Latest news with #MARPOL
CairoScene
3 days ago
- Business
- CairoScene
Saudi Red Sea Authority Introduces New Rules for Safer Cruise Trips
The new framework outlines clear roles for cruise operators, ports, and shipping agents, streamlines licensing, and mandates international safety and environmental standards. The Saudi Red Sea Authority announced the launch of the Kingdom's first national framework for cruise ship operations, aiming to strengthen Red Sea tourism while prioritising environmental protection and marine sustainability. The new framework outlines clear roles for cruise operators, ports, and shipping agents, streamlines licensing, and mandates international safety and environmental standards. The guidelines also set service quality benchmarks for the full tourist journey, both onshore and onboard. Cruise ships will be required to implement strict waste management protocols and maintain zero sea-discharge policies, in line with agreements such as the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
Leaders
5 days ago
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Red Sea Authority Announces First-ever Cruise Ship Regulations
The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has announced the Kingdom's first-ever framework for cruise-ship operations, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The framework serves as the operational and procedural regulator for Saudi Arabia's growing cruise tourism sector. Comprehensive Guidelines This comprehensive set of guidelines seeks to ensure safety and security of tourists and provide them with unparalleled experiences and top-notch services. The regulations meticulously define the responsibilities and precisely determine the roles of ship operators, shipping agents, and ports. They also created a unified path for obtaining the necessary licenses and permits to operate cruises including all technical and operational requirements. Thus, it further strengthens confidence among investors and consumers alike. Safety Crucially, SRSA made safety a cornerstone of all its provisions and procedures. It requires cruise ships to develop emergency plans and regular crew training aligned with international standards, while ensuring that safety and first aid equipment as well as qualified medical personnel are on board. Environmental Protection As for the environmental aspects, the new framework features strict environmental protection provisions designed to mitigate marine pollution. Consequently, cruise ships must adopt integrated waste management plans, undertake wastewater treatment, and adhere to a zero-discharge policy for waste into the sea. In order to preserve the Red Sea's marine environment, ships should abide by leading international agreements like MARPOL and SOLAS. Tourist Experience To provide tourists with seamless experiences, the regulations require service providers at ports and on ships to offer high-quality transportation, reception, information, entertainment, and catering. By setting this framework, the Saudi Red Sea Authority is building a new era of coastal tourism regulation, combining both professionalism and discipline. At the same time, the regulations take into consideration security, safety, environmental, and quality of life requirements. Overall, this move further solidifies the Kingdom's position as one of the world's most promising cruise destinations. Related Topics: AROYA Cruises Embarks on Mediterranean Voyages Saba Beach: Cruise Saudi Launches Exclusive Destination on Jabal AlSabaya AROYA Cruises Launches New Promising Mediterranean Season Short link : Post Views: 15
Gulf Insider
5 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Launches First National Cruise Ship Framework To Boost Red Sea Tourism And Marine Sustainability
The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) unveiled Saudi Arabia's first-ever framework for cruise-ship operations. The comprehensive set of guidelines aims to guarantee the safety, security, and quality of the tourist experience from embarkation to return. The strategic move actively supports Saudi Arabia's rapid tourism transformation and its ambition to become a leading global maritime destination. The new guidelines meticulously define the responsibilities and roles of ship operators, shipping agents, and ports. They streamline the process for obtaining necessary licences and permits, integrating technical and operational requirements to foster confidence among both investors and consumers. Safety remains a core priority, with requirements for emergency plans, regular crew training aligned with international standards, and guaranteed availability of safety equipment, first aid, and qualified medical staff on board. The new framework includes strict environmental protection provisions designed to mitigate marine pollution. Cruise ships must implement integrated waste management plans, undertake wastewater treatment, and adhere to a zero-discharge policy for waste into the sea. Compliance with leading international agreements like MARPOL and SOLAS is mandatory, ensuring the preservation of the Red Sea's marine environment as a valuable national heritage. Furthermore, the provisions heavily emphasize the tourist experience, requiring service providers at ports and on ships to offer high-quality transportation, reception, information, entertainment, and catering. They establish clear standards for tourist comfort and rights, including robust complaint handling procedures and effective management of itinerary changes, ensuring reliability and attentiveness throughout the journey. The strategic shift solidifies Saudi Arabia's position as a premier global cruise destination, where effective oversight, a clear vision, and sustainability seamlessly align.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Asia-Pacific Container Fleet LNG Bunkering Market Forecast Report 2025-2030 Featuring Analysis of Cheniere Energy, Shell, TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, Cameron LNG and Other Major Players
