Singapore’s 1st Dual-Fuel Bunker Tanker Named

Business & Finance

September 3, 2019, by World Maritime News

Singapore’s first dual-fuel bunker tanker has been named Marine Vicky, Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M) said.

The naming ceremony for the 8,000 dwt newbuilding was held at Keppel Nantong Shipyard on September 3.

“This is Singapore’s first bunker tanker to run on LNG and signifies the emphasis that Singapore is placing on developing Singapore into a LNG bunkering hub as the industry gains momentum to adopt LNG as a marine fuel,” Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Lady Sponsor of the vessel, commented on the occasion.

“MPA is pleased to be able to partner Keppel O&M and Sinanju through the MPA LNG bunkering pilot programme. The maritime sector is evolving and through these steps, we aim to further strengthen Singapore’s offering as a global maritime hub and a LNG hub.”

Owned by Sinanju Tankers Holdings (Sinanju), the bunker tanker will be delivering marine fuels to ocean-going vessels within Singapore port limits.

“We are at the forefront in providing environmental solutions in the marine industry, enabling us to support Sinanju with our dual-fuel vessel solutions. This bunker tanker will be the third dual-fuel vessel to be delivered by Keppel O&M. The dual-fuel technology enables more sustainable and economical operations, with more efficient fuel consumption,” Tan Leong Peng, Executive Director (New Builds), Keppel O&M, said.

Built to the requirements of classification society Bureau Veritas, the 7,500 cbm vessel will be Sinanju’s first dual-fuel bunker tanker. Featuring a length of 103 meters and a width of 19 meters, it is equipped with a 55 cubic metre LNG tank with a fuel gas supply system on deck to supply gas to the engine. The vessel is also fitted with pipelines and tanks that enable it to carry multiple grades of marine fuel cargo.

Expected to be completed in December 2019, Marine Vicky will commence operations in Q1 2020 under a recently signed two-year time charter contract with ExxonMobil Asia Pacific.

“Marine Vicky represents the start of our green initiative for bunker tankers operating in Singapore, and we look forward to its delivery later this year,” Ju Kai Meng, Managing Director of Sinanju Tankers Holdings, pointed out.

Sinanju Tankers Holdings comprises a group of shipowning companies operating in the Singapore bunkering industry since 1992. Sinanju Logistics Services is the operating arm of its modern fleet of 13 mass flowmeter-equipped double-hulled bunker tankers totaling close to 80,000 dwt. Sinanju Tankers provides technical management for these vessels and Sinanju Marine Services bunkering services to ships calling at Singapore.