Straits Bio-LNG Pte Ltd (Straits Bio-LNG), a leading privately owned supplier of bio-LNG, has officially joined the SEA-LNG coalition, marking a significant step in its commitment to the decarbonisation of the shipping sector. The company, headquartered in Singapore and led by CEO SK Tan, is responding to the growing demand for cleaner marine fuels, aligning with SEA-LNG’s vision of promoting LNG as a viable pathway for reducing carbon emissions in global shipping.
Growing Demand for LNG Bunkering
In recent years, LNG bunkering volumes have surged, particularly in major bunkering hubs like Singapore, driven by the increasing adoption of LNG-fuelled vessels. According to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), LNG bunkering volumes in the port have seen a dramatic four-fold increase in 2024, reaching nearly 340,000 tonnes. Recognising this trend, Straits Bio-LNG has pledged to contribute to the expanding market, announcing that it will supply 250,000 tonnes of bio-LNG annually, addressing the sector’s growing fuel requirements.
Commitment to Decarbonisation
Yiyong He, Director at Straits Bio-LNG, expressed the company’s confidence in LNG’s potential to decarbonise the shipping industry, stating, “We’re firmly convinced in the viability of the LNG pathway to decarbonise the shipping industry. With its very low carbon intensity and improving commerciality, liquified biomethane will be a critical piece of the puzzle for decarbonising the sector. By joining SEA-LNG, we’re proud to be part of a collection of first movers making real strides to make the LNG pathway a tangible reality today.”
Innovative Bio-LNG Production Methods
Straits Bio-LNG is pioneering the development of bio-LNG through innovative methods. The company is advancing its research and development efforts in Malaysia, focusing on the breakdown of Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) using a high-enzyme concentration biological process. Both Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) and EFB are sustainable biomass resources that meet the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED), ensuring the compliance of Straits Bio-LNG’s production with international sustainability standards.
Supporting the Growth of LNG as a Marine Fuel
Peter Keller, Chairman of SEA-LNG, highlighted the critical role that bio-LNG will play in decarbonising the maritime industry, stating, “The Port of Singapore is the largest global bunkering hub. As seen in our View from the Bridge report, 2024 saw record growth in LNG and liquified biomethane bunkering, but we need more fuel to meet upcoming demand. The use of liquefied biomethane as a marine fuel can reduce GHG emissions by up to 80% compared to marine diesel on a full well-to-wake basis. When produced from the anaerobic digestion of waste materials, such as manure, POME or EFB, methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere is captured, resulting in negative emissions of up to -190% compared with diesel.”
An independent study conducted by the Maritime Energy and Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore has reinforced the significant potential of bio-LNG, projecting that it could account for up to 13% of total shipping fuel demand by 2050. Moreover, with a 20% blending ratio, bio-LNG could cover as much as 63% of future maritime fuel needs.
Singapore’s Leadership in LNG Bunkering
Straits Bio-LNG’s contribution will support the Port of Singapore’s ongoing efforts to lead the way in LNG adoption. The MPA has recently launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) to explore scalable solutions for sea-based LNG reloading, which will complement the port’s existing LNG bunkering storage and jetty capacities. This initiative aims to further enhance the supply of e/bio-methane as a marine fuel in Singapore.
By joining SEA-LNG, Straits Bio-LNG strengthens its role as a key player in the expansion of liquefied biomethane at scale. The company is determined to meet the increasing demand for sustainable marine fuels, helping shipowners to decarbonise their operations with practical and commercially viable solutions.
With its significant supply commitments and innovative research initiatives, Straits Bio-LNG is poised to make a lasting impact on the global transition to low-carbon shipping, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in the maritime industry.
About Straits Bio-LNG Pte Ltd
Straits Bio-LNG Pte Ltd (Straits Bio-LNG) is a newly formed company consisting of industry veterans with extensive experience in shipping, offshore mooring, LNG storage & reloading, and terminal operations. The company is committed to decarbonising the LNG sector by leveraging bio-LNG, which is recognised as one of the best transition fuels. Bio-LNG is also seen as the most cost-competitive and abundantly available alternative fuel for the maritime industry.
With a clear mission to drive sustainable change, Straits aims to supply 250,000 tonnes of bio-LNG annually, meeting the growing demand for cleaner, more efficient marine fuels. The company is committed to advancing its bio-LNG offerings and looks forward to contributing to the global decarbonisation of shipping. Straits invites stakeholders to follow its progress as it embarks on this exciting journey, with a focus on innovation and integrity in the industry.
Fueling Clean Transportation with bio-LNG
About SEA-LNG
SEA-LNG is a coalition of key industry players committed to promoting LNG as a marine fuel to support the shipping industry’s decarbonisation efforts. The coalition works to demonstrate the commercial viability of LNG and liquefied biomethane as a sustainable alternative to conventional marine fuels. SEA-LNG’s mission is to facilitate the adoption of LNG as a pathway to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping sector.
Source SEA-LNG