MAN Energy Solutions alternative fuel focus with Singapore service hub

The new mixed-purpose facility expands on MAN Energy Soluitons existing presence in Singapore. The company is investing EUR20 million in the facility which covers a new MAN PrimeServ training academy for customers and employees, a logistics centre to serve as the warehouse for Asia, and a PrimeServ workshop to provide maintenance and repair services, including for MAN Energy Solutions’ alternative-fuel engines.

The facility was launched on Friday by Dr Amy Khor, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment.

“I am heartened that MAN Energy Solutions has placed a strong vote of confidence in Singapore by setting up its second hub outside of Europe here, setting the stage for collaboration in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, and talent development,” she said.

“The expansion of MAN Energy Solutions’ workshop and warehouse activities will provide much needed capacity to support the maintenance of ocean-going vessels that adopt engines fuelled by new marine fuels.”

There is a strong element related to training for alternative fuels, both for MAN Energy Solutions staff and its customers, at the new 9,000 sq metre facility.

“MAN Energy Solutions' expanded training academy will also support Singapore's drive to upskill and reskill of our workforce, to build confidence for maritime workers to safely handle new marine fuels,” said Minister Khor.

Related:Alternative fuels - meeting the seafarer training gap

Speaking to Seatrade Maritime News, Dr Uwe Lauber, CEO of MAN Energy Solutions, noted that green engines powered by alternative fuels were a completely new product requiring new technologies than those shipping had used in the past for heavy fuel oil. “We are here with this workshop to bring the technical competence into the region, and into Singapore,” he explained.

Dr Lauber said MAN Energy Solutions had a very good relationship with the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the government. He noted Singapore had established the Green Plan 2030, “Which is pretty much in line with our way of thinking and with our decarbonisation initiative. So, this is the right partner of choice.”

Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of the MPA, said, "We have been long-time partners with MAN Energy Solutions and have been working closely together in various methanol and ammonia shipping consortiums and also in skills development. MAN Energy Solutions’ new maintenance and training facility here will add deep expertise and experience to the growing and vibrant new fuels ecosystem here and also upskilling of our maritime workforce, especially in the area of new methanol and ammonia engines.”

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