LNG gaining momentum as a marine fuel

AT last week's Singapore International Bunkering Conference (Sibcon), there were several presentations on and lots of discussion about LNG (liquefied natural gas) as a marine fuel. The gathering also saw the global launch of the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF), a non-governmental organisation established to promote safety and industry best practices in the use of gas as a marine fuel.

In addition, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) outlined its plans to kick-start LNG bunkering here. It will begin work on a pilot programme by early 2017 with interested parties of the LNG bunker supply chain. MPA will provide funding of up to S$2 million per vessel for up to six 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," it says. "For the purpose of this pilot programme, 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."