Asia/Pacific’s first cruise ship LNG bunkering operation was completed at Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) on 24th February.
TotalEnergies Marine Fuels delivered the LNG via the bunker vessel ‘Brassavola’ to Silversea’s ‘Silver Nova’.
‘Brassavola’ is managed by V.Ships and owned by Mitsui OSK (MOL) Lines.
The bunkering operation was the culmination of months of detailed planning and co-ordination amongst multiple stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with industry safety standards.
Passenger movements and ship operations continued as usual throughout the bunkering exercise.
SCC CEO, Jacqueline Tan, said: “We are excited with this development given the growing number of dual-fuel LNG-powered vessels in the cruise industry.
“When we learned of ‘Silver Nova’s’ intention to bunker LNG, we took swift action to collaborate with TotalEnergies in bringing all parties together.
“As this is the first LNG bunkering for passenger cruise ships in Singapore, we needed to ensure that we were operationally ready for it.
“There were stringent protocols to be complied with by all stakeholders, guided by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). This successful operation will pave the way for other LNG-powered cruise vessels to bunker at our HarbourFront Terminal,” she said.
Louise Tricoire, TotalEnergies Senior Vice President, Aviation and Marine Fuels, added: “TotalEnergies Marine Fuels is proud to contribute to this industry collaboration and to mark a key milestone in Singapore and the Asia/Pacific with respected partners.
“This achievement underscores the maritime industry’s collective drive towards lower-emission solutions and the vital role of partnerships in accelerating the transition, and aligns with Singapore’s vision for a de-carbonised maritime sector.
“As TotalEnergies pushes ahead in our ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 together with society, this feat strengthens our commitment to developing alternative fuels and solutions to help global shipping reduce emissions,” he said.
Mario Moretti, Managing Director of V.Ships Asia, whose Singapore office manages the ‘Brassavola’, commented: “Working closely with our partners at Mitsui OSK Lines and TotalEnergies Marine Fuels, V.Ships provided the detailed planning over the past few months to enable ‘Brassavola’ to successfully bunker LNG to ‘Silver Nova’.
“V.Ships’ wider experience in LNG bunkering is demonstrated by the professionalism of both our on board team and the support network ashore.
“The achievement of this first LNG bunkering for a cruise vessel in Asia/Pacific is testament to the whole team coming together and V.Ships looks forward to continuing this partnership as we help our customers on their sustainability journeys,” he said.
LNG bunkering at SCC’s HarbourFront Terminal is an extension of the LNG bunkering services that have been available in Singapore for harbour craft and commercial vessels since 2016, and positions SCC to support LNG-powered passenger ships calling in the region.
Chua Yeng Hian, MPA’s Director, Marine Services, said: “The successful completion of the first simultaneous LNG bunkering operation for a cruise vessel in Singapore reflects our collective effort and commitment to uphold the highest standards of bunkering safety and efficiency.
“As the world’s leading bunkering hub, Singapore will continue to ensure safe and responsible bunkering operations while supporting the industry’s transition towards a multi-fuel future,” he said.
