In a groundbreaking move for the maritime world, Singapore has become the epicenter of a green revolution in the cruise industry. The first-ever LNG bunkering operation for passenger cruise ships in the Asia Pacific region has been successfully completed, marking a pivotal moment in the journey toward decarbonizing global shipping.

A Historic Milestone for Cleaner Cruising

On February 24, 2025, TotalEnergies Marine Fuels, in collaboration with the Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC), achieved what many thought was still years away: the first LNG bunkering for a passenger cruise ship in the region. The operation took place at SCC’s HarbourFront Terminal, where the bunker vessel Brassavola delivered liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Silversea’s state-of-the-art cruise ship, Silver Nova.

This wasn’t just a routine refueling—it was the result of months of meticulous planning and coordination. Stakeholders worked tirelessly to ensure compliance with stringent safety protocols, allowing the ship’s operations and passenger activities to continue uninterrupted.

“This is a game-changer for the cruise industry,” said Jacqueline Tan, CEO of SCC. “With the rise of dual-fuel LNG-powered vessels, we knew we had to be ready. This successful operation sets the stage for more sustainable cruising in the region.”

Why LNG is the Future of Maritime Fuel

LNG is emerging as a key player in the global push for cleaner energy. As a transition fuel, it offers a practical solution for reducing emissions in the maritime sector, which is under increasing pressure to meet the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050.

Louise Tricoire, Senior Vice President of Aviation and Marine Fuels at TotalEnergies, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “This milestone highlights the maritime industry’s commitment to lower-emission solutions and the power of collaboration. It’s a step forward in our mission to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.”

Singapore, already a global leader in bunkering services, has been offering LNG fueling for harborcraft and commercial vessels since 2016. This latest development extends those services to passenger cruise ships, solidifying the city-state’s position as a hub for sustainable maritime operations.

What’s Next for Green Shipping?

The success of this operation is just the beginning. With the global fleet of LNG dual-fueled vessels growing rapidly, demand for LNG bunkering is expected to surge. In 2024 alone, LNG sales in Singapore skyrocketed from 0.11 million tonnes to 0.46 million tonnes, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down.

Chua Yeng Hian, Director of Marine Services at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), highlighted the importance of this achievement: “This operation reflects our commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainability. As the world’s leading bunkering hub, Singapore will continue to support the industry’s transition to a multi-fuel future.”

Looking ahead, the MPA has already opened a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for sea-based LNG reloading and the supply of e/bio-methane as marine fuel. These initiatives underscore Singapore’s ambition to remain at the forefront of maritime innovation and sustainability.