Asia/Pacific News
Singapore's New LNG Bunker Players to Help Develop Port into Key Asia LNG Bunkering Hub
Following last week's announcement that the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has awarded its first licences for liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering, the new gas fuel suppliers say they are looking forward to developing the world's biggest bunkering port into Asia's LNG bunkering hub.
"We will leverage our years of experience and expertise in providing LNG solutions including gas carrier servicing to support MPA in its goal to develop Singapore into a key LNG bunkering hub in Asia," said Chow Yew Yuen, Chief Executive Officer, Keppel Offshore & Marine.
Keppel Offshore & Marine and BG Group plc's joint proposal was one of two bids accepted by MPA, with the other going to Pavilion Energy Group.
"We will work closely with MPA and our partners to develop and test safety procedures and build relevant infrastructure to make LNG bunkering a reality in Singapore," said Pavilion Energy Group Chief Executive Officer Mr Seah Moon Ming.
"It is exciting to see the growth of the LNG bunkering industry as it supports Singapore's efforts to be an Asian LNG Hub."
The MPA said it will now work with the two licence holders to develop the necessary infrastructure to begin supplying LNG bunker to vessels in the Port of Singapore by early 2017.
MPA is also working with stakeholders to develop LNG bunkering standards and procedures at the national and international levels, having signed MOUs with the Port of Rotterdam, Antwerp Port Authority, and Port of Zeebrugge, to harmonise LNG bunkering standards and procedures.
Last October Ship & Bunker reported that MPA was open to granting more than one LNG bunkering license over the next two years.
