Singapore launches first technical framework for LNG bunkering

SINGAPORE has launched its first framework for liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operations.

The technical reference coined TR56 was jointly launched by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Spring Singapore and the Standards Development Organisation @ Singapore Chemical Industry Council.

It provides the technical framework for conducting LNG bunkering in Singapore ahead of the country's pilot operations in early 2017.

The use of the super-chilled fossil fuel is one possible option for shipowners looking to comply with the International Maritime Organization's 0.5 per cent cap on sulphur content in ship fuel from 2020.

Singapore, as home to the world's top bunkering port, has set out to help shipowners comply with the upcoming regulation by expanding sulphur cap-compliant ship fuel options here.

TR 56 provides the two licensed LNG bunker suppliers guidelines to develop the operational procedures for loading and unloading this fuel onto ships refuelling at the Singapore port.

Capt M Segar, MPA's assistant chief executive (operations), said: "While it may take time for LNG to take off as a marine fuel globally, we have taken steps to kick-start LNG bunkering in Singapore through our LNG bunkering pilot programme, one of them being the development of TR 56. The document will ensure Pavilion Gas and FueLNG, MPA's two appointed LNG bunker supplier licensees, conduct LNG bunkering operations of high quality with regards to safety as well as quantity and quality assurance."