Update: International Focus Group for LNG Bunkering Expanded with Signing of New MoU

The MoU was signed this morning at SIBCON

An international focus group consisting of Singapore, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Zebrugee that was formed in 2014 to cooperate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering, today at SIBCON has been expanded through the signing of a new MoU.

The group will now include the Port of Jacksonville, Norwegian Maritime Authority, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan and the Ulsan Port Authority, Republic of Korea.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) says the MoU will deepen cooperation and information sharing in relation to LNG bunkering.

"Worldwide, competition between ports is intensifying. Through the signing of the MoU, there will be more concrete discussions with regard to developing LNG bunkering and new port businesses," said Nam Jae-hun, South Korea's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) manager for port policy said in a statement.

"LNG bunkering is fuelling LNG propulsion in ships, but the operations of LNG bunkering vessels is very much limited to European ports. However, from 2020, LNG bunkering is expected to strengthen worldwide due to more stringent international ship emission regulations," said MOF.

Mr. Andrew Tan, Chief Executive, MPA said: "As a leading global hub port and international maritime center, Singapore is committed to setting the highest standards for the bunkering industry as well as provide a broad range of solutions to meet the energy needs of the global shipping industry.

"While the International Maritime Organization (IMO) remains in the driver’s seat to accelerate the overall effort to reduce shipping emissions at the international level, port authorities also have an important role to play at the national level. MPA will continue to engage our key stakeholders to collectively raise standards, which will enable us to stay relevant in the global bunkering industry."

In July, Lee Kwan-Sup, South Korea's Vice Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy said the country intends develop its coast as a LNG bunkering hub in the region.