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INTERVIEW: Major ports, including Singapore, to prepare for alternative marine fuels future, says IMO

‘Energy transition in shipping will require new technologies, alternative fuels and infrastructure to support low- and zero-carbon shipping,’ IMO Head, Air Pollution and Energy Efficiency, tells Manifold Times.
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Roel Hoenders MT

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. 

It will be a matter of time before bunker suppliers at Singapore start embarking on concrete plans to supply non-hydrocarbon based fuels in order to support shipping’s alternative renewable fuels future, says the Head, Air Pollution and Energy Efficiency at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

“Based on available information, shipping is likely to transition from majority reliance on liquid hydrocarbon fuels to a diverse range of alternative (renewable) sources of energy when operating at sea or when being in ports,” Roel Hoenders tells Singapore bunker publication Manifold Times.

“So it is likely that major ports like Singapore are preparing to be ready for and plan for this diversity.

“The energy transition in shipping will require new technologies, alternative fuels and infrastructure to support low- and zero-carbon shipping.”

According to Hoenders, low and zero carbon fuels such as biofuels, (renewable) hydrogen, ammonia and methanol, including through their on board storage in batteries and fuel cells, are being trialled but are not yet widely available.

“There are wider questions about ensuring safety of ships and crew dealing with new fuels; about generating and supplying renewable marine fuels across the world; and about the entire emissions life cycle of new fuels that will come to market,” he shares.

“IMO also regulates the safety aspects related to the bunkering as well on-board storage and handling of alternative fuels and has already developed numerous internationally binding instruments in that regard, including the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels.”

Hoenders suggests electrification may be feasible for short-sea shipping; but other fuels will be needed for ocean-going cargo ships with their huge energy requirements. While in port, more and more ships can connect to the land-energy grid to avoid using their engines.

“This transition will need collaboration and cooperation across many different stakeholders, including land-based energy suppliers and ports, as well as major investments,” he adds.

“It will also provide opportunities for countries to upscale, and thereby reduce costs of, renewable energy production.”

“IMO, in addition to its role a global regulator, will also continue to be a global platform for knowledge sharing and to explore cleaner fuels for shipping to ensure also less advanced countries can be involved and explore opportunities from the decarbonisation of international shipping.”

Hoenders, meanwhile, believes the implementation of IMO 2020 “went very well” for the shipping industry and shared Paris MOU detected only four deficiencies for sulphur content of fuel used in vessels during inspections last year.

“In 2020 there were just 55 cases worldwide of 0.5% compliant-sulphur fuel oil not available, reported to IMO through the year,” he shares.

“There was a great amount of preparation by IMO in terms of developing dedicated guidelines for ship owners, coastal States, and other stakeholders in the lead up to 1 January 2020 and clearly this paid off underlining the importance of IMO’s role as regulator of the global shipping industry.”

Draft new mandatory regulations for IMO 2030, which aims to cut the carbon intensity (transport work) of existing ships by at least 40% in 2030 compared to 2008, will be put forward for formal adoption at IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) in June 2021.

Similar to IMO 2020, Hoenders is confident IMO 2030 and IMO 2050 will be implemented on schedule – despite the current coronavirus pandemic.

“It is still too early to identify the long-term impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, but overall I remain hopeful that IMO can maintain the mid- and long term timelines for implementation of greenhouse gas reduction measures,” he states.

“While there was a postponement of one MEPC meeting in 2020, we have got the meeting schedule back on track.

“In late 2020, the intersessional working group on GHG emissions met remotely and then in November the MEPC met remotely and was able to approve the proposed new draft regulations aimed at reducing carbon intensity of the entire fleet, as amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, for planned adoption in June 2021.

“So I anticipate the great willingness to work cooperatively and collaboratively within IMO will continue.”

Note: Roel Hoenders will be among speakers giving the keynote speech during at official opening of FUJCON 2021 on 23 March.

 

Photo credit: International Maritime Organization
Published: 10 March, 2021

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LNG Bunkering

Singapore: FueLNG achieves 800th LNG bunkering operation milestone

Bunker tanker “FUELNG Venosa” delivered LNG marine fuel to bulk carrier “MV Ubuntu Humanity” at Eastern Bunkering A Anchorage (AEBA) on 11 July.

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Singapore: FueLNG completes 800th LNG bunkering operation

Singapore’s licensed LNG bunker supplier FueLNG on Friday (17 July) announced the successful completion of its 800th LNG bunkering operation in the republic.

The company said bunker tanker FUELNG Venosa delivered LNG marine fuel to bulk carrier MV Ubuntu Humanity at Eastern Bunkering A Anchorage (AEBA) on 11 July. 

“This achievement is more than just a number,” FueLNG said.

“It reflects the trust our customers place in us, the dedication of our operations team, the professionalism of our marine partners, and our unwavering commitment to safe, efficient, and reliable bunker deliveries.” 

