Singapore Launches TR 56 Standard for LNG Bunkering

The first Singapore TR 56 for LNG bunkering has now been launched. Image: MPA

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) today launched the first Singapore Technical Reference (TR) 56 for liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering.

MPA launched the standard in cooperation with SPRING Singapore and the Standards Development Organisation at Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SDO@SCIC).

"This standard provides a safe, efficient, sustainable and transparent technical framework for conducting LNG bunkering operations in Singapore, thereby offering greater assurance to local and international LNG bunker buyers and suppliers," explained MPA.

The TR 56 will feature three parts, including requirements for custody transfer, procedures and safety distances, and competency requirements for personnel.

"Given the breadth and depth of TR 56’s coverage, I am confident that LNG bunkering in Singapore is taking off in the right direction," said Captain M Segar, MPA’s Assistant CEO for Operations.

"As the use of LNG as a vessel fuel has predominantly been for smaller vessels such as ferries, the standards will need to be fine-tuned and updated periodically to incorporate lessons learned over time, particularly in the re-fuelling of bigger sized vessels such as container ships."

In an effort to ensure bunkering personnel have the skills and knowledge required to perform their work effectively, MPA notes that it has worked in close collaboration with the Singapore Maritime Academy to roll out LNG bunkering courses in line with TR 56.

"While it may take time for LNG to take off as a marine fuel globally, we have taken steps to kick-start LNG bunkering in Singapore through our LNG Bunkering Pilot Programme, one of them being the development of TR 56," said Segar.

"The document will ensure Pavilion Gas and FueLNG, MPA’s two appointed LNG bunker supplier licensees, conduct LNG bunkering operations of high quality with regards to safety as well as quantity and quality assurance."

As Ship & Bunker reported last year, MPA awarded its first licences for LNG bunkering to Pavilion Gas, and a joint bid from Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M) and BG Group.

"Singapore does not take our position as a top bunkering hub for granted. We will continue to find ways to innovate, sharpen our competitive edge and provide a unique value preposition to our customers," concluded Segar Friday.