First LNG Bunkering for Cruise Ships in Asia
Asia Pacific has marked a significant milestone with its first LNG bunkering operation for cruise passenger ships, successfully completed at the Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC). This groundbreaking event occurred yesterday, showcasing the region’s commitment to sustainable maritime practices.
Pioneering LNG Bunkering Operation
TotalEnergies Marine Fuels facilitated the LNG delivery using the bunker vessel Brassavola, which is managed by V.Ships and owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. The operation was the result of extensive planning and coordination among various stakeholders. This collaboration ensured compliance with industry safety standards, allowing for smooth passenger movements and ship operations during the bunkering process.
Jacqueline Tan, CEO of SCC, expressed excitement about this development, highlighting the increasing number of dual-fuel LNG-powered vessels in the cruise industry. Upon learning of Silversea’s Silver Nova’s intention to bunker LNG, SCC acted swiftly to collaborate with TotalEnergies and bring all parties together. Tan emphasized the need for operational readiness, noting that stringent protocols were established under the guidance of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). This successful operation not only sets a precedent for future LNG-powered cruise vessels but also positions SCC as a key player in the region’s maritime sector.
LNG serves as a transitional fuel, offering a practical solution for the global maritime industry as it strives to meet the International Maritime Organisation’s targets for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Louise Tricoire, Senior Vice President of TotalEnergies Aviation and Marine Fuels, stated that this achievement underscores the industry’s collective drive towards lower-emission solutions. It also aligns with Singapore’s vision for a decarbonized maritime sector. As TotalEnergies aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, this milestone reinforces its commitment to developing alternative fuels and solutions to reduce emissions in global shipping.
Mario Moretti, Managing Director of V.Ships Asia, praised the teamwork involved in this operation. He noted that the professionalism of both the onboard team and the support network ashore was crucial to the success of the LNG bunkering for Silver Nova. The debut of LNG bunkering at SCC’s HarbourFront Terminal expands the existing LNG services available in Singapore since 2016, further supporting LNG-powered passenger ships in the region. This operation represents a significant step toward achieving Singapore’s sustainability goals in the tourism sector. Chua Yeng Hian, Director of Marine Services at MPA, reiterated the importance of maintaining high standards of bunkering safety and efficiency as Singapore continues to lead in the global bunkering industry.