Manifold Times previously reported FueLNG completing its 500th LNG ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operation.

Related: Singapore: FueLNG achieves milestone of 500th STS LNG bunkering operation

 

Photo credit: FueLNG
Published: 20 July, 2026

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Methanol

Western Baltic Engineering unveils green methanol bunkering vessel design for Klaipėda

Designed for flexible operations in shallow waters and local bunkering routes, the concept features an 800-metric-tonne green methanol capacity and the potential to supply up to 250,000 mt annually.

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Western Baltic Engineering unveils green methanol bunkering vessel design for Klaipėda

Ship design and engineering service provider Western Baltic Engineering on Thursday (16 July) showcased its latest concept design for a green methanol bunkering vessel, developed for the operational needs of the Port of Klaipėda.

Designed for flexible operations in shallow waters and local bunkering routes, the concept features an 800-metric-tonne green methanol capacity and the potential to supply up to 250,000 metric tonnes (mt) annually. 

“It is Western Baltic Engineering’s first concept dedicated exclusively to green methanol bunkering, expanding our portfolio of alternative-fuel vessel solutions,” the company said in a social media post.

“Building on our experience in methanol-ready vessel design, it reflects our continued focus on enabling the industry’s transition to cleaner fuels.”

“As the maritime sector evolves, engineering companies have a responsibility not only to respond to market needs but also to anticipate future challenges,” said Marius Arkusauskas, Director at Western Baltic Engineering.

“By exploring emerging technologies and alternative fuel applications, we help our partners prepare for the next generation of maritime operations while contributing to a more sustainable future.”

 

Photo credit: Western Baltic Engineering
Published: 20 July, 2026

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Alternative Fuels

Repsol and Maersk wrap up first bioethanol bunkering operation in Port of Barcelona

Repsol supplied 2,800 mt of bioethanol to a Maersk container vessel, “Antonia Maersk”, in the first bunkering operation of its kind in the Port of Barcelona and one of the first in the Mediterranean.
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Repsol and Maersk wrap up first bioethanol bunkering operation in Port of Barcelona

Spanish energy company Repsol and shipping giant A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) completed the first bioethanol bunkering operation in the Port of Barcelona, according to the port authority on Wednesday (15 July). 

Repsol successfully supplied 2,800 metric tonnes (mt) of bioethanol to a Maersk container vessel, Antonia Maersk, in the first bunkering operation of its kind in the Port of Barcelona and one of the first in the Mediterranean. 

The operation demonstrates growing demand for alcohol-based marine fuels, as well as the readiness of the infrastructure, logistics, and operational capabilities required to support their deployment at commercial scale. 

Juan Abascal, Repsol’s Executive Managing Director of Industrial Transformation and Circular Economy, said: “With this supply, we reaffirm our commitment to the decarbonization of maritime transport through solutions that are available today and ready to scale in the future. 

“At Repsol, we provide shipping companies with a reliable supply chain and a multi-energy strategy that combines different renewable fuels to support the sector in a safe, competitive, and sustainable transition.”

The supply took place in the Port of Barcelona under fully commercial conditions, bringing together key players across the maritime value chain and demonstrating how collaboration can accelerate the adoption of lower-emission solutions in shipping. 

The delivery was carried out by Bahía Candela, Repsol’s newest bunker vessel, operated by Mureloil and designed to supply both conventional marine fuels and next-generation energy products. 

During the bunkering operation, Bahía Candela operated using its battery system, enabling the fuel transfer to be completed with zero local emissions, and further reducing the environmental footprint of the operation. 

Prior to the bunkering, Maersk tested ethanol on one of its smaller vessels, the 1,800 TEU feeder vessel Laura Maersk, which in 2023 became the world’s first dual-fuel container vessel able to operate on methanol. Today, Maersk has 23 dual-fuel container vessels designed to operate on methanol; however, the company continues to explore ethanol as an alternative fuel for its methanol-enabled vessels. Laura Maersk has performed sailings on 100% ethanol as well as blends of ethanol and methanol. 

Emma Mazhari, Vice President Energy Markets at Maersk, said: “Following the successful ethanol trials conducted on Laura Maersk, this latest bunkering of Antonia Maersk marks another important step in our efforts to explore scalable low-emission fuel solutions. 

“As the first ethanol trial on one of our large dual-fuel vessels, with a capacity of 16,000 TEU, it allows us to deepen our understanding of ethanol’s operational potential at scale. 

“Building on the experience we have gained with methanol, we are working closely with port authorities and industry partners to develop the infrastructure and procedures needed to support ethanol bunkering. Ethanol is one of several pathways we are pursuing to diversify our future fuel portfolio and help accelerate the development of new, viable liquid marine fuel markets.”

 

Photo credit: Port of Barcelona
Published: 20 July, 2026

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