The Asia-Pacific container fleet LNG bunkering market presents opportunities in the green maritime sector by capitalizing on expanding LNG bunkering infrastructure in major ports like Singapore, Shanghai, and Tokyo. Key drivers include regulatory compliance and sustainability goals, despite high initial investment and infrastructure challenges. Dublin, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Asia-Pacific Container Fleet LNG Bunkering Market, By Country, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F" has been added to offering. The Asia-Pacific Container Fleet LNG Bunkering Market was valued at USD 415 Million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 544 Million by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 4.47%. Container Fleet LNG Bunkering refers to the process of refueling liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered container ships using specialized infrastructure and vessels. LNG bunkering is an essential aspect of sustainable maritime transportation, providing a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels such as heavy fuel oil and diesel. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions, sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, aligning with international environmental regulations like the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) MARPOL. The container fleet LNG bunkering process involves different methods, including truck-to-ship, ship-to-ship, and terminal-based bunkering. Ship-to-ship bunkering is the most common method for large container vessels, ensuring efficiency and minimal downtime. Ports worldwide are expanding LNG bunkering facilities to accommodate the growing demand for greener shipping solutions. With the increasing adoption of LNG-powered container ships, LNG bunkering infrastructure is rapidly evolving to support global trade while minimizing environmental impact. This shift is driven by regulatory compliance, fuel cost considerations, and long-term sustainability goals. As the maritime industry continues its transition toward decarbonization, LNG bunkering for container fleets plays a critical role in shaping the future of eco-friendly shipping and global logistics. Key Market Drivers Expanding LNG Infrastructure and Bunkering Facilities The rapid expansion of LNG bunkering infrastructure across Asia-Pacific is a key driver of market growth. Governments and port authorities are investing in LNG supply chains, storage terminals, and bunkering facilities to support the transition to cleaner marine fuels. Major port hubs such as Singapore, Shanghai, Busan, and Tokyo are strengthening their LNG bunkering capabilities to cater to the increasing number of LNG-fueled container vessels. Singapore, the world's largest bunkering hub, has been at the forefront of LNG bunkering development. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has launched initiatives to enhance LNG infrastructure, including the deployment of LNG bunkering vessels and the establishment of LNG supply chains. Similarly, China is aggressively expanding its LNG bunkering capacity with projects in major ports like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. South Korea and Japan are also ramping up investments in LNG refueling infrastructure. South Korea's Green Ship Initiative and Japan's roadmap for LNG bunkering highlight their commitment to alternative fuels. These developments are critical in ensuring a reliable LNG supply for container fleets, further encouraging ship operators to adopt LNG as their primary fuel. The growing network of LNG terminals and bunkering vessels ensures seamless refueling operations, reducing downtime for container fleets and increasing LNG adoption in the maritime sector. As infrastructure continues to expand, the Asia-Pacific LNG bunkering market is set to witness substantial growth. In 2023, China's LNG imports reached 71.32 million tons, marking a 12.6% increase from the previous year. The Guangdong Energy Group's new LNG receiving terminal in Huizhou, Guangdong province, commenced operations in September 2024. This USD 1 billion facility has an annual processing capacity of 4 million metric tons. Key Market Challenges High Initial Investment and Infrastructure Development Costs One of the major challenges facing the Asia-Pacific container fleet LNG bunkering market is the high cost associated with infrastructure development and vessel conversion. Unlike conventional marine fuels such as heavy fuel oil (HFO) and marine gas oil (MGO), LNG requires specialized storage, transportation, and refueling infrastructure. The development of LNG bunkering facilities, including liquefaction plants, storage terminals, and bunkering vessels, involves substantial capital investment. Port authorities and private stakeholders must invest in dedicated LNG infrastructure to ensure a reliable supply chain. However, not all ports in the Asia-Pacific region are equipped with LNG bunkering facilities, leading to uneven availability across trade routes. While major hubs like Singapore, Shanghai, and Busan are expanding their LNG infrastructure, many smaller ports lack the necessary investment to support LNG bunkering operations. This creates logistical challenges for shipping companies operating LNG-powered container fleets, as they must carefully plan refueling stops based on available LNG supply points. The cost of building LNG-fueled container ships is significantly higher than traditional vessels. Shipowners must invest in specialized LNG storage tanks, fuel supply systems, and dual-fuel engines, which increase the upfront cost of fleet expansion. Although LNG provides long-term operational savings and regulatory compliance benefits, the initial financial burden deters some shipping companies from making the transition. Government incentives and financial support play a crucial role in overcoming this challenge. Some Asia-Pacific countries, including China, South Korea, and Japan, have introduced subsidies, tax benefits, and investment programs to