Existing large harbour craft in Singapore are technically prepared to adopt B100 marine biofuel, provided that appropriate fuel-handling and storage practices are followed, according to a new study released this week.

The research, conducted by the Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD), assessed B100 viability through laboratory testing and sea trials involving a tugboat and a bunker tanker.

Sea Trial Results

Engines maintained stable performance throughout 200 hours of sea trials, with no significant power loss, unusual fuel consumption trends, or critical operational disruptions reported.

B100 achieved brake thermal efficiency comparable to that of conventional diesel. The biofuel also produced lower carbon monoxide and particulate matter emissions. However, a modest increase in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions was recorded during the trials — a factor that operators will need to monitor against MARPOL Annex VI NOx emission limits for marine diesel engines.

Storage Stability

The study found that antioxidant additives improved the oxidation stability of B100, helping reduce the risk of the fuel degrading during storage — a known challenge with high-concentration biofuels.

MESD described the findings as demonstrating the "qualified readiness" of Singapore's existing large harbour craft fleet for B100 adoption, contingent on the use of appropriate fuel-handling, storage, and additive practices.

Project Partners and Regulator Involvement

The study was carried out in collaboration with KST Maritime, V-Bunkers Tankers, Alpha Biofuels, Aderco, Maritec Naias, and IHI Power Systems. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore Maritime Institute provided support and input.

Regulatory Context

The MPA requires all new harbour craft operating in Singapore's port waters from 2030 onward to be either fully electric, capable of running on B100, or compatible with net-zero marine fuels. As the world's largest bunkering port by fuel volume sold, Singapore's harbour craft decarbonisation requirements are closely watched across the maritime sector for signals on how port-level clean fuel mandates may shape fleet renewal decisions. The findings could provide technical assurance to vessel operators preparing for the upcoming regulatory requirements, and the study's multi-partner design — spanning fuel suppliers, additive manufacturers, engine makers, and vessel operators — reflects the supply-chain coordination that B100 adoption at scale would require.

Source: Ship & Bunker