Alternative Fuels

Pavilion Energy, Gasum and CNOOC to strengthen global LNG bunker supply network

Agreement between trio aims to establish central links across West and East in key LNG-bunker ready ports that include Baltic and North Sea ECA and key Chinese ports.

Published

4 years ago

November 15, 2022

Admin

Singapore-based firm Pavilion Energy, Gasum and China-based LNG importer CNOOC Gas and Power Group on Tuesday (15 November) announced the signing of a Heads of Agreement (HoA) for strategic collaboration to strengthen a global LNG bunker supply network for their customers in the world’s top three bunkering regions – Singapore, North West Europe (including Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp), as well as China coastal areas.

The agreement will allow the three parties to leverage on one another’s local expertise, strong logistics capabilities, and in-depth experience in LNG bunkering operations to bring ease, efficiency, and operational flexibility across global supply points to customers.

The HoA aims to establish central links across the West and East in key LNG-bunker ready ports that include the Baltic and North Sea ECA (North West Europe); key Chinese ports such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Ningbo; as well as Singapore.

This agreement follows an extension of Pavilion Energy’s partnership with Gasum in October 2020 to develop an LNG bunker supply network for both its customers in Singapore and Northern Europe. CNOOC’s latest participation will boost this industry alliance and further encourages the uptake of LNG as a cleaner marine fuel, in line with the maritime industry’s decarbonisation efforts, as well as the International Maritime Organisation’s agenda to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr. Alan Heng, Group CEO of Pavilion Energy, said, “Pavilion Energy is very pleased to deepen our cooperation with Gasum and at the same time, for the opportunity to also collaborate with another world class partner CNOOC, to complement our existing networks. The synergies of our operations will further facilitate customers’ access and demand for efficient, competitive, and optimised LNG bunkering solutions.”

Pavilion Energy is a pioneer in developing LNG bunkering for the maritime industry in Singapore and advocates for LNG as a cleaner marine fuel. Sealing this latest partnership agreement comes after a naming ceremony held on 4 October for its first dedicated LNG Bunker Vessel Newbuild – the Brassavola – and currently Singapore’s largest LNG bunker vessel for use in the Port of Singapore. It is slated for operation early next year.

Mr. Mika Wiljanen, CEO of Gasum, stated, “We at Gasum are very happy about this partnership with Pavilion Energy and CNOOC, not only because it expands our geographical reach and broadens our offering, but this agreement is also an excellent example of the kind of global collaboration that is needed to achieve a carbon-neutral future – no company can do this alone. The purpose of Gasum is to help our customers and partners transition towards cleaner energy and we see LNG as a very important stepping stone in decarbonising the maritime industry.”

As a distributor of LNG in Northern Europe, Gasum is strengthening the position of LNG in North West Europe and the Nordics, in accordance with the EU strategy for LNG. In 2021 Gasum performed over 1,300 ship-to-ship and truck-to-ship deliveries of LNG through its complete value chain which serves the distribution of both liquefied natural gas and liquefied biogas (LBG).

Mr. Rongwang Zhang, Vice President General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer of CNOOC Gas and Power Group, said: “CNOOC Gas and Power Group is thrilled to partner with Pavilion Energy and Gasum to develop LNG bunkering business. This tripartite cooperation is a crucial measure for CNOOC Gas and Power Group to develop a world-wide LNG bunkering supply network and it hopes to promote cooperatives in facilitating a low-carbon future at sea.”

CNOOC Gas and Power Group has created a fully integrated LNG industry chain into China, directly connecting upstream resources, transportation and trading with downstream natural gas customers. The company has also taken several firm steps to build international LNG bunkering infrastructures alongside China’s coastal areas to provide integrated bunker solutions for global customers.

Photo credit: Pavilion Energy

Published: 16 November, 2022

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.

Published

15 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Admin

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

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”.

Published

15 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Admin

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

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.

Published

15 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Admin

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