15.04.2024

The view of Kenneth Dam, about the readiness of bunkering infrastructure and supply chains to support the shipping industry’s transition to alternative fuels

“To be able to fully support the shipping industry’s transition to alternative fuels, there needs to be full commitment and collaboration from all participants along the supply chain, as well as supportive, long-term policy initiatives from governments. Only through a cooperative and unified approach, will we be able to accelerate this shift effectively.

However, the bunkering industry, which is right at the end of the supply chain, still requires substantial modernisation to seamlessly support this transition.

For example, many of the world’s ports are yet to align with the regulations and standards set by pioneering ports like Singapore and more recently the ports of Antwerp, Rotterdam and Sohar on the mandatory use of mass flow meters and the move towards digitalisation with the introduction of eBDNs. These are all key technologies that will be required to improve efficiencies, gather data on consumption and to cater for the fuels of the future.

There's also a pressing need for stricter international shipping standards to expedite the modernisation of the global bunker barge fleet. While TFG Marine is committed to leading by example through its investments, it's crucial for industry organisations including the IBIA to provide support and enforcement mechanisms to ensure widespread compliance and that rapid progress is made. This is what I believe all marine fuel customers want and need.”

That was the view of Kenneth Dam, our Global Head of Bunkering, when asked about the readiness of bunkering infrastructure and supply chains to support the shipping industry’s transition to alternative fuels at the Delphi Economic Forum that was held in Delphi, Greece last week.

Port of Rotterdam Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) Port of Antwerp-Bruges SOHAR Port and Freezone