Singapore’s First Biofuel-Ready Tugboat Achieves Bureau Veritas Certification
Following a retrofitting initiative, Marina Zanite, a 2012-built tugboat operated by Singapore’s towage services provider Marina Offshore, has become the first vessel of its type in the country to receive a biofuel-ready notation from French classification society Bureau Veritas (BV).
According to Bureau Veritas, the 30-meter-long and 9-meter-wide tug underwent a retrofitting procedure aimed at enabling more sustainable operations. This is part of Marina Offshore’s fleet decarbonization efforts.
In a social media post, BV revealed that the project involved tank modifications and crew training. This milestone is described as an important step in Singapore’s maritime decarbonization journey, demonstrating the efficiency of adapting existing fleets for biofuel operations and future-proofing them in line with tightening environmental regulations.
Brian Lim, Head of Marketing at Marina Offshore, commented:
“Meaningful collaborations such as this empower smaller operators like us to contribute towards MPA’s 2030 decarbonization targets while driving sustainable innovation in harbour towage operations.”
Singapore’s Push Towards Maritime Decarbonization
Singapore has been recognized as the world’s top maritime center for the past 12 years, according to data from the Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development (ISCD) Index. The nation has been actively exploring biofuels as a key pathway to achieving net zero emissions.
In 2024, Singapore’s biofuel bunker sales reached approximately 880,000 tonnes, up from 520,000 tonnes in 2023. Overall, alternative bunker fuels hit 1.34 million tonnes, doubling 2023 levels.
Since March 2025, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has allowed licensed conventional bunker tankers to carry and deliver marine biofuel blends up to B30 in the Port of Singapore without requiring separate approval.
For blends above B30 and up to B100 (or those not listed in the IBC Code), suppliers must obtain MPA approval before conducting pilots or deliveries.
First B100 Bunkering in the Region
Norden, a Danish maritime transport company, became the first to complete a B100 bunkering operation in the region. This followed the trial of a B24/VLSFO blend on the Panamax vessel Nord Taurus.
