Singapore slices port dues for LNG-powered ships

The Maritime Port Authority of Singapore has added incentives for vessels powered by liquefied natural gas to its Maritime Green Initiatives launched in 2011. 

Liquefied natural gas-powered vessels calling at the port of Singapore will now be included in the Green Port Programme under which they will receive a flat rate of 25 percent concession in port dues.

The Green Port Programme incentives were initially set for vessels using fuel with sulphur content not exceeding 1 percent. MPA has also reduced the sulphur oxides limit to 0.5 percent

Starting July 1, 2016, LNG-powered vessels will also receive incentives under the Green Ship Programme that targets ships exceeding the current energy efficiency design index required by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

MPA has recently been taking steps to prepare itself to be an LNG bunker-ready port and to stimulate the use of liquefied natural gas as a marine fuel.

It is looking to launch its LNG Bunkering Pilot Programme in early 2017 under which the port authority will provide funding of up to S$2 million to companies building LNG-fueled vessels.

LNG World News Staff