In a groundbreaking development for both the cruise and bunkering industries, TotalEnergies Marine Fuels has successfully completed Asia Pacific’s first LNG bunkering operation for a passenger cruise ship. This significant milestone took place at the Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC), where TotalEnergies delivered LNG to Silversea Cruises’ Silver Nova via the LNG bunker vessel Brassavola, owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and managed by V.Ships.
Advancing LNG as a Marine Fuel in the Cruise Sector
This operation marks a major step in the transition to LNG-powered vessels in the cruise sector. With the growing interest in dual-fuel LNG-powered ships, TotalEnergies has played a central role in reinforcing the maritime industry’s shift toward cleaner fuels. This successful bunkering operation further establishes Singapore as a key hub for LNG bunkering, not only for commercial vessels but now also for cruise ships.
Jacqueline Tan, CEO of SCC, emphasized the importance of this achievement, saying: “We are excited about this development, given the increasing number of LNG-powered vessels in the cruise industry. The collaboration with TotalEnergies has been essential in making this milestone a reality. We look forward to supporting more LNG-powered cruise ships in the future.”
Collaboration and Commitment to Sustainability
TotalEnergies has been a leader in providing alternative fuels for the global maritime industry, with LNG being a critical component in decarbonization efforts.
Louise Tricoire, Senior Vice President of Aviation and Marine Fuels at TotalEnergies, stated: “This first LNG bunkering for a cruise vessel in Asia Pacific underscores our collective commitment to low-emission solutions. It’s a significant step forward in accelerating the energy transition and supporting the industry’s sustainability goals.”
Mario Moretti, Managing Director of V.Ships Asia, added: “This first LNG bunkering operation for a cruise vessel in Asia is a testament to the professionalism and collaboration of all parties involved. It paves the way for more LNG-powered vessels to bunker in Singapore, helping to further the cruise sector’s sustainability efforts.”
Singapore’s Growing LNG Bunkering Infrastructure
Since 2016, Singapore has been providing LNG bunkering services to harborcraft and commercial vessels, and the recent expansion to the cruise sector at SCC’s HarbourFront Terminal is a testament to Singapore’s leadership in the LNG bunker market. The successful operation highlights the city-state’s ability to accommodate the needs of LNG-powered cruise vessels, making it a central hub for the region’s sustainable maritime future.
Chua Yeng Hian, Director of Marine Services at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), remarked: “This milestone operation reflects Singapore’s dedication to ensuring the safe and efficient expansion of LNG bunkering. We are proud to be at the forefront of the maritime industry’s transition to a multi-fuel future.”
LNG’s Vital Role in Shipping’s Decarbonization Journey
As the maritime industry moves towards decarbonization, LNG remains a key transition fuel. It offers significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, including a 20% decrease in CO2 emissions and up to 85% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx). LNG also virtually eliminates sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter emissions, offering cleaner operations, particularly in port areas.
TotalEnergies is continuing to invest in LNG bunkering infrastructure across strategic global ports and is also working on developing bio-methane and synthetic LNG, further advancing the decarbonization of the shipping industry.
The successful completion of Asia Pacific’s first LNG bunkering operation for a cruise vessel is a landmark achievement for Singapore and the broader maritime sector. With a growing interest in LNG-powered vessels, Singapore’s role in facilitating LNG bunkering for the cruise industry positions the city-state as a leading hub for sustainable maritime energy solutions.
About TotalEnergies Marine Fuels
With over three decades of market experience, TotalEnergies Marine Fuels is TotalEnergies’ dedicated business unit managing global bunkering activities. A long-term partner to the shipping industry, TotalEnergies Marine Fuels serves more than 200 customers across 130 ports in Europe, Asia Pacific, and Africa. Its headquarters are based in Singapore, with offices in Paris and Geneva.
To support its customers in transitioning to cleaner marine fuels, TotalEnergies Marine Fuels supplies marine LNG, bio-methane, and biofuels at strategic bunker hubs worldwide. The company is also actively involved in maritime coalitions and cross-industry R&D initiatives, contributing to the development of decarbonized future fuels for shipping.
Source TotalEnergies