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New reforms for Malaysian bunkering industry to come into force on 1 June

Malaysian government will ensure all obligations and conditions under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships or MARPOL are implemented, says Transport Minister.
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Several discussions and engagement sessions have been held between Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport, the Marine Department, Malaysia Shipowners’ Association (MASA) and the Sabah Sarawak Shipowners Association (SSSA) to discuss reforms to build Malaysia as a bunkering hub, says Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He made the announcement during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Malaysia Shipowners’ Association (MASA) and Malaysia Bunkering Association (MBA) attended by Manifold Times on Friday (5 May). 

Loke said several agreements have been reached to improve the bunkering industry in Malaysia:

  • The government will redouble efforts to ensure that all obligations and conditions under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships or MARPOL are implemented, including the use of double-hull double-bottom ships in order to improve the bunkering industry competitiveness and environmental sustainability.
  • For tankers with single-hull double-bottom delivered before July 1996, they are allowed to carry oil and their operation can continue subject to the following conditions:

1) The tanker must be less than 5,000 tonnes deadweight;

2) Not allowed to carry heavy grade oil (HGO);

3) Restricted to navigate within Malaysian waters only; and

4) The ships must be classified with any Organization recognised by the Malaysian Marine Department with the appropriate Class Notation.

  • For tankers delivered after July 1996, those tankers with 600 deadweight and above must comply with the requirements contained in Regulation 19, MARPOL ANNEX I before they can be registered as Malaysian vessels
  • The aforementioned terms and conditions will come into force through a new Malaysia Shipping Notice (MSN) which will be issued by the Malaysian Maritime Department in this month, which is May 2023, and is expected to come into force on 1 June 2023.
  • These policies take into account the needs and wishes of industry players in Sarawak and Sabah, as well as inland areas or islands where they use small vessels and usually consist of single hull vessels or licensed boats. 

He added the huge potential growth of bunkering activities in Malaysia can contribute to the country’s economy, especially as it can be a catalyst for a more dynamic and competitive maritime ecosystem.

“The estimated value of the bunker fuel market for the whole world is about USD 110 billion a year in 2020. With a growth of 4% annually, the size of the bunkering market will reach USD 160 billion in 2030,” he said. 

The minister emphasised the government’s commitment in supporting Malaysian companies and tanker owners especially those who are willing to invest capital in double hull double bottom vessels and modern equipment that can offer high quality bunkering services in line with Malaysia’s goal of becoming a world-class bunkering hub.

He also urged all parties to take bold steps in investing and participating in the green fuel wave which will lead to new lucrative opportunities. 

“The development in sustainable shipping fuel such as methanol which are produced by renewable energy will become more rapid in the coming years,” he said. 

Related: MBA and MASA sign MoU to boost bunkering and trade activities in Malaysia

Note: The above article was written based on the speech of Transport Minister Anthony Loke, which was written and delivered in Bahasa Melayu and translated by Manifold Times.

 

Photo credit: Malaysia Bunkering Association and Malaysia Shipowners’ Association
Published: 9 May, 2023

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Alternative Fuels

MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency.
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MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (3 June) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company to strengthen collaboration in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, innovation, and manpower development. 

The MoU was signed on 25 May 2026 by Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, and Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC.

The MoU underscores the shared commitment of MPA and MSC to foster a sustainable, digital, and future-ready maritime sector, while enhancing MSC’s operational and business activities in Singapore. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of MSC establishing its Asia Regional Office and local office in Singapore.

Under the MoU, MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency and operational performance.

MPA and MSC will also collaborate on maritime digitalisation initiatives to improve operational efficiency, including streamlining vessel arrivals and port operations. 

On manpower development, MSC will support internship and scholarship opportunities through Singapore Maritime Foundation’s Maritime Outreach Network (MaritimeONE) platform, an industry-led tripartite partnership comprising industry, government and institutes of higher learning that aims to raise awareness of the maritime industry and attract quality talent into the maritime sector.

Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “This partnership reflects the strong collaboration between MPA and MSC in driving sustainability and digitalisation in the maritime sector. By working together on decarbonisation, operational efficiency and talent development, we aim to strengthen Maritime Singapore’s position as a trusted and future-ready global maritime hub.”

Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC, said: “Singapore is a strategically important hub for MSC and a key gateway to the broader Asia region. As we mark 30 years in Singapore, this MOU reinforces our long-term commitment to strengthening our presence here. MSC and Singapore are closely aligned on the priorities shaping the future of global shipping, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to drive the continued growth and resilience of the maritime industry.”

