Consort Bunkers, ClassNK, Yanmar Asia (Singapore) Corporation and Taiko Asia Pacific have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Singapore to accelerate the introduction of more bunkering ships capable of handling alternative fuels.
Singapore-based Consort Bunkers has placed an order with Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry (Guandong) to construct four 7,999 dwt IMO Type 2 tankers, ready for biofuel and methanol bunkering. Incorporating their previous orders, a total of 13 biofuel/methanol bunkering tankers totalling over 90,000 dwt will join Consort’s fleet. ClassNK has been providing surveys and audits, Yanmar Asia has been providing main engines and generator engines, and Taiko Asia has been supplying cargo pumps and packages of various other pumps for the engine rooms and pump rooms of the majority of Consort Bunkers’ fleet for more than a decade. Consort Bunkers has appointed Taiko to take on the same role for this upcoming multi-fuel bunkering ships project.
The MoU relates to cooperation and partnership regarding this upcoming project and also for future projects including alternative fuels bunkering vessels. Under the MoU, all parties agreed to leverage their good relationship and respective expertise to complete Consort’s fleet renewal and expansion project, including new fuel bunkering vessels, and to contribute to regional and global implementation of alternative fuel use.
S K Yeo, Director/General Manager, Consort Bunkers said: “Establishing infrastructure capable of refuelling alternative fuels is essential for realising decarbonisation of ships. Our biofuel and methanol bunkering tankers reflect our commitment to respond to growing needs in this field quickly and sufficiently. Under the trusted partner ClassNK, Yanmar Asia, and Taiko Asia, we will continue increasing our engagement to offer any necessary bunkering options for the industry.”
Yasushi Seto, ClassNK Regional Manager of Southeast Asia and Oceania said: “We are honoured to strengthen the good and long relationship among the parties, and we are excited to have the opportunity to be involved in the supply chain for advancing the decarbonisation of maritime transportation.”
