Business

Singapore-based trading firm Synergy Asia Bunkering opens for business

Vietnam specialist bunker trading firm ‘bridges gap’ between international shipowners and local suppliers by providing range of intermediary services, says Director.

Published

8 years ago

October 2, 2018

Admin

Synergy Asia Bunkering (SAB), a Singapore-based bunker trading firm specialising in deliveries of marine fuel within the Vietnam market, is now officially open for business, says its Director.

“I was part of the Vietnam bunkering industry since 2011 and found several shipowners and customers overlooking it as a bunkering port due to potential disputes, issues with ISO specs and other factors,” Steven Low told Manifold Times in an exclusive interview.

“We have heard concerns from owners on bunkering in Vietnam covering quality and quantity, and the acceptance of one-sided contractual terms and conditions.

“As a solution provider familiar with these problems, I thought it will be a good idea to start a business focusing on this niche area to offer confidence to shipowners calling at Vietnam for bunkers.”

Vietnam National Petroleum Group, or Petrolimex, is the main bunker supplier in Vietnam; however, the firm only offers bunker avails based on its own terms and conditions which may not be suitable for the international market.

“At the end of the day, everyone can go to Petrolimex to get bunkers. However, players must understand, in this case, bunker contracts are in accordance to their own specifications,” he says.

“This is where SAB comes in, as we are able to offer flexibility in shipowners’ bunker needs such as bunker contracts on BIMCO terms, while guaranteeing avails being bought at a minimum of ISO 8217:2005 specs.”

Even though bunker contamination cases of styrene and phenol are unheard of in Vietnam, Low assures SAB is still able to arrange for lab reports on contaminants prior to bunker deliveries.

“Vietnam has a coastal line of 1,600 km and there are at least 22 major ports a vessel can lift bunkers at,” Low notes.

“We are familiar with all different Petrolimex divisions responsible for bunkering operations at these ports, and are acquainted with barge operators, surveyors, customs agencies situated within these locations as well.”

The majority of vessel receiving fuel at Vietnam consist of bulkers (at least 50%) and a ‘good mix’ of container liners and tankers.

“Most of the vessels receiving bunkers at Vietnam only for top up purposes because cargoes there are actually sourced from overseas such as Singapore and Malaysia, hence the more expensive prices, as Vietnam’s refineries are mainly producing for the domestic market,” he explains.

Low offers some brief advice for shipowners looking to bunker at Vietnam.

“Due to availability and tax issues, it is always best to arrange for bunkers five to seven days in advance,” he recommends.

“South Vietnam has 380, 180 cSt grades and MGO (marine gas oil) available. However, 380 cSt material is usually out of stock due to storage issues.

“Avails at North Vietnam are commonly 180 cSt material and MGO.”

Contact details of Steven Low and Synergy Asia Bunkering are as follows:

Steven Low
Director
Mobile: +65 9831 5557
Email: [email protected]

Synergy Asia Bunkering
420 North Bridge Road
#04-29 Singapore 188757
Email: [email protected]

Photo credit: Synergy Asia Bunkering
Published: 2 October, 2018

Methanol

China: Chimbusco takes delivery of new methanol bunkering vessel in Zhoushan

Company says commissioning of “Zhong Ran LV Neng 85” will further enhance its service capabilities in green methanol bunkering in major domestic ports.

Published

16 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

Admin

Chimbusco takes delivery of new methanol bunkering vessel in Zhoushan

China Marine Bunker (PetroChina) (Chimbusco) recently took delivery of its first bunkering vessel in China to deliver methanol to dual-fuel ships.

The 8,500-dwt duplex stainless steel chemical tanker Zhong Ran LV Neng 85 was successfully delivered in Zhoushan.

The company said the commissioning of this new ship will further enhance Chimbusco’s service capabilities in green methanol bunkering in major domestic ports and expand its national marine new energy service and support network

During the delivery period, Chimbusco said it focused on safe operations and conducted special training for all crew members of the vessel.

