SeaTech Solutions, Singfar International, and the Methanol Institute to collaborate to identify critical requirements for methanol bunkering in Singapore

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE, January 31, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ -- SeaTech Solutions, Singfar International, and Methanol Institute (MI) have agreed to collectively conduct a study that will assess current gaps in operating procedures, infrastructure, and equipment onboard bunker vessels in Singapore that will have to be bridged for the safe conduct of methanol bunkering operations in Singapore.

As the international shipping industry steams ahead with its plans to decarbonize under the mandate of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), different alternative fuels and technologies are explored to reduce the environmental footprint of marine vessels. Methanol has been identified as a viable alternative fuel which can be deployed today to reduce the emissions of the shipping industry. As a clean-burning liquid fuel, methanol can deliver immediate emission reductions onboard marine vessels. When methanol is produced from renewable feedstocks such as carbon dioxide and agricultural residue it becomes a very low-carbon, and potentially carbon-neutral, fuel for ships. This has led to a growing interest in methanol as a marine fuel. Currently, dual-fueled vessels burning methanol already ply global trade routes and more newbuilds recently announced are expected to be in operation in near future.

As a global bunker hub, Singapore will need to develop the necessary capabilities, expertise, and facilities to bunker different alternative fuels including methanol. Currently, there lacks a dedicated bunkering standard for methanol in Singapore. The IMO had previously issued the Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Methyl/Ethyl Alcohol as Fuel which outlines key considerations for methanol bunkering operations. Lloyd’s Register has also published its Methanol Bunkering Technical Reference which provides guidance on the safe bunkering of methanol with checklists to assist shipowners, operators, ports, and bunker suppliers. Despite international experience with bunkering methanol at other ports, the parties of the MoU acknowledged that local circumstances and regulations in Singapore will have to be considered to ensure that procedures are fit for the safe and efficient bunkering of methanol at the world’s biggest bunker hub.

The study will consist of three elements. The parties will identify reference cases for methanol bunkering at other ports and review existing recommendations for methanol bunkering to assess the necessary modifications to adapt methanol bunkering procedures to the Singaporean context. Singfar International has also identified ‘MT HANTEK 3’ from its fleet of bunker vessels which SeaTech Solutions will evaluate and identify gaps to propose the necessary modifications and engineering work required for the vessel to bunker methanol. Lastly, SeaTech Solutions will prepare a conversion specification & concept design for Methanol Bunker Vessel, based on its recommendations for the ‘MT HANTEK 3’, for an Approval-in-Principle submission.

This study will serve as the foundation for developing standards and procedures for methanol bunkering in Singapore and strengthen Singapore’s position as a leading global bunkering hub providing shipowners with the continued confidence.

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SeaTech Solutions

Singapore-based SeaTech has built a strong reputation in vessel design and engineering excellence since its establishment in 2000. Its compendium of over 380 unique designs showcases extensive expertise, innovation and technology, propelling the company as a center for marine and offshore excellence, offering a complete suite of competencies in-house, from design to engineering and consulting. To date, over 640 vessels operating worldwide bear the SeaTech hallmark of energy efficiency, safety and reliability.

Singfar International

Singfar International Pte Ltd is in the business of sustainable shipping logistics. It designs and builds green vessels and provides both commercial and technical management for fleets of vessels.

Methanol Institute

The Methanol Institute (MI) serves as the global trade association for the methanol industry, representing the world’s leading producers, distributors, and technology companies. Founded in 1989 in Washington DC, MI now represents its members from five offices worldwide in Washington DC, Beijing, Brussels, Delhi, and Singapore. www.methanol.org

Tim Chan
Methanol Institute
+65 9776 3530
email us here

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