Asia/Pacific News
MPA, GoodFuels, and BHP Sign LOI for Biofuels Pilot Project
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) today announced that it has supported a move by BHP Billiton (BHP) and GoodFuels who have signed a signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to collaborate on a biofuels pilot project in Singapore, which is expected to be carried out early next year.
The announcement came alongside today's inaugural biofuel roundtable — a closed-door event organised by the three parties, bringing together shipowners to network, identify areas of collaboration, and discuss biofuels as a compliance method for tighter environmental regulations.
"We are pleased to facilitate discussions on the biofuels front along with our partners, BHP and GoodFuels," said Andrew Tan, CEO of MPA.
"The roundtable comes at an opportune time in light of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 0.5 percent global sulfur cap on marine fuels which will come into effect from 2020, as well as IMO's longer term plan to lower carbon emissions for shipping. MPA welcomes dialogues across stakeholders and will continue to work with relevant parties as we prepare the bunkering industry for the future."
The roundtable saw a number of topics discussed, including barriers to the use to biofuels, as well as ways such barriers could be addressed.
"In a world fighting to combat climate change, it is important that marine biofuels get in the 'evoked set' of options for shippers to choose from," said Abdes Karimi, Manager Ocean Freight Operations & Sustainability of BHP.
