DNV joins methanol bunkering working group
Singapore is the world’s largest bunkering hub (Source: DNV)
DNV has joined a working group under the auspices of the Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SCIC) to establish a Technical Reference for methanol bunkering in Singapore, the world’s largest bunkering location.
The SCIC, which has been appointed as the Standards Development Organisation by Enterprise Singapore, has established the ‘Working Group on Standard Development for Methanol Bunkering’ in consultation with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
A Technical Reference document will be drawn up based on the working group’s consultations. Participants will include government agencies, bunker suppliers, bunker vessel operators, engine manufacturers, testing and certification bodies, shipowners and operators, terminal operators, and classification societies, including DNV.
Issues to be considered in drafting the Technical Reference document will include custody transfer requirements, including quantity and quality, for the supply of methanol as a bunker fuel, and all aspects of the transfer of methanol bunker fuel from tanker to receiving vessels. Operational and safety requirements for methanol bunkering, as well as crew training and competency, will also be assessed.
DNV’s regional manager South East Asia, Pacific & India, Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, commented: “Initiatives like the Working Group … are essential as the energy transition accelerates, and the maritime industry moves towards a multi-fuel future. For methanol and other alternative fuels to continue to build traction within shipping, we need to build confidence and encourage a wider uptake.
“This can only be accomplished through standards that enhance safety while providing a comprehensive and practical framework for all stakeholders. At DNV we have been working with our customers for many years on alternative fuels to enhance the sustainability of their operations and are very proud to be included in the Standards Working Group,” she added.
DNV classes nearly three-quarters of the 25 methanol-powered ships in operation and was the first classification society to release a notation covering the use of low-flashpoint fuels.
