MPA Singapore: LNG Bunkering Partnership Expands

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has expanded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operations to include the Port of Jacksonville, Norwegian Maritime Authority, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan and the Ulsan Port Authority, Republic of Korea.

The MOU, which initially comprised the ports of Singapore, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Zebrugee, will deepen cooperation and information sharing in relation to LNG bunkering.

As the group works towards building a network of LNG bunker ready ports across the Asia-Europe shipping route, the increased representation of Asian ports “will add impetus towards making LNG bunkering a reality in the future,” according to MPA Singapore.

In addition to cooperation with ports, an inaugural LNG Bunkering Roundtable was held on October 4 in conjunction with the Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON).

“In view of intensifying environmental regulatory requirement for ships, all stakeholders involved in the probable change in ships’ fuel to LNG need to move the projects forward by taking the necessary actions. The Port of Yokohama is fully committed to assist with facilitation of the environmental regulatory requirement,” Masamichi Morooka, President Yokohama Kawasaki International Port Corporation (YKIP), said.