The training covered methanol bunkering operation specifications, prevention of collisions between commercial and fishing vessels, daily vessel reporting, and voyage report filling standards.

Manifold Times previously reported the launching of the bunkering vessel at Taizhou Fangzhen Shipbuilding Wharf in Zhejiang.

The floating out of the ship comes after Chimbusco has obtained methanol bunkering licences for Shanghai Port and Ningbo Port.

Photo credit: China Marine Bunker (PetroChina) (Chimbusco)
Published: 16 June, 2026

LNG Bunkering

CCEC and CMA CGM form joint venture to build and operate LNG bunkering vessel

Each party will hold a 50% ownership stake in the joint venture, which has been established for the purpose of constructing, chartering, and operating one 20,000 cbm dual-fuel LNG bunkering vessel.

Published

21 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

Admin

Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp. (CCEC), an international owner of ocean-going gas vessels, on Friday (12 June) announced the formation of a joint venture company with CMA CGM.

Each party will hold a 50% ownership stake in the joint venture, which has been established for the purpose of constructing, chartering, and operating one 20,000 cbm dual-fuel LNG bunkering vessel.

The joint venture marks CCEC’s entry into the LNG bunkering segment, the company’s first vessel dedicated to marine fuel supply.

In connection with this transaction, the joint venture has entered into a shipbuilding contract with Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (CIMC SOE) for the construction of the vessel at a contract price of USD 82.8 million, with delivery expected in the third quarter of 2028.

Incorporating the latest technologies, the vessel is designed to enable safe and reliable LNG transfers across a wide range of operating conditions. Advanced emissions reduction systems, combined with highly efficient dual-fuel power generation, are designed to help the vessel meet applicable environmental standards of the global shipping industry.

In addition, the joint venture is expected to enter into a 12-year time charter with a joint venture company formed between CMA CGM and TotalEnergies, commencing upon delivery of the vessel from the shipyard.

Jerry Kalogiratos, CEO of Capital Clean Energy Carriers, commented: “This joint venture marks CCEC’s entry into LNG bunkering — a natural extension of our gas platform from carriage into marine fuel supply.

“Working alongside counterparties of the calibre of CMA CGM and TotalEnergies, we can help build the infrastructure that allows LNG to deliver a cleaner emissions profile, alongside security and diversity of supply, while opening a new, long-term contracted revenue stream for the Company through the Joint Venture.”

Christine Cabau, Executive Vice President Operations and Assets of CMA CGM, said: “Together with Capital Clean Energy Carriers and TotalEnergies, we are committed to building a reliable and high-performance LNG bunkering supply chain, which is essential to ensuring the availability and reliability of fuels such as LNG that represent the first step in the decarbonization of our industry.”

Photo credit: Scott Graham
Published: 16 June, 2026

Incident

UK forces intercept suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker in English Channel

In the first UK-led operation of its kind, the vessel “SMYRTOS” was boarded by Royal Marine Commandos and law enforcement officers from the National Crime Agency.

Published

24 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

Admin

UK forces intercept suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker in English Channel

British Armed Forces on Sunday (14 June) boarded a sanctioned oil tanker, suspected of being part of the Russian shadow fleet, in the English Channel, according to the Ministry of Defence.

In the first UK-led operation of its kind, the vessel SMYRTOS was boarded by Royal Marine Commandos and law enforcement officers from the National Crime Agency.

The UK’s Prime Minister agreed in March that British Armed Forces and law enforcement officers were able to board shadow fleet vessels, in accordance with international law.

The SMYRTOS will be provisionally moved to an anchorage off the South Coast of England and will be monitored for any environmental or safety concerns.

UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said: “This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot hide.

“I want to pay tribute to all those involved, including our Armed Forces and law enforcement officers who keep this country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

The operation builds on recent support provided by the UK to its allies to interdict shadow fleet vessels, which included RAF and Royal Navy capabilities supporting US and French operations. The operation was conducted in close coordination with the French.

The UK has sanctioned almost 600 Russian shadow fleet vessels to date.

Photo credit: Ministry of Defence
Published: 16 June, 2026