Global Energy Group has ordered what will be the first methanol bunkering tanker in Singapore when it is delivered towards the end of 2022.
The 4,000-dwt IMO2-type tanker, described as a joint project between Global Energy Trading, Stellar Ship Management Services and Bureau Veritas, has been ordered at Japan’s Sasaki Shipbuilding.
The vessel will also be capable of supplying biofuels.
Subsidiary Global Energy Trading, which is licensed to supply bunkers in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, said it will begin supplying biofuel and methanol in 2024.
“We have made an important step to support the industry’s effort on carbon emissions reduction by introducing alternative and green fuel bunkering supply chain solutions. The new tanker could pave the way for the next generation of a more versatile bunkering tanker.,” said Global Energy Group managing director Loh Hong Leong.
“Methanol as a bunker fuel will add a new dimension to the bunkering industry in Singapore, we are pleased to work with authorities, Class BV and relevant industry experts to develop methanol bunkering procedures and standards for the safe bunkering and STS operations,” said Kelvin Kang, general manager of Stellar Shipmanagement, a Global Energy Group subsidiary.
David Barrow, vice-president for South Asia and the Pacific at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, commented: “As the industry explores alternative fuel options to support its decarbonization journey, developing the industry’s supply and bunkering capacities will be an essential step to scale up and ensure the availability of these new fuels.”
Global Energy Group is one of Singapore’s largest bunker tanker operators, with a fleet of close to 20 such vessels.
