- The following interview arranged by Conference Connection is part of pre-event coverage for the upcoming 12th International Fujairah Bunkering & Fuel Oil Forum (FUJCON 2021).
- Manifold Times is an official media partner. Readers can register for the virtual event by clicking on the link here.
- Bunkering volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) at Singapore port is set to grow by up to 90 times in 2021 compared to last year.
A recent news article published in the Manifold Times highlights about 80-90 times of YOY growth for Singapore LNG bunkering volumes in 2021.
Truck-to-ship bunkering
“In 2020, most of the regular LNG bunkering in Singapore have been carried out by truck-to-ship, although the number of operations is in 100’s the actual bunkered volume is rather limited,” Saunak Rai tells Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times.
With the commencement of ship-to-ship LNG bunkering in Singapore from 2021, it is expected that an 80 to 90 times increase in annual LNG bunkering volumes at Singapore port.
Major factors contributing to the growth
According to Rai, major factors contributing to the growth will be due to the availability of FueLNG Bellina – Singapore’s first dedicated LNG bunker vessel (LBV) – back by the republic’s status as a major container port, wherein LNG bunkering can be carried out within the time for cargo operations, resulting in time efficiency.
The development will be further supported by the earlier release of updated TR56 recommendations for LNG bunkering in Singapore.
It provides certainty of regulations and detailed guidance for successful LNG Bunkering operations, together with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) initiatives incentivizing Singapore Ship Owners investing in reducing cO2 emissions and reduction in port dues to LNG-fuelled vessels calling at Singapore.
Outlook for Singapore’s LNG bunkering sector
“The outlook for Singapore’s LNG bunkering sector appears very bright. A number of LNG-fuelled container vessels and tankers have already confirmed their term bunkering plans from Singapore and we are also seeing spot interests from bulk carriers and car carriers,” he adds.
FueLNG has been an early mover, and ordered a LBV speculatively in 2016 even though the LNG bunker demand pipeline was not well formulated in Singapore.
This decision gave us an immediate advantage now, having a LBV operational in Singapore.
Attributes needed to succeed as a LNG bunkering hub
Such as access to cheap LNG from regional LNG producers in UAE and Qatar, a geographical location near major shipping traffic, an efficient Marine ecosystem, and the Dubai Supply Authority (DUSUP) FSRU which can be utilised as a loading facility for LNG Bunker vessels.
Now, what is needed is a mechanism to incentivise the early adopters, both on the supply as well as the demand side.
Clear guidance on rules and regulations regulating LNG bunkering in Fujairah needs to established in consultation with local industries and LNG Bunkering experts
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Source: Manifold Times
