Business

Tumpuan Megah Development secures exclusive bunkering arrangement with Lumut port

TMD and Lumut Maritime Terminal will also set up a bunkering terminal namely “Pit-Stop Bunker Hub @ Lumut” to support the business venture.

Published

7 years ago

October 1, 2019

Admin

Manifold Times was present at the signing ceremony between Straits Inter Logistics Berhad and Lumut Maritime Terminal Sdn Bhd in Malaysia on Tuesday:

Tumpuan Megah Development Sdn Bhd (TMD), the bunkering subsidiary of Malaysia-listed Straits Inter Logistics Berhad (Straits), on Tuesday (1 October) entered into a fuel bunkering services agreement with Lumut Maritime Terminal Sdn Bhd (LMTSB) – the operator of Lumut port which handles over 500 ships per annum.

The agreement, which has a contract period of one year commencing 1 October, with option for renewal, will oversee the establishment of “Pit-Stop Bunker Hub @ Lumut” a bunkering terminal set up for the business venture.

LMTSB has agreed to appoint TMD with the exclusive right to operate, manage and provide bunker services located at or within Lumut Port limit including but not limited to jetties/ wharfs, anchorage area and the designated Pit-stop Bunker area.

TMD has in turn obtained the appropriate Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA) licences from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Customer Affairs (KPDNHEP) to commence marine fuel delivery services at Lumut.

“TMD is currently operating its business in eight ports in Malaysia,” said Straits Group Managing Director Dato' Sri Ho Kam Choy.

“By entering into this Agreement with LMTSB, TMD hopes to establish a base in bunkering business in Lumut and subsequently to further enlarge its bunkering business in the western region of Peninsular Malaysia.”

According to Dato' Sri Ho, the tie-up with LMTSB is part of Strait’s overall strategy to establish collaboration with strategic ports in Malaysia to bunker for vessels within their port limits.

Straits expects the new venture to contribute positively to the revenue and future earnings of the Straits Group from the financial year ending December 31, 2019 onwards.

“We believe that the opportunity to collaborate with LMTSB will bring forth new dimensions to both parties’ infrastructures which will allow both parties to tap the vast potential in the bunkering industry,” he adds.

“The tie-up with LMTSB definitely marks an important milestone for Straits for its expansion in the bunkering business.”

At present, TMD operates in eight ports in Malaysia, which include, Pasir Gudang Port, Tanjung Pelepas Port, Johor Bahru Port, Kuantan Port, Kemaman Port, Kuala Terengganu Port, Labuan Port and Miri Port, all of which are licenced under PDA Licences for its bunkering services.

LMTSB owns and operates the Lumut Port at Kg Acheh, Lumut and has been in operation for more than 20 years. In 2002, Lumut Port began to operate and manage Lekir Bulk Terminal. Strategically located off the Straits of Malacca on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia in Perak, the Port was established as a State Port and a catalyst for economic growth, development and industrialisation of Perak and the nation in general.

“This valuable tie-up with Maritime Terminal also fits well into the Groups strategy to established collaborations with strategic ports throughout Malaysia to bunker for vessels within their port limit,” said Dato' Sri Ho.

“We are excited and stand ready to tap the huge bunkering market potential of vessels sailing through the Straits of Malacca together with our valued partner, Lumut Maritime Terminal Sdn Bhd.

“Straits and Tumpuan Megah with its enlarged network and infrastructure is currently at the forefront to expand its geographical footprint and today’s collaboration with Lumut Maritime Terminal will bring together enhanced value creation by tapping on both parties infrastructure to exploit the vast bunkering potential in Straits of Malacca.”

A coastal town in the rapidly-developing Manjung district of Perak, Lumut is strategically located off the Straits of Malacca, which is a crucial shipping route for global trade.

The establishment of its very-own bunkering terminal at Lumut Port offers Straits a well-positioned location to service more than 100,000 vessels passing through the Straits of Malacca annually, it adds.

Ships plying through Straits of Malacca can now save the time, deviation cost as well as port charges that were incurred previously just for calling into a port for bunkering services, following the launch of Straits' bunkering terminal at the Lumut Port.

Straits' fuel bunkering terminal is named Pit-Stop Bunker Hub @ Lumut for its quick, reliable and efficient bunkering services.

Photo credit: Straits Inter Logistics
Published: 1 October, 2019

Business

IBT Bunkering & Trading appoints Kevin Döhmen to lead Singapore expansion

Döhmen will lead the new Singapore office, with responsibility for managing and developing the operation and strengthening relationships with customers and partners.

Published

23 hours ago

August 13, 2026

Admin

IBT Bunkering & Trading appoints Kevin Döhmen to lead Singapore expansion

Hamburg-based marine fuels firm IBT Bunkering & Trading on Wednesday (12 August) said it has appointed Kevin Döhmen as Executive Vice President to lead the company’s new Singapore office.

Manifold Times previously reported the company announcing that it is opening its doors in Singapore and will be running a trading desk in the city-state after trading bunkers out of Hamburg since 1976.

The company said Kevin Döhmen will lead the new Singapore office, with theresponsibility for managing and developing the operation and strengthening relationships with customers and partners.

