TFG and Consort Bunkers ink methanol tanker deal

The 6,500 dwt IMO type II tankers are being built by Merchants Jinling shipyard in Nanjing, China with delivery scheduled to begin in late 2024.

The new tankers will be fitted with mass flow meters, as required by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

“With the MPA set to introduce a methanol bunkering licensing framework in the near future, we are supporting TFG Marine’s goal to take a leading role in providing low-carbon fuels to international shipping companies in this global bunkering hub,” said S. K. Yeo, director and general manager of Consort Bunkers

The tankers will be capable of carrying TFG Marine’s current range of marine fuels, including HSFO, VLSFO, MGO and biofuels up to B100, as well as any grade of liquid methanol in the future.

This latest order builds on TFG Marine’s initial investment in low-carbon fuel bunkering infrastructure. In January 2024, the company struck a deal with Fratelli Cosulich Group for a methanol dual-fuel bunker barge to be delivered in late 2025 for use at the Port of Singapore.

“This agreement is part of TFG Marine’s ongoing efforts to renew our fleet with modern, mass flow meter-equipped bunker barges that are ready to carry the low-carbon fuels that will help shipping decarbonise,” explained TFG Marine’s global head of bunkering, Kenneth Dam.

“We see a multi-fuel future for our industry, with methanol, biofuels, ammonia and more all having a role to play alongside traditional marine fuels in meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.”