MPA announces concessions for vessels using low-carbon fuels

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has announced concessions for ocean-going vessels using alternative fuels or technologies during port stays of up to four days.

PHOTO: Aerial view of Singapore container terminal. Getty Images

Under the Green Ship Programme (GSP), ocean-going vessels using zero-emission fuels or technologies for their primary propulsion, such as hydrogen, full electrification, or a hybrid of hydrogen fuel cells and electrification, will qualify for a full port dues concession for eligible calls.

Similarly, vessels using zero-carbon fuels, including ammonia (with pilot fuel capped at 25% and ammonia slip addressed), B100 biofuel, or green methanol, will also receive a full port dues concession.

Vessels using low-carbon fuels such as methanol, LNG (with methane slip addressed to maximum 1%), or biofuel blends ranging from B50 to B99 as their primary fuel will qualify for a 30% port dues concession. Those using LNG (without methane slip addressed) or biofuel blends from B24 to B49 as their primary fuel will qualify for a 20% concession.

LNG ship engines are classified with different methane slips, from 0.2% for diesel slow speed, to 1.7% for Otto slow speed and 3.1% for Otto medium speed engines, at least according to EU regulations.

For vessels entering Singapore, it will be class societies and engine makers that attest to the methane slip level of various engine types, but going by EU regulations to get an idea, Otto engines running on LNG would qualify for a 20% port fee reduction, while diesel engines would qualify for a 30% fee reduction.

The GSP applies exclusively to ocean-going vessels calling at the Port of Singapore. To qualify for the port dues concession, vessels must limit their port stay to four days or less, and the master or agent must declare the selected GSP – Green Port criteria for each port call. For vessels using low-emission fuels or technologies, the switch for their main and auxiliary engines must occur before entering Singapore Port Limits and be maintained throughout the port stay. Switching back is permitted only after exiting Singapore Port Limits.

By Tuhin Roy

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