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Singapore: Future of Shipping Conference reiterates ‘hands-on-deck’ approach for decarbonisation

About 450 maritime leaders and industry professionals from around the world gathered to discuss a global approach towards decarbonisation and digitalisation.
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Around 450 maritime leaders and industry professionals from around the world gathered online on Friday (23 April) to discuss a global approach towards decarbonisation and digitalisation of the maritime industry at the Future of Shipping Conference (FOSC).

Jointly organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the FOSC was held in conjunction with the 15th Singapore Maritime Week.

Speaking at the opening of the conference, Mr Ong Ye Kung, Singapore’s Minister for Transport, said, “Shipping brings trade, and with it, greater business opportunities, creation of jobs, co-operation and inter-dependence between countries, setting the conditions for peace and stability.”

“Developments in shipping have a real impact on the development of economies and uplifting of lives around the world. With deep commitment to collaboration in decarbonisation and digitalisation, we can realise a better future for shipping and for the economies and people who depend on it.”

Minister Ong also announced that MPA, Singapore Shipping Association, and Global Compact Network Singapore, will sign a Memorandum of Understanding to train the industry in carbon accounting, support companies in managing and lowering emissions, and encourage best practices in decarbonisation.

“We all have a part to play in addressing challenges and pushing blue sky thinking to develop and implement solutions,” said Kitack Lim, Secretary-General, International Maritime Organization, said in his address.

“To keep pace with the demands of the global economy and the expectations for sustainable growth, the maritime world needs to be in the forefront of transformational change. We need to facilitate decarbonisation and enhance digitalisation for safer, more environmentally friendly, and efficient shipping.”

Lim also thanked MPA for partnering IMO on the “Single Window for Facilitation of Trade Project”, or SWiFT, which will develop a maritime single window system for a port in a developing country.

FOSC presented a timely opportunity for stakeholders to move forward on NextGEN – a concept for a collaborative global ecosystem of maritime transport decarbonisation initiatives first announced in September 2020.

The inaugural meeting of NextGEN took place on the side-lines of the conference. The meeting discussed ways to ensure that developing countries are not left behind in the progress towards maritime decarbonisation, and the actions needed to facilitate collaboration across the maritime and energy supply chain. Participants were also informed of plans to launch a NextGEN portal in the second half of 2021 to further discussions and sharing of initiatives in maritime decarbonisation.

The conference also saw several presentations and panel discussions from representatives across the geographical regions and the maritime value chain, on viable pathways to maritime decarbonisation and a technologically empowered maritime sector.

Additionally, the discussion also focused on the role of IMO and its Member States in ensuring that no country is left behind.

Closing the conference, Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on Climate Action and Assistant Secretary-General for the Climate Action Team, said, “It is increasingly clear that decarbonisation of the global economy is inevitable and all sectors must act now.”

“We urgently need all hands-on-deck to speed up this transition and ensure we keep the 1.5C goal within reach. Initiatives like NextGEN and the Getting to Zero Coalition can help deliver the necessary support, technology transfer and investment in the sector in developing and emerging economies.”

Photo:

First row left to right: 

Mr Robert Ashdown, Secretary General, International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)
Ms Hadiza Bala Usman, Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority
Mr Nick Ryan, Vice President (Operated Fleet), bp shipping
Ms Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore 

Second row left to right: 

Mr Andreas Sohmen-Pao, Chairman BW Group and Co-Chair of the International Advisory Panel on Maritime Decarbonisation
Mr Kitack Lim, Secretary-General, International Maritime Organization
Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Transport, Singapore
Mr Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on Climate Action and Assistant Secretary-General for the Climate Action Team

Third row left to right: 

Mr Brian Østergaard Sørensen, Vice President, Head of Research & Development, Two-Stroke, MAN Energy Solutions
Mr Darwin Telemaque, Chief Executive, Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority (ABPA)
Ms Vivian Rambarath Parasram, Director and Head, Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre (Carribean)
Mr David Foo, Assistant Chief Executive (Operations-Technology), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 26 April, 2021

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Environment

Indonesia to expedite removal of sunken Malaysia-flagged tanker “Silver Sincere”

Vessel sank while carrying about 1,000 mt of waste oil on 12 January 2025; the wreck was discovered in March 2025 and was found to have drifted about 13 nautical miles from its original sinking site.

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July 20, 2026

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Indonesia to expedite removal of sunken Malaysia-flagged tanker “Silver Sincere”

Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs on Tuesday (14 July) held a cross-agency coordination meeting to expedite efforts in handling the Malaysian-flagged tanker Silver Sincere that sank off Bintan Regency, Riau Islands.

The vessel sank while carrying about 1,000 metric tonnes (mt) of waste oil on 12 January 2025. 

According to authorities, the ship sank within Indonesian waters. After several surveys, the wreck was finally discovered in March 2025 and it was found to have shifted approximately 13 nautical miles from the initial sinking location.

The meeting was aimed to align cross-ministerial and institutional measures to expedite the handling of the Silver Sincere wreck while minimising risks to shipping safety, the marine environment, and national interests.

Deputy for Coordination of State Defense and National Unity Purwito Hadi Wardhono emphasised that the handling of the impact of the Silver Sincere sinking was the first case to be comprehensively coordinated, serving as a model for handling foreign vessels sinking within Indonesian jurisdiction.

Through this cross-sectoral coordination, the government will establish a clear and measurable framework that can serve as a reference for resolving similar cases in the future, while minimising state losses due to environmental pollution, damage to underwater ecosystems and infrastructure, and disruption to shipping lanes.

“The most important thing is to immediately stop and prevent the negative impacts of this ship sinking,” Purwito said.

“Therefore, a coordinating role is crucial, as maritime security governance involves various ministries and institutions with varying authorities, allowing for faster, more integrated, and more effective response,” he said. 

He added that the Silver Sincere was a Malaysian-flagged vessel that sank within Indonesian jurisdiction, and therefore, all handling processes must comply with the provisions of Indonesian laws and regulations.

In the meeting, Prof. Eko Ganis Sukoharsono, representing the SAE Energy Consulting Team, presented the results of an analysis based on 14 observation periods using Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite imagery. 

The analysis results showed strong indications of a waste oil spill that has resulted in marine pollution, damage to the seabed due to shifting shipwrecks, disruption of coastal ecosystems and fishing grounds, and potentially threatening the livelihoods of fishing communities around the Riau Islands. 

Purwito added these findings further emphasise the importance of accelerating the removal of the shipwrecks to prevent widespread environmental impacts, maintain shipping safety, and avoid the potential for greater state losses.

The meeting brought together representatives of related ministries and institutions including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Ministry of Environment, Attorney General’s Office.  

Related: MPA: Malaysia-registered tanker “Silver Sincere” sinks off Pedra Branca

 

Photo credit: MarineTraffic / Julian T
Published: 20 July, 2026

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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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July 20, 2026

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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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July 20, 2026

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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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