Greece-based probunkers has applied to become a licensed LNG bunkering supplier in the Port of Singapore.
The move follows a request for proposals launched by Singapore’s MPA to issue up to two new bunkering licences to support growing demand for LNG as fuel in the country.
Probunkers, which aims to operate a fleet of LNG bunkering vessels, says the submission is aligned with its business plan.
“Our submission request for an LNG bunkering license for the Port of Singapore supports our quest to become the first independent global LNG bunker supplier,” probunkers’ CEO, Alexander Prokopakis said.
He adds the LNG-fueled fleet is growing and the firm sees increasing interest from charterers and shipowners for the fuel.
“It is widely acceptable that in order to see significant development in LNG as a marine fuel changes need to be made. It is time for more commercial and transparent practices along the lines of traditional oil bunkering,” Propakis said.
“Long term contracts and commitments is the way of doing business in the past, the industry needs to move forward. This is the value proposition of probunkers,” he said.
The MPA launched the request on October 28 and the deadline for submission by interested parties was December 15.
Singapore has currently two licensed LNG bunkering suppliers. The first is FueLNG, a venture between Keppel O&M and Shell, and the second is Pavilion.
MPA plans to announce the award of new LNG bunker supplier licence(s), if any, by February 2021.