Keppel O&M to build Singapore's first dual-fuel bunker tanker

It signed a contract with Mitsui AP with an option to order another similar tanker.

Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M) bagged a contract with Mitsui & Co Asia Pacific (Mitsui AP) to build Singapore's first dual-fuel bunker tanker, to be owned and operated by Sinanju Tankers Holdings Pte Ltd (Sinanju).

According to an announcement, the tanker is scheduled for delivery in 2H2019. As part of the contract, Sinanju and Mitsui AP have an option to order a second similar tanker to be exercised within six months from the effective date of the first contract.

Sinanju will receive co-funding of up to $2m to build the vessel as one of the recipients of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) LNG bunkering pilot programme (LBPP).

Keppel O&M said the 7,990 DWT dual-fuel bunker tanker will be the first LNG-fuelled bunkering vessel for Singapore and for Sinanju. “Built to the requirements of classification society, Bureau Veritas, the bunker tanker will deliver marine fuels to ocean-going vessels within local port limits,” it added.

Keppel O&M managing director (Gas & Specialised Vessels) Abu Bakar said, “The dual-fuel bunker tanker will be the third vessel to be built by Keppel Singmarine under the MPA LBPP and the seventh dual-fuel vessel built by Keppel O&M, extending our track record in LNG-fuelled vessels. With solutions across the LNG value chain, Keppel O&M is in a strong position to capture opportunities as the industry adopts greener solutions."