PIL completes first SIMOPS LNG bunkering in Singapore

Pacific International Lines (PIL) has marked a significant milestone with its first simultaneous cargo and LNG bunkering operations (SIMOPS) in Singapore. The operation took place at PSA’s Brani Terminal with the 8,200 TEU LNG dual-fuel containership Kota Ocean.

Firstly, the SIMOPS allowed PIL to load cargo and bunker LNG at the same time. Bunkering 4,000 cubic metres of LNG alone would normally take around 15 hours, so the combined process brought notable efficiency gains.

Also, PIL credited its ship and shore teams for safely handling the LNG operations. The bunkering was carried out with LNG supplied by TotalEnergies. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and PSA Singapore facilitated the operation.

The company highlighted the environmental benefits of LNG as a marine fuel. Compared to conventional fuels, LNG can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 23 percent, reduce sulphur emissions by 99 percent, and lower nitrogen oxides by 85 percent. It also offers higher fuel efficiency for long-haul voyages.

Kota Ocean is PIL’s sixth alternative-fuel vessel. The company expects to take delivery of 12 more over the next three years. These ships will use LNG as a transition fuel, with the potential to switch to bio-methane and synthetic methane as these fuels become commercially available.

PIL says the achievement is an important step towards its target of net zero emissions by 2050 and reinforces Singapore’s position as a leading LNG bunkering hub in Asia.

The post PIL completes first SIMOPS LNG bunkering in Singapore appeared first on Container News.