Singapore and the Netherlands' Rotterdam will co-operate on LNG bunkering, as part of an initial deal covering information exchange on marine services.
The deal between the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Port of Rotterdam Authority was signed as part of the 10th Singapore Maritime Week, which began yesterday.
Singapore, the world's largest bunkering port, has stepped up similar co-operation deals on LNG bunkering in Singapore. It signed an initial deal in 2013 with Belgium's Antwerp Port Authority and the Port of Zeebrugge to standardise LNG bunkering standards.
New emissions regulations that come into force this year mainly impact emission control areas in Europe and North America. But they have encouraged interest and investment in alternative marine fuels, such as gas.
The MPA plans to launch a pilot programme for LNG bunkering in early 2017, in line with global efforts to introduce cleaner and sulphur-free fuels. The programme will include funding for up to six LNG-fuelled vessels at up to $2mn each. It is in the process of finalising standards for LNG bunkering operations but has yet to reveal when this will be completed.
The 6mn t/yr Singapore LNG terminal on Jurong island has already built the foundations for a tertiary jetty and could add infrastructure for reloading of 10,000-40,000m³ vessels or bunkering barges.
Vessels have been able to bunker LNG in the port of Rotterdam since July last year. Commissioning of a new break-bulk facility next to the Netherlands' 8.7mn t/yr Gate LNG terminal is scheduled for the end of 2016. This is expected to boost the use of LNG as a transport fuel in northwest Europe.
ck/rjd
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