Taking reference from documents by organisations such as the International Association of Ports and Harbours ("IAPH"), the International Organisation for Standardisation ("ISO") and the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel ("SGMF"), this set of harmonised standards[1] will ensure that key areas of the LNG bunkering process are aligned across ports carrying out LNG bunkering operations. The standards can also provide a guide to ports seeking to be LNG bunker-ready.
Moving ahead, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has driven the expansion of the representation in the network to include the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan and the Ulsan Port Authority. The expansion of the network was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the opening ceremony of the 19th Singapore's International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition yesterday. This MoU will further deepen cooperation and information sharing in relation to LNG bunkering with the intention of developing a network of LNG bunker-ready ports across the East and West and Trans-pacific trade.
Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive of Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said, "As the world's largest bunkering hub, MPA is pleased to co-operate and work with ports in Europe and the USA, and moving ahead, Asian ports, to encourage the use of cleaner marine fuels such as LNG. This development of harmonised bunkering standards is one of the key components in enabling LNG bunkering operations to be conducted safely. We will continue to work with and through this focus group to facilitate LNG as an alternative marine fuel for the future."
Mr Olav Akselsen, Director General of Shipping and Navigation of the Norwegian Maritime Authority said, "The Norwegian Maritime Authority strongly supports the initiative to harmonise the standards for LNG bunkering and is behind the fact that MPA encourages the use of LNG as an alternative fuel. The standards will be beneficial for LNG powered ships and of great importance for the safety of bunkering of liquefied cryogenic gas - for crew, facilities and the receiving ships. They are essential and educative for a sustainable LNG fuel safety culture. For ships, there is an international LNG safety code in place, but for shore-side, the safety standards depend solely on mutual agreements and cooperation between major players."