Key Projects

MESD has initiated the alternative energy programme for the maritime industry, including energy study for international shipping, Singapore harbour craft, multi-purpose and container ports. This comprehensive programme looks into the different aspects - technology, process and infrastructure covering the significant elements in the supply chain from generation and transportation to application.

The adoption of technical and operational (T&O) measures is likely to be the major approach facilitating the shipping industry to improve ships’ energy efficiency to meet IMO’s GHG reduction target in 2030. In contrast, it is most likely that the radical reduction in CO2 emissions to meet IMO’s target in 2050 cannot be achieved without the adoption of alternative fuels. To date, worldwide research and development have been focusing on the technology for the alternative fuel applications onboard ships. Towards sustainable operations, it is necessary to understand not only the application of alternative fuels onboard ships but also the status of their existing usage and supply chain in well-established sectors, as well as to understand the state of the art of alternative fuels’ technologies throughout their value chain for the shipping sector.
future fuel projection for international shipping
While the energy transition is beginning in other sectors, the port operation is now encountering new challenges and opportunities. Against the progressive transformation of other industries, it is necessary for port operators to explore the application of sustainable energy sources instead of heavy reliance on the current practice of using fossil fuels. Towards sustainability, options include considering the adoption of lower-carbon energy sources and zero-carbon energy sources. Different types of alternative fuels may have different technical, environmental, economic and social performances. One alternative energy source may perform better than another energy source in one aspect but may perform worse in another. The study aims to provide the assessment to derive potential candidates of alternative energy sources for port operation with their performances in different aspects and ultimately their practicalities as energy sources toward decarbonisation of the industry.
Jurong point
Harbour craft
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from domestic maritime transportation are expected to increase with the growth in international trade and future expansion of port activities. The study aims to understand the current fleet's profile, energy demand, and emission performance. The outcomes from this study provide the baseline for the assessment of alternative, low-carbon energy solutions in the short, mid, to long-term scenarios applicable to the fleet. This assessment has enabled policymakers, shipowners and technology providers to use the insights and ranking results to navigate the pathways to reduce GHG emissions. MESD continues to engage the stakeholders to demonstrate the feasibility of these potential alternative fuel and energy options (biofuels, methanol, ammonia, full-electric and hydrogen).
prime mover
This project with PSA aims to investigate the baseline energy and emission performance of the current prime mover’s fleet, coupling that with the myriad alternative energy sources to reduce GHG emissions over time. The outcome will serve as a roadmap to assist the container port operator to evolve sustainability.
EEPM Project Photo
The project has developed a method and system of data measurement using portable and non-intrusive instruments for engine and emissions performances. The development of EEPM has assisted shipowners of harbour craft in establishing the baseline of energy and emissions performance during business-as-usual operation without the need to invest in instruments and data analysis capabilities. The team has successfully conducted measurements on a tug, bunker tanker, pilot and cargo launches. The data and insights obtained from EEPM may be used to plan for alternative fuel or energy options and benchmark against the GHG emissions reduction target.

Biofuels illustrate potential as a drop-in fuel using existing shipboard technologies and bunkering infrastructure as well as a new fuel replacing conventional fossil-based fuels. The transition to low carbon maritime transport requires meticulous evaluation of all facets of sustainability, ranging from technological, economic and environmental sustainability. Different biofuels derived from different feedstock and production routes will have different technical, economic and environmental performances. The study aims to conduct a techno-economic assessment of biofuels as an energy source alternative to conventional fossil-based fuels for sustainable shipping and to provide a “New sustainable energy landscape for biofuels to support shipping industry moving forward low-carbon maritime transport sector within next 30 years”. The findings from the assessment will aim to provide clearer views and clarify questionable issues involving biofuels as future energy sources for the maritime industry.

Bioenergy project photo
Biofuel project photo
Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME, aka biodiesel) and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) were projected as short-term alternative fuels for Singapore harbour craft to reduce GHG emissions in a previous MESD study on the potential future energy options for this industry. Biodiesel may be blended with marine distillate to varying blend ratios compatible with existing ships and bunkering infrastructure with necessary modifications. This study involves the policymakers, biofuel suppliers, fuel test labs, harbour craft owners and marine engine manufacturers to demonstrate the technical, operational and economic viability of using sustainable biofuels. The research team has conducted a comprehensive sea trial to measure and investigate the performance of biofuels in a high-speed marine engine. The outcome of the study is expected to provide the confidence for shipowners to use biofuels to reduce the carbon footprint of the domestic maritime industry.
Ammonia Project showcase
Ammonia has been identified as a promising alternative fuel to decarbonise the maritime industry. However, the bunkering operation of ammonia and the needed infrastructure is not established. This area deserves a timely study to prepare the sector for the future adoption of ammonia as a fuel. MESD, together with research partner ASTI (Ammonia Safety & Training Institute) and ABS (American Bureau of Shipping), has conducted an ammonia bunkering study from September 2020. The study aims to provide a timely understanding to the marine community that includes ammonia production and supply, bunkering process, and consequence analysis of its release from various scenarios within the Singapore context. The study will proceed with more insights and solutions to strengthen Singapore as a leading bunkering hub of emerging fuels.