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Methanol

Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

Following “Seaspan Yangtze”, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the methanol retrofit programme are “Seaspan Amazon”, “Seaspan Ganges”, “Seaspan Thames”, and “Seaspan Zambezi”.
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Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

Seaspan Corporation (Seaspan) and Hapag-Lloyd on Wednesday (3 June) announced the successful completion of the first of the five vessel conversions under their methanol retrofit programme with the delivery of Seaspan Yangtze.

From the early SAVER (Seaspan Action for Vessel Energy Reduction) programme to today’s CleanBlue initiative, Seaspan has committed over USD 230 USD million across 86 vessels, executing more than 550 efficiency and retrofit projects.

Following Seaspan Yangtze, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the programme are Seaspan Amazon, Seaspan Ganges, Seaspan Thames, and Seaspan Zambezi. Each retrofit is expected to reduce well-to-wake CO₂e emissions by approximately 30,000 to 50,000 metric tonnes per vessel annually when operating on low-carbon methanol, while also extending vessel lifespan and enhancing fuel flexibility.

“Decarbonisation is not just about building the fleet of tomorrow, it is also about unlocking the full potential of the fleet we have today. Retrofitting and upgrades on existing fleets play a practical, immediate, and economical role in accelerating shipping’s decarbonization journey,” said Bing Chen, Chairman, President and CEO of Seaspan. 

“Project SAVER CleanBlue highlights Seaspan’s strong customer partnerships, deep technical expertise, and unique platform integrated with JV partners, such as WattSpan Maritime Technology, in executing complex and large-scale retrofit projects.”

“The successful conversion of the Seaspan Yangtze together with the planned retrofit of its four sister vessels is another important step on our ambitious path towards net-zero fleet operations by 2045,” said Silke Lehmköster, Managing Director, Fleet, Hapag-Lloyd. 

“Together with Seaspan, we are demonstrating that retrofitting existing vessels for low-carbon methanol can be a practical way to reduce emissions in shipping.”

 

Photo credit: Seaspan
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Nuclear

South Korean-led nuclear car carrier design secures LR backing

LR is working with HHI, KSOE, Hyundai Glovis, G- Marine Service and KAERI on a joint development project exploring an advanced small modular reactor (SMR) installation on a PCTC.

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South Korean-led nuclear car carrier design secures LR backing

Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) on Tuesday (2 June) said it has teamed up with South Korean shipbuilding, marine services and nuclear research organisations to advance the development of a nuclear‑assisted car carrier concept. 

LR is working with Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE), Hyundai Glovis, G- Marine Service and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) on a joint development project (JDP) exploring an advanced small modular reactor (SMR) installation on a pure car and truck carrier (PCTC). 

The study focused on how a Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) could be physically and operationally integrated into a large vehicle carrier. Work examined the internal arrangement and segregation of the reactor system, shielding requirements, and the impact on cargo deck layout and vehicle capacity, alongside stability and trim implications linked to the reactor’s weight and positioning. 

The partners also assessed propulsion system configuration and power delivery, as well as operational flexibility compared with conventionally fuelled PCTCs, where trade routes and port calls can be tightly constrained. 

A key focus of the project has been safety. LR led hazard identification (HAZID) and preliminary risk assessment work, focusing on containment, onboard safety systems and potential operability constraints tied to nuclear technology at sea. 

The partners will mark the project milestone with an Approval in Principle (AiP) granting ceremony on 2 June at the LR stand during Posidonia 2026. 

Sung-Gu Park, President – North East Asia, Lloyd’s Register, said: “While nuclear propulsion is still at an early stage of development, this project shows the importance of building technical understanding now to support future progress. 

“Establishing feasibility at concept stage is a valuable step forward, particularly in areas such as cargo optimisation, vessel stability and integrated safety design.” 

Hong-Ryeul Ryu, CTO and Senior Executive Vice President at HD HHI, said: “With global environmental regulations becoming increasingly stringent and no definitive net-zero fuel yet available, SMR-powered ships can serve as a highly effective alternative, representing a pioneering next-generation maritime technology capable of complying with GHG emission regulations while allowing lifetime operation without refuelling, and HD HHI will remain at the forefront of sustainable maritime technology development.”

 

Photo credit: Lloyd’s Register
Published: 4 June, 2026

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