In a landmark development for maritime sustainability in Asia Pacific, Shell Marine has successfully carried out its first LNG bunkering operation for a cruise vessel at the Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) — a regional first. The milestone operation supported ASUKA III, the largest Japanese-flagged cruise ship, operated by NYK Cruise, a subsidiary of Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line). It also marked ASUKA III’s first LNG bunkering at Singapore Cruise Centre, underscoring the city-state’s growing role as a key hub for clean marine fuel and advancing the region’s transition toward low-emission shipping.
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Singapore’s Strategic Leadership in LNG Bunkering Infrastructure
As a global maritime hub, Singapore has rapidly emerged as a premier destination for LNG bunkering. The integration of LNG bunkering capabilities for cruise vessels at Singapore Cruise Centre’s HarbourFront Terminal further solidifies the nation’s position as a strategic gateway for sustainable maritime energy solutions in the Asia Pacific. This development underscores Singapore’s commitment to supporting the shipping industry’s transition to cleaner fuels and reinforces its leadership in the region’s green maritime transformation.
Unmatched Collaboration Ensures Safe and Efficient Operation
The LNG supply was executed by FueLNG Private Limited, a joint venture between Shell Singapore and Seatrium. This successful operation follows the LNG bunkering of Silversea’s Silver Nova at SCC earlier this year, further establishing Singapore Cruise Centre as a rising hub for LNG-powered cruise vessels.
In a statement celebrating the milestone, Singapore Cruise Centre said:
“ASUKA III – the largest Japanese-flagged cruise ship – successfully completed her first marine LNG bunkering at Singapore Cruise Centre. This milestone marks Shell LNG’s first supply to an LNG-powered cruise ship in the region. We look forward to many more such operations as the industry transitions towards cleaner fuels.”
The statement also acknowledged the collaboration behind the achievement:
“This success was made possible with the strong partnership and support of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), FueLNG Private Limited, and our dedicated team at Singapore Cruise Centre.”
Pioneering the LNG Cruise Fuel Revolution
The expansion of dual-fuel LNG vessels in the cruise sector represents a critical shift toward decarbonization and environmental stewardship. Dexter Belmar, GM and Head of Global Downstream LNG at Shell, commented:
“We are proud to power the ASUKA III on her first LNG bunker stop in Singapore. This milestone not only demonstrates Shell Marine’s leadership in LNG supply but also signals the accelerating adoption of cleaner fuels across the cruise industry in Asia Pacific.”
Shell Marine’s long-standing partnership with NYK has been pivotal — supplying LNG to a diverse portfolio of vessels including pure car and truck carriers, as well as bulk carriers. The successful bunkering of ASUKA III reinforces Shell’s commitment to enabling the maritime sector’s clean energy transition.
Shell Marine’s Global LNG Network: Powering the Future of Shipping
Shell Marine’s LNG bunkering network now spans 26 strategic global locations, servicing high-traffic cruise and cargo ports including the Bahamas, Canaveral, Everglades, Jamaica, Miami, Singapore, Southampton, and Tenerife. This extensive network ensures reliable and scalable LNG solutions that meet the evolving needs of global shipping.
LNG: The Cornerstone of Maritime Decarbonization
LNG continues to emerge as the fuel of choice in reducing the maritime industry’s environmental impact. It offers up to a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions, an 85% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx), and virtually eliminates sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter — delivering cleaner operations, particularly in emissions-controlled port environments.
Shell is actively investing in next-generation bunkering vessels, port infrastructure, and digital tools to support shipping operators navigating complex environmental regulations. Additionally, Shell is advancing bio-LNG and synthetic LNG development as part of its long-term strategy toward a net-zero emissions maritime future.
About Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC)
Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) is a leading cruise terminal operator in Asia, renowned for its world-class port facilities, operational excellence, and commitment to service innovation. Strategically located at the gateway to Southeast Asia, SCC manages multiple cruise and ferry terminals, including the iconic HarbourFront Cruise and Ferry Terminal.
SCC plays a vital role in Singapore’s maritime ecosystem by supporting the growth of the regional cruise and ferry industries and facilitating millions of passenger movements annually. With a strong focus on sustainability and infrastructure development, SCC is actively expanding capabilities in alternative marine fuel support, including LNG bunkering for next-generation vessels.
Backed by a dedicated team and strong industry partnerships, Singapore Cruise Centre is poised to lead the region into a cleaner, more connected maritime future.
About NYK Cruises
NYK Cruises, a subsidiary of Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), is a premier Japanese cruise operator known for delivering luxurious, culturally rich, and environmentally responsible travel experiences. As part of one of the world’s largest and most respected shipping companies, NYK Cruises combines deep maritime expertise with a commitment to high-quality passenger service and innovation.
Operating iconic vessels such as the ASUKA II and the next-generation ASUKA III, NYK Cruises offers exceptional voyages that reflect Japanese hospitality and international standards. The company is at the forefront of sustainable cruising, investing in cleaner propulsion technologies including dual-fuel LNG engines to reduce environmental impact and align with global decarbonization goals.
With a legacy rooted in over a century of maritime tradition, NYK Cruises continues to set benchmarks in safety, comfort, and sustainability for the modern cruise industry.
About Shell Marine
Shell Marine is at the forefront of the maritime energy transition, delivering innovative solutions to meet the sector’s evolving fuel and emissions challenges. From advanced lubricants and alternative fuels to technical services and digital tools, Shell Marine supports customers in driving efficiency, reliability, and sustainability across their fleets. With a clear focus on collaboration, Shell Marine is empowering the maritime sector to navigate the shift to cleaner energy sources.
Source Shell Marine | Singapore Cruise Center