Singapore’s first duel-fueled tug has completed its first towage operation, successfully assisting a vessel to unberth in the Port of Singapore.
The 50-tonne bollard pull harbor tug PSA Aspen was built by Robert Kuok-backed shipbuilder PaxOcean in China and recently arrived in Singapore.
Designed by Robert Allan, the tug is equipped to operate in either diesel or LNG mode and is compliant with IMO emission requirements.
In late June the PSA Aspen successfully executed a truck-to-ship transfer of LNG working in partnership with Pavilion Gas, Leedon NOX, PaxOcean Shipyard and Jurong Port Group.
A second dual fuel LNG harbour tug, PSA Oak, is scheduled to join the PSA Marine fleet by October 2019.
The harbour tug operates two Wartsila 20DF dual-fuel engines running primarily on LNG fuel supported by an LNGPac fuel storage and supply system.
PSA Marine received a grant of up to SGD 2m ($1.5m) for each tug under the Singapore Maritime and Port Authority’s (MPA) LNG Bunkering pilot programme.
“The addition of PSA Aspen and PSA Oak represents our commitment to a greener environment and sustainability,” PSA Marine said in a statement.
“The valuable knowledge and hands-on experience on LNG operations will enable us to contribute towards the ongoing industry-wide discussions on LNG bunkering as well as evaluate potential business opportunities in this space,” said PSA Marine managing director Peter Chew.
