Pearl Lavender Delivered: New Methanol-Capable Bunkering Vessel for Port of Singapore
Pearl Lavender, the latest addition to the IMO type II chemical bunkering vessel fleet, has been successfully delivered and is set to operate in the bustling Port of Singapore. This state-of-the-art ship, with a carrying capacity of 6,500 dwt, is a part of the methanol-ready bunker tanker series commissioned by Singaporean shipowner Consort Bunkers at the renowned China Merchants Jinling Shipyard.
Operated by Consort Bunkers on behalf of TFG Marine, a leading marine fuel joint venture formed by Trafigura, Frontline, and Golden Ocean, Pearl Lavender is one of four IMO type II chemical bunkering tanker newbuilds under a long-term charter agreement.
Equipped to transport methanol, biofuels up to B100, and conventional fuels, Pearl Lavender is scheduled to commence operations at the Port of Singapore in April 2025. The vessel, measuring 103.8 meters in length, will also feature Mass Flow Meters as mandated by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
“As the inaugural vessel in this series, this investment reflects our dedication to developing low-carbon fuel bunkering infrastructure and supporting a multi-fuel future. With methanol, biofuels, ammonia, and other alternative fuels gaining prominence alongside traditional marine fuels, we are committed to facilitating the industry’s transition towards cleaner energy solutions,” stated TFG Marine.
In addition to the collaboration with Consort Bunkers, TFG Marine has secured a fixed-rate time charter agreement with Italy’s Fratelli Cosulich Group for a methanol dual-fuel bunker barge slated for delivery in late 2025 and deployment at the Port of Singapore.
Keen on promoting methanol bunkering on a larger scale and reinforcing its position as a sustainable, multi-fuel bunkering hub, Singapore recently introduced a new standard for methanol bunkering. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) unveiled Technical Reference (TR) 129 on Methanol Bunkering, offering “a comprehensive framework for the safe and efficient utilization of methanol as an alternative fuel for bunkering operations.”