Singapore launches 1st standard for LNG bunkering

Singapore has launched its first bunkering standard for liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The first Singapore Technical Reference (TR) 56 for LNG bunkering was launched on Friday by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, SPRING Singapore and the Standards Development Organisation @ Singapore Chemical Industry Council.

“This standard provides a safe, efficient, sustainable and transparent technical framework for conducting LNG bunkering operations in Singapore, thereby offering greater assurance to local and international LNG bunker buyers and suppliers,” MPA said in a statement.

The Singapore Government has been working closely with industry players to advance the development of Singapore as an LNG bunkering and gas trading hub.

Singapore currently imports the chilled fuel via Singapore LNG Corporation’s terminal on Jurong Island, the only such a facility in the country.

A robust LNG bunkering sector in Singapore will also unlock new business opportunities in related services such as LNG trading and storage.

MPA’s LNG bunkering pilot programme that started earlier this year will utilise TR 56 to guide the implementation of operational protocols by licensed LNG bunkering supplier. This will help the industry gain operational experience in LNG bunkering, the statement reads.

Capt M Segar, MPA’s Assistant Chief Executive (Operations), said, “while it may take time for LNG to take off as a marine fuel globally, we have taken steps to kick-start LNG bunkering in Singapore through our LNG Bunkering Pilot Programme, one of them being the development of TR 56.”

“The document will ensure Pavilion Gas and FueLNG, MPA’s two appointed LNG bunker supplier licensees, conduct LNG bunkering operations of high quality with regards to safety as well as quantity and quality assurance,” he added.