Singapore Tugboat Receives Biofuel-Ready Notation Following Retrofit

Marina Zanite, a tugboat operated by Singapore-based towage company Marina Offshore, has been awarded a biofuel-ready notation by Bureau Veritas following a recent retrofit. The vessel is reportedly the first tugboat of its kind in Singapore to receive this classification.

Originally built in 2012, the 30-meter-long and 9-meter-wide vessel underwent technical modifications to support the use of biofuels. The upgrade forms part of Marina Offshore’s broader plan to reduce emissions across its fleet.

The retrofitting process included adjustments to the vessel’s fuel tank systems and crew training to support the operational shift. The initiative is positioned as a step towards aligning with Singapore’s maritime decarbonization goals, particularly as regulatory pressure on emissions continues to increase.

Brian Lim, Head of Marketing at Marina Offshore, noted that initiatives like this allow smaller operators to take part in efforts to meet the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s 2030 emissions targets, particularly within harbour towage operations.