Singapore successfully carried out the largest ethanol bunkering operation today at its Pasir Panjang terminal. This operation was conducted simultaneously with loading operations (SIMOPS) and bioethanol was supplied through a mass flow meter (MFM).
Bunkering Operation Details
The dual-fuel container ship Maersk Halifax, registered under the Singapore flag, was supplied with approximately 5,000 tons of ISCC-certified bioethanol from the chemical tanker M.T. Golden Centaurus, which is also flagged under Singapore. This volume represents the highest amount of ethanol supplied in a single operation in history.
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The Future of Ethanol Bunkering in Singapore
This operation will help gather data and lessons learned to assess how the existing technical reference for methanol bunkering in Singapore, TR 129, can be adapted for ethanol bunkering. Ethanol shares similar characteristics with methanol and can be used in methanol-capable engines, provided the necessary modifications are made. The findings will also determine whether current MFM systems can be utilized for future ethanol bunkering operations.
Safety and Collaboration Approach
Before executing SIMOPS, participating parties conducted a workshop to identify hazards and study operational feasibility. Additionally, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) worked closely with all stakeholders to ensure that crew members were trained in marine fuel management and emergency responses. These lessons were derived from experiences in methanol bunkering.
Ang Wei Kiong, CEO of MPA, stated, "This operation allows us to test how Singapore's existing experiences and infrastructure in methanol bunkering can support a new marine fuel. The findings will help us develop the necessary standards and procedures for safe and efficient ethanol bunkering."
Butt Mazzari, Head of Energy Markets at Maersk, said, "Energy transition requires exploring and scaling solutions that can have a real impact. Maersk is pursuing a multi-fuel strategy because we know that no single fuel pathway can decarbonize global shipping alone."
Janani Tan, CEO of Golden Island Pte Ltd, remarked, "We are proud to have conducted Singapore's first ethanol bunkering and to have done so alongside live loading operations. Our crew and Golden Centaurus operated based on what we learned in methanol bunkering and adhered to a first safety discipline. This allowed us to safely and timely conduct the largest ethanol bunkering to date."
Nelson Kwok, Regional CEO of Southeast Asia PSA International, stated, "Successfully completing SIMOPS at the Pasir Panjang terminal is an important step in advancing our operational readiness for low-carbon fuel options. Safety is always our priority, and this operation provides valuable insights into how to safely integrate ethanol bunkering with container port operations."
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