Vitol's Singaporean bunker operations company, V-Bunkers, has announced that it is taking delivery of its first electric-hybrid bunker tanker, Marine Charge.

• The supplier placed an order to build two of these cutting-edge vessels in 2021, with the second tanker, Marine Dynamo, scheduled for delivery in Q2 2023.

ESS: The bunker tankers, built by Zhejiang Shenzhou Sunshine Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. and classed by Bureau Veritas (BV) with the 'Electric-Hybrid' notation, feature energy storage system (ESS) technology comprising lithium-ion batteries and a highly automated power management system (PMS), to achieve an estimated 10% reduction in GHG emissions.

• The design configuration is set up to enable the auxiliary engines to operate at the most optimal specific fuel oil consumption (SFOC), while the ESS performs peak shaving during low power consumption periods for usage of stored energy during high consumption periods.
• The ESS has recharging capabilities, and while onshore power supply is currently unavailable, the bunker tankers are ready for when charging infrastructure and facilities become available in Singapore.

BV notation: BV's 'Electric-Hybrid' notation defines requirements for storage, power distribution, control, and instrumentation, as well as tests that must be carried out to validate power management and critical safety considerations, such as thermal runaway.

• The company says it is working towards the development of a standardised safety framework for onboard batteries.

What they said: 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 consider deployment of these two electric-hybrid bunker tankers to be an important step forward in Singapore’s decarbonisation journey," Muller added.
• David Barrow, Vice-President South Asia and Pacific, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, remarked: "V-Bunkers' electric-hybrid bunker tankers are a positive step towards building a greener and more sustainable future for Singapore's port operations."