Regional LNG: Singapore to launch LNG bunkering pilot program

By Romel S. Gurky

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced on Wednesday it will be commencing work on an LNG bunkering pilot program by early 2017 with interested parties of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) bunker supply chain. MPA will provide funding of up to $2 million per vessel for up to 6 LNG-fuelled vessels for the pilot programme.

There are several established modes of LNG delivery such as the use of iso-tank containers, ship-to-ship transfer and terminal-to-ship transfer. For the purpose of this pilot program, MPA is evaluating the most cost-effective mode of LNG delivery to test and establish operational standards and procedures. This will ensure that Singapore is ready for LNG bunkering in the future.

Andrew Tan, Chief Executive, MPA said, "The bunkering industry is an important and integral part of our global hub port. As a top bunkering port, we will continue to raise our bunkering standards to ensure fuel quality and reliability. MPA continues to work closely with all our stakeholders to address the key issues and prepare the bunkering industry for the future."

Editing by Johannes Simbolon