Alternative Fuels

IBIA puts spotlight on alternative bunker fuels during IMO’s GHG negotiations

GHG emission reductions must be on a Well-to-Wake basis to be truly sustainable; production of low-GHG fuels should not cause overall lifecycle emissions to increase, says IBIA.

Published

3 years ago

July 5, 2023

Admin

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Tuesday (4 July) released an article on IBIA sharing perspectives of alternative bunker fuel producers to the IMO during the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 15):

IBIA brought the perspectives of alternative fuel producers to the IMO during the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 15), the week-long meeting that has set the scene for crucial negotiations to finalise the IMO’s revised GHG Strategy during MEPC 80.

We held a presentation to elaborate on points made in ISWG-GHG 15/3/5 – a paper we developed in cooperation with the Ammonia Energy Association (AEA), the Methanol Institute (MI) and the European Biodiesel Board (EBB).

IBIA’s Director and IMO Representative, Unni Einemo, set the scene with the following key messages:

IBIA members are increasingly involved in the supply of alternative fuels, or are preparing to do so
IMO’s GHG emission reduction targets must be supported by regulations to guarantee steady growth in the uptake of low and zero emission fuels and technologies, otherwise progress will be too slow
The supply side needs a clear demand signal to make the necessary investments in the production and distribution of low and zero emission fuels and technologies
GHG emission reductions must be on a Well-to-Wake basis to be truly sustainable; production of low-GHG fuels should not cause overall lifecycle emissions to increase
Default Well-to-Tank emission values can form a baseline, but should be sufficiently conservative to encourage producers to demonstrate better performance through relevant certification and verification schemes
The IMO’s LCA framework should enable fuel producers to make use of relevant and credible GHG intensity certification schemes

During our presentation, Conor Fürstenberg Stott showed the potential for producing low-carbon ammonia and the work AEA is doing on developing a certification scheme for ammonia to account for the GHG emissions associated with production. Matthías Ólafsson (MI) shared forecasts for the growth in bio-methanol and e-methanol production, highlighting also the growth in newbuilds that are ready to use methanol as fuel. Cailean Macleod (EBB) highlighted facts regarding both the prospects and challenges for using sustainable biofuels in the maritime sector. To round up the session, Ed Glossop, Head of Sustainable Operations at Bunker Holding Group shared observations on the energy transition as seen from a world-leading marine fuel re-seller.

It was a great example of IBIA bringing industry stakeholders with shared interests together to bring a strong message to the IMO about the policy tools we need to get the transition to sustainable marine energy well and truly underway.

You can read our submission here: ISWG-GHG 15/3/5

You can see the presentation here: CLICK HERE

Photo credit: IBIA
Published: 5 July, 2023

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LNG Bunkering

PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

Published

10 hours ago

July 21, 2026

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PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post.

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024.

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026

LNG Bunkering

CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s alternative fuel bunkering infrastructure.

Published

10 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Admin

CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

China’s Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., Ltd. (CIMC SOE) recently signed a contract with Sinopec (Beijing) Clean Energy Co., Ltd. to build a 12,000-cubic metre (m3) LNG bunkering vessel, according to Chinese maritime media.

The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2028 and will support Sinopec’s efforts to expand its presence in the marine clean energy sector.

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s LNG bunkering infrastructure.

With this signing , CIMC Pacific Offshore Engineering’s LNG bunkering vessel orderbook is further strengthened, maintaining its leading position in the global market for small and medium-sized LNG bunkering vessels.

The contract also marked another milestone for CIMC SOE, which has seen a sharp increase in orders and business performance this year amid a surge in domestic LNG vessel demand.

Photo credit: Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

Nuclear

ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

KRISO says AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.

Published

10 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Admin

ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO) on Thursday (16 July) received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its concept design of a 15,000 TEU Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-powered container ship utilising Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) technology.

KRISO said the AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.

“This achievement demonstrates international recognition of KRISO’s technological capabilities in the rapidly evolving field of nuclear-powered shipping, supporting the transition toward low-carbon maritime transport,” it said.

Building on this milestone, KRISO will continue advancing basic and detailed ship design, paving the way for future demonstration and commercialisation of SMR-powered vessels.

Through continued R&D and international collaboration, KRISO remains committed to strengthening next-generation maritime technologies and contributing to the safe deployment of nuclear propulsion in the maritime industry.

Photo credit: Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026