ExxonMobil and Pavilion Energy are collaborating to develop solutions for liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering and other downstream developments in Singapore. With LNG growing in importance as part of the marine fuel mix, ExxonMobil said that it is working toward providing vessel operators with access to a range of fuel options to suit their specific requirements, while helping them to comply with emissions regulations.
ExxonMobil will support Pavilion Energy in establishing LNG bunkering procedures starting with truck to ship deliveries, as well as the safety and operational standards for LNG bunkering in Singapore. This co-operation supports the LNG bunkering initiative of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
Pavilion Energy, which is backed by Singapore state holding company Temasek, is one of two companies awarded licences by MPA to develop LNG bunkering in Singapore starting in 2017. The second licence was awarded jointly to Keppel Offshore & Marine and BG Group, which was subsequently acquired by Shell.
Nancy Carlson, vice president of aviation and marine at ExxonMobil Fuels and Lubricants, said: “The collaboration with Pavilion Energy combines both companies’ expertise, and is one of the steps we are taking toward establishing ExxonMobil’s global LNG bunkering offer. Our 40-year heritage in LNG and marine insights, alongside Pavilion Energy’s dedicated approach, can help us to meet our vessel operators’ growing demand for integrated marine fuel solutions.”
Seah Moon Ming, chief executive at Pavilion Energy, said: “This initiative will also help test and improve the safety and operational standards for LNG bunkering in Singapore. The company is looking to partner with other industry players as well, in order to build a flourishing LNG bunkering ecosystem in Singapore and the region.”
Keppel Offshore & Marine has joined SEA\LNG, an international organisation launched in July 2016 that works to promote the widespread adoption of LNG as a marine fuel.
Peter Keller, SEA\LNG chairman, said: “We are pleased to welcome Keppel Offshore & Marine’s Gas Technology Development to SEA\LNG.” Other members of SEA\LNG include Shell and class societies ABS, Lloyd’s Register and DNV GL.
Keppel Offshore & Marine’s Gas Technology Development was set up in 2015 and provides a range of gas solutions along the value chain. The division has considerable LNG research and development capabilities and a strong track record in the conversion of floating storage and regasification units. It is also undertaking the world’s first floating liquefaction vessel conversion.
Singapore LNG Corp (SLNG) and MPA signed a memorandum of understanding for the development of an LNG truck loading facility at the Singapore LNG Terminal owned and operated by SLNG.
Under the agreement, MPA will contribute about S$2 million towards the development of the facility, which will be used to service LNG bunkering, and other industries that may require small volumes of LNG to be transported over land. It was due to be completed in early 2017.
MPA said that this is one part of preparations for the introduction of LNG bunkering in Singapore. An LNG bunkering pilot programme is due to be launched in early 2017.
MPA is working with SPRING Singapore to develop the Technical Reference (TR) for Singapore’s LNG bunkering standards. This TR will be launched in early 2017, providing a reliable and transparent framework for LNG bunkering operations. SPRING Singapore is a Government agency, part of the Ministry for Trade and Industry, supporting new start-ups in developing sectors.
MPA has allocated S$12 million towards a co-funding programme for building LNG-fuelled vessels. Of this total it has awarded S$8 million to Harley Marine Asia, Keppel Smit Towage Pte Ltd and Maju Maritime Pte Ltd. Vessels that will be built include tugboats and bunker tankers.
To encourage the take-up of LNG bunkers by local harbour craft, MPA will waive five years of port dues for new LNG-fuelled harbour craft that register with MPA between 1 October 2017 and 31 December 2019. MPA will also grant an additional 10 per cent port dues concession for Green Port Programme qualifying vessels that engage LNG-fuelled harbour craft for their port operations. The Green Port Programme is one of the programmes under the Maritime Singapore Green Initiative to encourage ocean-going vessels calling at the Port of Singapore to reduce the emission of pollutants.
MPA is expanding the international focus group formed in 2014 with the European ports of Antwerp, Rotterdam and Zeebrugge to co-operate on developing LNG bunkering. Recent new members include the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in Japan and Ulsan Port Authority in South Korea. MPA said that this will deepen co-operation and information sharing in relation to LNG bunkering, in particular to build a network of LNG bunker ready ports on the key route between Asia and Europe.
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.