Coastal Sustainability Alliance boosts maritime biofuel development

The Coastal Sustainability Alliance (CSA), an industry collaborative effort led by Kuok Maritime Group (KMG) revealed plans to advance the maritime biofuel ecosystem in Singapore with up to $10 million (€6.9 million) in investments.
This partnership will be spearheaded by two of its Alliance members – Green COP and Ken Energy – which formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Over the next two years, the CSA aims to develop stable B30, B40 and B50 biofuel blends and achieve production and commercial adoption of up to 50% (B50), derived from 50% agri-waste to biobutanol – a blend poised to significantly reduce carbon emissions in maritime operations.
This process includes biofuel certification, commencing sea trials, building a production plant by 2025, and launching commercial-scale production by 2026.
These efforts in decarbonising the maritime sector will contribute to the CSA’s efforts to build the next generation of Singapore’s coastal ecosystem.
Tan Thai Yong, managing director, strategic projects and technology, Kuok Maritime Group and chairperson, CSA Council, said: “The formation of biofuel ecosystem under the Coastal Sustainability Alliance demonstrates our commitment to foster partnerships and deliver innovative sustainable maritime solutions for our conventional fleet owners as they progressively switch to lower emissions vessels. In bringing together Green COP and Ken Energy, we are laying the groundwork for a new biofuel supply chain and providing a viable alternative in the energy transition for the maritime sector.
“This initiative is more than an advancement in fuel technology as it exemplifies the power of collaboration, underscoring the CSA’s role as a steward and catalyst for positive change in the maritime industry.”
The CSA is actively driving maritime biofuel development to provide a viable biofuel alternative for vessels to reduce carbon emissions.
The ecosystem will secure a ready supply of biofuel for local coastal demand and ensure the quality and stability of the biofuels with supply chain track and trace. This initiative also seeks to bolster Singapore’s standing in the Global Biofuels Alliance over the long term by building new R&D and innovation tracks in line with the nation’s environmental commitments.