encourage LNG adoption. However, the slow return on investment remains a concern for private investors, limiting the speed of infrastructure expansion. Without widespread LNG bunkering infrastructure, the industry faces a bottleneck that could hinder the large-scale adoption of LNG-powered container ships. To address this challenge, coordinated efforts between governments, port authorities, and private stakeholders are essential to accelerate LNG infrastructure development and make LNG bunkering more accessible across the Asia-Pacific region. Key Market Trends Expansion of LNG Bunkering Infrastructure and Port Facilities One of the most prominent trends in the Asia-Pacific container fleet LNG bunkering market is the rapid expansion of LNG refueling infrastructure. As demand for LNG-powered container ships grows, ports across the region are investing in LNG storage, transportation, and bunkering facilities to support the transition to cleaner fuels. Leading maritime hubs such as Singapore, Shanghai, Busan, and Tokyo are actively developing LNG bunkering capabilities. Singapore, a global leader in marine fuel supply, has implemented an extensive LNG bunkering program, including LNG bunker vessels, storage terminals, and partnerships with major shipping companies. Similarly, China is expanding LNG bunkering operations in key ports like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen to meet its growing fleet of LNG-powered vessels. South Korea and Japan are also investing in LNG bunkering networks to strengthen their positions as regional refueling hubs. Governments and port authorities are playing a crucial role in accelerating LNG infrastructure development. Regulatory incentives, public-private partnerships, and financial support programs are helping to establish a reliable LNG supply chain across the Asia-Pacific region. The increasing number of LNG bunkering locations is enhancing the accessibility of LNG fuel for container fleets, reducing operational constraints, and encouraging more shipping companies to adopt LNG-powered vessels. As infrastructure expands, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to become a major LNG bunkering hub, facilitating the growth of sustainable maritime transport. Key Players Profiled in the Asia-Pacific Container Fleet LNG Bunkering Market Cheniere Energy, Inc. Shell plc TotalEnergies SE ExxonMobil Corporation Cameron LNG, LLC Chevron Corporation PetroChina Company Limited Sempra Energy Woodside Energy Group Limited Eni S.p.A. Report Scope In this report, the Asia-Pacific Container Fleet LNG Bunkering Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends, which have also been detailed below: Asia-Pacific Container Fleet LNG Bunkering Market, By End User: Ferries Cruise-Ships Bulk & General Cargo Fleet Offshore Support Vessels Asia-Pacific Container Fleet LNG Bunkering Market, By Distribution Channel: Direct Sales Bunkering Stations Asia-Pacific Container Fleet LNG Bunkering Market, By Country: China India Japan Australia South Korea Indonesia Vietnam Singapore Rest of Asia-Pacific Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 121 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $415 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $544 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.4% Regions Covered Asia-Pacific For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Sign in to access your portfolio
Mint
31-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
India to notify new rules to meet IMO's zero emission regulations; to get ports and shipping green compliant
The Union government is planning new rules for ships and ports to meet the forthcoming International Maritime Organisation (IMO) emission regulations, according to two persons aware of the matter. This move will have a significant bearing on the country's ambitious maritime development agenda. The new regulations will have an impact on design, construction and operation costs of ships; along with structural design of existing and new mega ports and shipyards. It will also include new fuel standards for ships and a global pricing mechanism for emissions. The rules will specify norms for putting up green fuel filling stations at ports including programmes for training of manpower in related activities, the two persons in the know said. The rules will also suggest design parameters for new ships being built at Indian shipyards so that they have dual fuel options for ships or design ships that are completely built to use green fuel such as compressed natural gas/liquefied natural gas, methanol, ammonia, green hydrogen and even electricity. Currently, diesel is the primary fuel for vessels, ferries and tugboats plying on inland waterways, certain coastal routes and on international routes. The rules will also have provisions for phased reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, and a time-bound plan for green upgrade of ports; with mandatory engagement of classification societies for earlier compliance assessment. 'The directorate general of shipping (DGS) under ministry of ports, shipping and waterways has already issued guidance note on IMO's Net Zero Framework and Greenhouse Gas Fuel Intensity (GFI)-based compliance measures to enable stakeholders across across the Indian maritime ecosystem to understand, prepare for, and comply with the forthcoming regulatory requirements under the IMO's Revised GHG Strategy 2023,' said the first person quoted above. 'The Guidance Note shall serve as an initial orientation document until formal rules and national-level implementation guidance including operational guidelines, compliance templates, and capacity-building frameworks are notified by the directorate in line with forthcoming IMO decisions,' he added. The new IMO regulations for the shipping industry aims to achieve net-zero emissions from international shipping by or around 2050, subject to national circumstances through mid-term measures comprising a technical Global Fuel Standard (GFS) and a market-based GHG (green house gas) pricing mechanism. The GFI-based mechanism, expected to formally come into force in March 2027 and effectively from 2028, mandates aprogressive reduction in the lifecycle carbon intensity of fuels used by ships above 5,000 GT engaged in international voyages. The mechanism is applicable to all ships flying the flag of a party to MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships). MARPOL is the primary international convention, developed by the IMO, aimed at preventing marine pollution from ships. 