang of Stellar Shipmanagement, Ms. Munee Chow of Global Energy Group, Mr. Nelson Quek of PSA International, and Mr. Rob Boudestijn of Vopak Singapore, expressed their support and commitment to advancing Singapore’s decarbonisation efforts and improving methanol bunkering capabilities.

Reference: MPA

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