S’pore completes first simultaneous methanol bunkering and cargo ops

MFM system and digital bunkering were also tested.

The inaugural simultaneous methanol bunkering and cargo operation (SIMOPS) was successfully conducted on 27 May in Singapore at the new Tuas Port, its implementers announced. 

The use of the mass flow metering (MFM) system for methanol, along with the use of digital bunkering was also tested during the SIMOPS. 

Authorities said the SIMOPS involved an X-Press Feeder container vessel on her maiden voyage from Asia to Europe. It was refuelled with close to 300 MT of bio-methanol produced by OCI Global. 

“Our vessel was not just the first to berth alongside here in Singapore and refuelled with green methanol, which reduces carbon emissions by 65% as compared to conventional marine fuel, but we were also the first in Singapore to achieve this while simultaneously loading and discharging cargo,” said X-Press Feeders COO Francis Goh.

Global Energy Trading Pte Ltd (GET) conducted the refuelling using MT KARA, a dedicated IMO type II chemical bunker tanker classified by Bureau Veritas and operated by Stellar Shipmanagement Services. The methanol fuel was supplied while the container vessel was completing container moves.

Meanwhile, the cargo operation used PSA Singapore's double trolley quay cranes and automated guided vehicles at Tuas Port. 

The SIMOPS was completed in four hours. 

The completion of this operation shows that the Port of Singapore is ready for commercial operations for shore-to-ship, ship-to-ship, and SIMOPS for methanol. The same methodology is being followed for other new maritime fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen, a joint statement said. 

This development comes after the inaugural ship-to-containership methanol bunkering for the Laura Maersk in July 2023, and the ship-to-ship methanol bunkering of close to 1,340 metric tonnes (MT) of blended methanol for the Stena Prosperous on 24 May 2024.

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“The successful execution of the SIMOPS is the outcome of many months of preparation for tripartite stakeholders to plan, prepare, and train to ensure the safety of the crew, port and vessel whilst maintaining a high level of efficiency,” Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Chief Executive Teo Eng Dih said. 

Goh also said this shows Singapore's efforts to lead the global maritime industry's transition to renewable fuels.

Authorities have laid out their plans to further prepare the Port of Singapore to supply methanol at scale. 

This includes MPA developing the Technical Reference for methanol bunkering which will also establish the framework for the use of MFM and digital bunkering for methanol.

MPA and its partners will also establish the Marine Energy Training Facility to train over 10,000 seafarers and shore-based staff by the 2030s.