'The IMO regulations will have significant operational, economic, and strategic implications for shipowners, ports, training institutes, classification societies, and fuel suppliers. The new regulations will prepare the industry to comply with International obligations while also establishing national-level policies on green shipping,' said the second person quoted above. According to the Directorate General of Shipping, the total compliance cost for India is projected at $87-100 million annually by 2030, assuming partial reliance on remedial units. This is equivalent to a 14% increase in fuel cost and 5% increase in freight rates—well within industry operating margins. But, India may also benefit from IMO regulations, given its target of producing 5 million tonnes (MT) of green hydrogen by 2030. This enables production of 28 MT of ammonia and 26.3 MT of methanol, which qualify under the IMO's GFI reward system. Green fuels with lower lifecycle emissions earn compliance credits and shipping rewards, boosting India's export potential and investment in clean bunkering infrastructure. Query mailed to the ministry of ports , shipping and waterways (MoPSW) remained unanswered till press time. The country is already taking big strides towards greening its maritime structure, which includes the development of green hydrogen hubs and the initiation of alternate fuel programmes at ports. 'Kandla and Tuticorin ports are set to become the country's first green hydrogen and green ammonia refuelling hubs for green shipping,' said Rajiv Jalota, former chairperson of Mumbai Port Authority and advisor at Indian Ports Authority. The government has also initiated a green tug programme under which harbour tugs powered by cleaner and more sustainable fuels would be used at all major ports. 'Moreover, Harit Sagar, green port guidelines have been issued by the shipping ministry that targets reduction of carbon emissions at major ports through focused implementation and close monitoring of green initiatives. Ports are being encouraged to plan infrastructure for green bunkering and digital inspection protocols to streamline compliance verification. These should allow India to comply with any global regulations without having any adverse impact on the industry,' he added. The main issue with the proposed IMO regulation on net zero emissions is the distribution of money collected by the organisation by levying penalties on ships that are non-compliant with emission standards, he said. 'While discussions are still on how to distribute funds accumulated by IMO to countries such as India to help its industry get technology and fuel required to reduce emissions by the industry,' Jalota said. To facilitate the Indian shipping sector in smoothly embracing the 2027 IMO regulations, there is a need for a concerted, multi-stakeholder approach, said Pushpank Kaushik, CEO & head of Business Development at Jassper Shipping, a Hyderabad-based global shipping and logistics firm. The government needs to offer transparent regulatory road maps complemented by green finance interventions, tax breaks, and retrofitting incentives. 'Refurbishment of domestic shipyards is vital, and their inclusion in the Harmonized Master List of Infrastructure Sub-sectors is a welcome and opportune step,' Kaushik added. As significant is building capacity, Indian seafarers and technical staff need to be equipped to deal with new propulsion technologies and alternative fuels. Use of digital fleet management systems to track emissions and optimize operational efficiency will also be critical. 'India will also have to partner with global maritime organizations and utilize tools such as the IMO Net-Zero Fund to fund green infrastructure and training of the workforce,' he added. With sound policies, collaborations, and investments, regulatory compliance can be a dynamic driver of maritime innovation and world leadership, he said. According to the DGS, all stakeholders—including Indian shipowners, managers, port authorities, fuel suppliers, classification societies, and training institutions have been advised to review the Guidance Note issued by it in detail and initiate necessary preparatory measures. This includes monitoring ship-level fuel intensity data; reviewing procurement strategies for low-GHG fuels; enhancing technical training on GFI methodologies; planning green infrastructure upgrades at ports and engaging with classification societies for early compliance assessment. The immediate impact of IMO regulations would be limited on the Indian Maritime segment, given that out of India's current fleet (Indian flagged) strength of 1,524 registered vessels; only 212 ships (14%) qualify as foreign-going and are of above 5,000 gross tonnage (GT). Also, of these, only 135 ships are regularly engaged in overseas trade and would be subject to IMO compliance. While the global shipbuilding market is dominated by China, South Korea and Japan; India currently has 28 shipyards. But, Indian yards are already exploring retrofitting solutions and green ship designs. The regulation incentivizes demand for dual-fuel ships, alternative propulsion, and emission monitoring systems-creating new opportunities for domestic innovation and international competitiveness. Also, exporters chartering foreign ships will indirectly bear additional freight costs if vessels are non-compliant. Indian exporters are encouraged to factor GHG compliance in chartering decisions to minimise long-term freight inflation risks, the first person said.
