Singapore's maritime sector achieves a milestone with the world's largest ethanol supply of 5,000 tons to the Maersk Halifax container ship.
An important operation has been carried out in Singapore regarding the maritime sector's transition to alternative fuels. Approximately 5,000 metric tons of certified bioethanol were supplied to the Maersk Halifax container ship, owned by Maersk. This operation has been recorded as the largest single ethanol fuel supply in the world.
The operation, conducted on October 17 at PSA Singapore's Pasir Panjang Terminal, is also notable for being Singapore's first ethanol fuel supply. One of the remarkable aspects of the operation was the uninterrupted continuation of container loading and unloading activities during the fuel transfer.
5,000 tons of bioethanol were transferred to the Maersk Halifax.
The fuel supply to the Singapore-flagged, dual-fuel Maersk Halifax container ship was carried out by the chemical tanker Golden Centaurus, owned by Golden Island.
The Maersk Halifax, built in 2017, has a capacity of 15,690 TEU and has been converted for alternative fuel use. The Golden Centaurus, which conducted the fuel supply, is a chemical tanker built in 2026 with a capacity of approximately 8,000 DWT.
Approximately 5,000 metric tons of ISCC-certified bioethanol were used in the operation. The amount of fuel transferred has been declared as the highest ethanol supply conducted in a single operation worldwide.
Container operations were not halted during the fuel transfer.
The fuel transfer was carried out while container loading and unloading activities continued on the ship.
Thanks to the simultaneous operations method known as SIMOPS in maritime operations, both cargo handling and fuel supply activities were conducted during the ship's stay in the port.
A mass flow meter system (Mass Flow Meter, MFM) was used to measure the amount of fuel.
This application is significant in assessing the feasibility of conducting alternative fuel supplies alongside commercial operations at busy container terminals.
Methanol infrastructure is being tested for ethanol.
One of the key objectives of the operation was to evaluate the applicability of the technical infrastructure used for methanol fuel supply in Singapore for ethanol as well.
Ethanol shares similarities with methanol in terms of handling characteristics. Ethanol can be used in engines suitable for methanol use, provided that the necessary technical modifications are made.
The adaptability of the TR 129 technical standard, which regulates methanol fuel supply in Singapore, for ethanol operations will be assessed based on the data obtained from this application.
Additionally, the performance of existing mass flow meter systems in ethanol transfer will be examined.
Safety analyses were conducted prior to the fuel supply.
Before the operation, participating organizations carried out hazard identification (HAZID) and hazard and operability (HAZOP) studies.
Procedures related to the storage, transfer, and onboard acceptance of the fuel, as well as emergency response interventions, were evaluated.
Training was provided to the ship's personnel on the safe handling of ethanol and responding to potential emergencies.
Stolthaven Singapore's infrastructure was also utilized in the fuel storage and transfer chain.
Maersk is expanding alternative fuel trials.
Maersk is exploring the use of different fuel types to reduce carbon emissions in maritime transportation.
The company had previously conducted ethanol trials on the Laura Maersk, Antonia Maersk, and Tangier Maersk vessels.
The recent operation in Singapore is also the first instance of ethanol supply to a converted ship in the Maersk fleet for alternative fuel use.
The company states that ethanol is one of the fuel options that can be evaluated for maritime use due to its existing production and distribution infrastructure.
However, the potential of ethanol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions varies depending on the production method and the carbon intensity of the supply chain.
Singapore aims to be a multi-fuel supply hub.
Singapore, one of the leading ship fuel supply centers in the world, continues to develop its infrastructure for the use of methanol, ethanol, and other alternative fuels alongside traditional marine fuels.
The technical data obtained from the Maersk Halifax operation is planned to be used in the development of standards and safety procedures for ethanol supply.
The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority has stated that the operation will provide important information regarding the adaptation of the existing methanol infrastructure to different fuel types.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
