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Alternative Fuels

INTERVIEW: IMO 2030/2050 marine fuels to be decided by most cost efficient, effective well-to-propeller solution

The market is currently undergoing a transitional phase where a wide range of alternatives are being evaluated, says Sonnich Thomsen, Managing Director for Bunkers at Sing Fuels.
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The following interview arranged by Conference Connection is part of pre-event coverage for the upcoming 12th International Fujairah Bunkering & Fuel Oil Forum (FUJCON 2021), where Manifold Times is an official media partner. Readers can register for the virtual event by clicking on the link here. 

A mirage of products, including LNG, methanol, biodiesel, ammonia, liquid hydrogen and even nuclear technology, is currently being tested as potential candidates to support shipping’s alternative renewable fuels future.

However, only the most cost efficient and effective well-to-propeller* options will be tested and gradually narrowed down as solutions accepted by the shipping industry for IMO 2030/2050, believes the Managing Director for Bunkers at Singapore-based international bunker trading house Sing Fuels.

“Decarbonisation will continue to be a hot topic for the future,” Sonnich Thomsen shares with Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times.

“Shipping is currently contemplating their long term strategy and the discussion typically revolves on whether newbuilds should have scrubbers installed or be built with LNG/ammonia dual-fuel systems that are also able to accept retrofits should other types of fuels be used in the future.

“It seems the market is currently undergoing a transitional phase where a wide range of alternatives are being evaluated. Ultimately, we foresee it will boil down to the most cost efficient and effective well-to-propeller decarbonisation effect these alternatives have.”

The International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s initial GHG strategy envisages, in particular, a reduction in carbon intensity of international shipping (to reduce CO2 emissions per transport work, as an average across international shipping, by at least 40% by 2030, pursuing efforts towards 70% by 2050, compared to 2008); and that total annual GHG emissions from international shipping should be reduced by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008.

The IMO direction is also part of the reason why Sing Fuels has chosen to invest in a clean technology firm to assist the shipowners in their quest for further decarbonisation, adds Thomsen.

“As renewable energy continues to develop, we see an urgent need for cost effective and long duration energy storage systems to drive the renewable demand further,” he says.

“Through investments and partnerships, Sing Fuels is proudly ready to meet this demand for the future.”

Moving forward, Thomsen notes it is essential for today’s bunker trading companies to remain relevant by ensuring a global coverage, while providing experienced teams that are able to act as advisers and partners to customers.

“We constantly drive for value added services to customers. Hence, in 2020 Sing Fuels established a stand-alone operations department with the sole purpose of ensuring supply excellence to its clients,” he says.

“We will continue to develop smaller niche supply areas through partnerships with local suppliers. This is a proven formula where many mid-size traders are more competitive in certain ports than the more generic trading houses focusing on the key hubs.”

*The current well-to-propeller study of alternative fuels for the maritime transport assesses the potential climate impacts of alternative fuel systems at all stages in their life cycle – from oil & gas wells (or from farming) to the propeller [Chryssakis, 2013].

Note: Sonnich Thomsen will be speaking at Session 5: Bunker Outlook & Marine Fuel Quality: Tackling the Challenges Post 2020 at FUJCON 2021.

 

Photo credit: Sing Fuels
Published: 17 March, 2021

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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.

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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

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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.
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July 21, 2026

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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

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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.
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July 21, 2026

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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

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