The CEO of Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA), Andrew Tan, called on more ports to be ready for LNG[ds_preview] bunkering, given the global move towards cleaner shipping and higher environmental standards. At the 3rd Busan International Port Conference (BIPC) in Busan, South Korea, Tan said in his speech titled »Environmental Sustainability for International Shipping – LNG as a marine fuel«, that Asia has great potential to offer LNG bunkering considering some of the most important trade routes traverse the region. In this regard, Singapore hopes to promote greater discussions and cooperation amongst global hub ports to provide LNG bunkering for short sea and ocean-going vessels. Currently, about 48 ports around the world are either LNG bunkering ready or have plans to do so. »To face the future, Singapore is taking steps to prepare itself to be an LNG bunker-ready port when gas becomes more viable as an alternate fuel. This will enable us to service a range of vessel types and sizes seeking to take LNG as a marine fuel,« Tan stated. Singapore will be commencing a LNG bunkering pilot programme in 2017 as a platform to test the LNG bunkering procedures in the port.