IBT said the Singapore office represents an important first step in strengthening its presence in Asia.

“At the same time, we are actively exploring further opportunities to expand our activities and establish new partnerships in this key maritime hub,” the company said.

Döhmen said: “Singapore is the heartbeat of global bunkering. Bringing IBT’s Hamburg roots — 50 years of them — onto the ground in this hub is a real privilege, and I couldn’t be more ready for it.”

IBT said it will maintain the service approach established through its Hamburg operations while building its activities in Singapore.

The company described the move as bringing together its Hamburg roots and Singapore presence through a global bunker network.

Photo credit: IBT Bunkering & Trading
Published: 13 August, 2026

Bunker Alerts

Low flashpoint found in Indonesia bunker fuels, alerts Maritec-Naias

Firm tested eight bunker samples representing LSMDO and B40 fuel grade from vessels that took fuel oil /bunkered in Indonesia ports, which indicated flashpoints as low as 39.5°C.

Published

23 hours ago

August 13, 2026

Admin

Bunker fuel testing and marine surveying business Maritec-Naias on Wednesday (12 August) issued an alert regarding bunker samples from vessels that took fuel oil/bunkered in Indonesia showing flashpoints as low as 39.5°C:

During the period of 21 July to 04 August 2026, Maritec-Naias tested eight bunker samples representing Low Sulfur Marine Distillate Oil (LSMDO) and B40 fuel grade from vessels that took fuel oil /bunkered in Indonesia ports, which indicated Flashpoints as low as 39.5°C.

All eight fuel samples tested were sourced from a single supplier.

Regulatory Implications:

Based on the results of the eight samples tested, the fuels do not comply with the minimum flashpoint requirement of 60 °C set by SOLAS and ISO 8217.

As per SOLAS requirements, the minimum flashpoint of any fuel carried in the tanks of a ship should be not less than 60 °C (with exception of fuel for lifeboats, which can be grade DMX with a flash point min of 43 °C).

ISO 4259 interpretation for tested flashpoint temperature is not taken into consideration here as the safety of onboard crew and vessel is of higher precedence.

Since 01 May 2024, it has been a MARPOL Annex VI requirement that the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) includes either the actual flashpoint of a fuel as supplied or a declaration that its flashpoint has been determined as being at or above 70°C.

From 1 January 2026, SOLAS amendments clarified that the flashpoint requirement applies to fuels, which were specifically intended to have a flashpoint not less than 60°C as required under SOLAS II‑2/2.1.1 These amendments now align with MARPOL by requiring flashpoint details to be recorded on the BDN. Additionally, prior to bunkering, suppliers must provide the ship’s representative with a signed declaration confirming that the fuel meets the SOLAS flashpoint standard.

MARITEC-NAIAS RECOMMENDATIONS

When ordering fuels from Indonesia it is advised to insist on getting the actual flash point values from the supplier. If your vessel has bunkered a low flashpoint fuel it is prudent to observe/implement the precautions below:

Flame screens on tank vents should be maintained in good condition and there should be no sources of ignition in the vicinity of the vents. This will assist in safe natural ventilation of volatile components in the fuel.
No Smoking, no naked flame and no hot work must be allowed at any areas near to tank air vents.
Send additional tank(s) samples upon arrival in port to check the fuel properties and flash point results especially if there has been co-mingling of fuels in bunker tanks
If the vessel is out at sea, it may be possible to obtain dispensation from your Flag State Administration up to the next arrival port.
Put the supplier on notice promptly and notify your P&I club.

Photo credit: Shaah Shahidh on Unsplash
Published: 13 August, 2026

Methanol

China: Xiamen issues safety guidelines for methanol bunkering operations

New guidelines establish safety requirements across the full methanol bunkering process, supporting the expansion of green marine fuel supplies at Xiamen Port.

Published

23 hours ago

August 13, 2026

Admin

Xiamen Free Trade Zone on Monday (10 August) said its Administrative Committee recently jointly issued the Safety Guidelines for Marine Methanol Fuel Bunkering in Xiamen Waters with Xiamen Port Authority and Xiamen Maritime Safety Administration, establishing a framework for methanol bunkering operations in the port.

The guidelines are the first safety operating standard in Fujian province specifically covering marine methanol fuel bunkering. They apply to methanol bunkering operations conducted by bunker vessels in Xiamen waters and set out safety requirements covering the entire operation, from preparation through completion.

The guidelines specify requirements for bunkering companies, equipment and materials used on bunker vessels, hose inspection intervals, personnel certification and personal protective equipment.

They also require operators to conduct dedicated risk assessments and prepare emergency response plans before operations begin. During bunkering, operators must maintain continuous monitoring and comply with specified weather restrictions. After completion, pipelines must undergo procedures including purging and inerting.

Xiamen Port has previously carried out ship-to-ship bunkering of biofuels and LNG. The new guidelines provide a regulatory framework and operational basis for methanol bunkering and are intended to support the safe and orderly conduct of such operations.

The move is also expected to help Xiamen Port expand its market and bunkering capacity for green marine fuels.

Photo credit: Woo Winter on Unsplash
Published: 13 August, 2026