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In this exclusive interview, CEO Chris Ong shares Seatrium’s groundbreaking initiatives in the green transition, their collaboration with key partners, and how they are driving maritime decarbonization with innovative technologies.
Key Topics Covered:
- Seatrium’s role in electrification and decarbonization.
- Major projects supporting sustainable maritime operations.
- Collaborations and partnerships driving green innovations.
Chris, Seatrium has been a key player in the maritime industry for decades. How are you positioning the company to contribute to the green transition and decarbonization efforts?
Chris Ong: Sustainability is central to Seatrium’s business strategy. We are fully committed to supporting the maritime industry’s green transition through several initiatives, focusing on decarbonization, electrification, and innovative solutions. Our expertise in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) enables us to deliver high-quality projects that contribute to global energy transition goals.
One of the key areas where we are making an impact is in offshore renewables. We are building EPC newbuilds for offshore substations, both high voltage direct current (HVDC) and high voltage alternating current (HVAC) platforms, and wind turbine installation vessels (WITVs). These projects play a crucial role in enabling cleaner energy sources and reducing carbon emissions on a large scale.
We are also proud of our contributions to fully electric ferries. These ferries support carbon-neutral transportation, which is essential for the future of sustainable shipping. Another significant effort is our work in the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) space, where we are involved in end-to-end solutions across the value chain. This is key to reducing carbon emissions from existing vessels and offshore installations.
You mentioned Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). Can you share more about Seatrium’s involvement in CCS retrofitting and what impact this has on the maritime industry?
Chris Ong: Absolutely. One of our latest milestones was the world’s first full-scale, turnkey CCS retrofit on an LPG carrier from Solvang ASA. This project was groundbreaking in demonstrating the feasibility of capturing carbon emissions directly from a vessel, storing the CO2 onboard, and later offloading it for storage.
This CCS retrofit is a major step in supporting the decarbonization of existing fleets, and it’s something we’re deeply involved in. For example, we also worked on the Fortescue Green Pioneer, where we led the installation of ammonia and diesel gas fuel delivery systems. This project allowed for the use of cleaner marine fuels, significantly reducing the vessel’s environmental impact. In fact, the project marks the successful conversion of the world’s first ammonia-powered vessel retrofit.
World’s first full-scale, turnkey CCS retrofit on an LPG carrier (Photo Credit: Solvang ASA, Norway)
What role do partnerships play in Seatrium’s green transition efforts?
Chris Ong: Partnerships are crucial. We believe in working with a wide range of stakeholders, from government bodies like the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to major energy players, including our customers. These collaborations allow us to combine resources and expertise to tackle some of the biggest challenges in decarbonization.
One project that stands out is our partnership with the Energy Market Authority (EMA) in Singapore, where we launched Southeast Asia’s first floating and stacked Energy Storage System (ESS). This is part of a S$10 million partnership aimed at addressing energy security and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. The ESS is located at our Floating Living Lab and helps overcome land constraints in Singapore while contributing to energy transition solutions.
Seatrium’s Floating Living Lab, the first such offshore floating testbed in Singapore. (Photo credit: Seatrium Limited)
Another exciting partnership is with major renewables players like TenneT, RWE, Equinor and Ørsted, where we’re working on HVDC and HVAC electrical transmission systems. This project will deliver clean energy to millions of households across Europe and the United States, proving that renewable energy is both scalable and impactful.
Artist impression of the 2 GW HVDC Platform. (Photo credit: TenneT)
It sounds like Seatrium is deeply involved in innovative projects across the maritime and energy sectors. How do these initiatives align with the company’s long-term vision?
Chris Ong: At Seatrium, we envision a future where the maritime industry operates sustainably and efficiently, fully aligned with global decarbonization goals. Our initiatives, whether in offshore wind, CCS, or electrification, are all aimed at making this future a reality.
Our long-term vision is captured in our Sustainability Vision 2030, where we target significant reductions in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and a continued focus on cleaner projects. We’ve already delivered over 46 low-carbon and energy-saving vessel retrofits, and about 35% of our order book is dedicated to renewables and cleaner energy solutions.
By continuing to lead in green innovation and working closely with our partners, we are positioning Seatrium to not only contribute to the maritime green transition, but also to set new standards for sustainability and technological excellence in the industry.
Finally, what can we expect from Seatrium at SNIC 2024?
Chris Ong: SNIC 2024 will be an exciting platform for us. We’ll be showcasing some of our most innovative projects, particularly those related to offshore renewables and carbon capture. It’s a great opportunity for industry leaders from Singapore and Norway to come together, exchange ideas, and explore new collaborations. We’re looking forward to sharing our vision and contributing to the conversations that will shape the future of maritime sustainability.
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