Singapore Invites Applications for Methanol Bunker Suppliers
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Synopsis
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is now accepting applications for methanol bunker supplier licenses as part of efforts to create a comprehensive methanol supply model, announced Senior Minister Amy Khor during Singapore Maritime Week.
Key Takeaways
- Singapore's MPA is inviting methanol bunker supplier applications.
- A new Technical Reference standard for methanol bunkering has been introduced.
- Drone services are expanding to enhance maritime operations.
- Singapore is leading in digital bunkering implementation.
- Emphasis on viewing emission reductions as a competitive edge.
Singapore, March 25 (NationPress) The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is now accepting applications for licenses to supply methanol bunkers at the Port of Singapore, with the goal of creating a comprehensive methanol supply model, as announced by Senior Minister of State for Transport Amy Khor on Tuesday.
During her address at the Accelerating Digitalization and Decarbonization Conference, part of Singapore Maritime Week, Khor highlighted that this initiative responds to the increasing interest from shipowners in utilizing methanol as a marine fuel.
In conjunction with the recently released Technical Reference for Methanol Bunkering and Standards for Port Limit Methanol Bunker Tankers, this initiative aims to ensure a standardized and safe transition to methanol in the shipping industry, she stated.
Khor also unveiled a new Technical Reference standard designed to facilitate charging infrastructure and battery swapping systems for electric harbor crafts, which is part of Singapore's wider initiative towards sustainable maritime operations.
Despite global uncertainties affecting climate commitments and the elevated costs of essential decarbonization solutions, Khor emphasized that viewing emission reductions as a competitive advantage rather than a burden is crucial.
She mentioned that Singapore is making strides in promoting low- and zero-carbon fuels. For example, authorities have employed virtual simulations to evaluate the safety and environmental impacts of ammonia bunkering operations, a technique also utilized for alternative fuels such as LNG and methanol.
In another development, the MPA announced plans to trial new drone capabilities in 2025, which will include coordinated drone operations aimed at managing toxic and flammable fumes during chemical spills at sea, as per Khor's announcement on Tuesday.
During the Singapore Maritime Week, Khor also discussed the expansion of drone services in the Port of Singapore. The Maritime Drone Estate, which was initiated in 2021 as a testing ground for maritime applications, will now accommodate commercial services such as remote inspections and shore-to-ship deliveries.
To enhance workforce capabilities, the MPA will collaborate with Singapore's Republic Polytechnic to train unmanned aircraft pilots and share best practices in drone operations.
Khor mentioned that digitalization, including artificial intelligence, is revolutionizing port operations, vessel management, and maritime services, as reported by Xinhua. However, the increased reliance on interconnected systems also introduces cybersecurity challenges. To mitigate these issues, Singapore is fast-tracking the adoption of global digital standards for secure data exchange between vessels, ports, and onshore service providers.
Starting April 1, Singapore will become the first port globally to fully implement digital bunkering. Bunker suppliers will be mandated to offer digital bunkering services and generate electronic bunker delivery notes, which can be verified through a new common verification facility launched by the MPA on the same day.
