SE Asia ramps up LNG activity

Seah Moon Ming, group chief executive officer, Pavilion Energy Pte Ltd, said at the event: “Singapore has the world’s largest bunkering hub. It is our desire and plan to establish an LNG bunkering ecosystem in Singapore too. Our government has been supportive with its initiatives to make LNG bunkering a reality.”

He added that LNG bunkering is a key market for LNG demand growth.

“Moving ahead, the establishment of a robust LNG bunkering ecosystem will add to Singapore’s offerings as an Asian LNG hub. Not only can Singapore serve as a physical and financial hub for LNG trading, but also for small-scale LNG and LNG bunkering activities. Vessels will be able to call at the Port of Singapore not only for trade purposes but also for LNG bunkering re-fuelling,” he said.

On a wider national scale, The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has been active in rolling out comprehensive programmes to prepare Singapore to be LNG bunker ready. This includes the S$12 million support fund for the building of LNG-fuelled vessels.

Back in April, there was a key development in the launch of Singapore’s first LNG truck loading facility by MPA and SLNG.

Earlier this month, the first Singapore Technical Reference (TR) 56 for LNG bunkering was established to help establish Singapore port as a leading bunkering hub.

MPA will now conduct a three-year LNG bunkering pilot programme this year, testing operational protocols, gaining operational experience as well as strengthening Singapore’s capabilities to ensure LNG bunkering is carried out safely and efficiently.