V-Bunkers to commission electric-hybrid bunker tanker
V-Bunkers' first electric-hybrid bunker tanker, the Marine Charge
(Source: V-Bunkers)
Vitol’s Singaporean bunker company, V-Bunkers, is set to take delivery of the Marine Charge, the first of two electric-hybrid bunker tankers classed by Bureau Veritas (BV) that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) during port operations in Singapore.
The vessel, built by Zhejiang Shenzhou Sunshine Heavy Industry Co Ltd, will be joined by a second bunker tanker, Marine Dynamo, within the next few weeks. Both tankers have been built to a Singapore design and are the first hybrid vessels of this type so far.
With the classification society’s Electric-Hybrid notation, the tankers will have the latest energy storage systems (ESS) comprising lithium-ion batteries and automated power management systems. Likely GHG emission savings are estimated at 10%.
Other features of the vessels include auxiliary engines that run at optimal specific fuel oil consumption, and peak-shaving by the ESS during spells of low power consumption ready for periods of high power demand. The tankers are designed to use shore power when facilities become available.
Vice president South Asia and Pacific, BV Marine & Offshore, David Barrow, said “Bureau Veritas is committed to supporting the safe development and deployment of batteries within the maritime sector, and it is heartening to see the industry embrace sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. V-Bunkers' electric-hybrid bunker tankers are a positive step towards building a greener and more sustainable future for Singapore's port operations.ˮ
Mike Muller, head of Vitol Asia, commented: “We are delighted to be the first to bring ESS technology to the local bunker craft sector and thus contribute to the reduction of emissions in the port of Singapore, the world’s largest bunkering port. We shall continue to support Singapore’s aspirations, led by the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore, to be a leader in maritime decarbonisation. We consider deployment of these two electric-hybrid bunker tankers to be an important step forward in Singapore’s decarbonisation journey.ˮ
