The first LNG bunkering of a cruise ship in Asia was successfully completed at the Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) on Monday, February 24.
TotalEnergies Marine Fuels supplied LNG to Silversea’s Silver Nova using the bunker vessel the Brassavola, owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and managed by V.Ships.
The operation involved months of planning and coordination among multiple stakeholders to ensure compliance with industry safety standards while allowing passenger movements and ship operations to continue uninterrupted.
SCC CEO Jacqueline Tan said: “We are excited with this development given the growing number of dual-fuel LNG-powered vessels in the cruise industry. When we learnt of Silver Nova’s intention to bunker LNG, we took swift action to collaborate with TotalEnergies in bringing all parties together.
“As this is the first LNG bunkering for passenger cruise ships in Singapore, we needed to ensure that we were operationally ready for it. There were stringent protocols to be complied with by all stakeholders, guided by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). This successful operation will pave the way for other LNG-powered cruise vessels to bunker at our HarbourFront Terminal.”
Louise Tricoire, TotalEnergies senior vice president, aviation and marine fuels, added: “TotalEnergies Marine Fuels is proud to contribute to this industry collaboration and to mark a key milestone in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific with respected partners.
“This achievement underscores the maritime industry’s collective drive towards lower-emission solutions and the vital role of partnerships in accelerating the transition and aligns with Singapore’s vision for a decarbonized maritime sector.
“As TotalEnergies pushes ahead in our ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 together with society, this feat strengthens our commitment to developing alternative fuels and solutions to help global shipping reduce emissions.”
Mario Moretti, managing director of V.Ships Asia, commented: “Working closely with our partners at Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and TotalEnergies Marine Fuels, V.Ships provided the detailed planning over the past few months to enable Brassavola to successfully bunker LNG to Silver Nova.
“V.Ships’ wider experience in LNG bunkering is demonstrated by the professionalism of both our onboard team and the support network ashore. The achievement of this first LNG bunkering for a cruise vessel in Asia Pacific is a testament to the whole team coming together and V. looks forward to continuing this partnership as we help our customers on their sustainability journeys.”
LNG bunkering at SCC’s HarbourFront Terminal builds on Singapore’s existing LNG services for harbor craft and commercial vessels since 2016. It enables LNG fueling for cruise ships in the region and contributes to Singapore’s tourism sustainability goals.
Chua Yeng Hian, director of marine services, MPA, said: “The successful completion of the first simultaneous LNG bunkering operation for a cruise vessel in Singapore reflects our collective effort and commitment to uphold the highest standards of bunkering safety and efficiency. As the world’s leading bunkering hub, Singapore will continue to ensure safe and responsible bunkering operations while supporting the industry’s transition towards a multi-fuel future.”
