Synergy Marine, MTCMS Design & Shin Yang Shipyard Sign Historic MoU for Malaysia's First LNG Dual Fuel Platform Support Vessel
Three Malaysian companies — Synergy Marine (M) Sdn Bhd, MTCMS Design Sdn Bhd, and Shin Yang Shipyard Sdn Bhd — have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the country's first LNG-powered ship built and fully operational in Malaysian waters by the end of 2020, marking a watershed moment for Malaysia's maritime and offshore industry.
The contract for the dual-fuel platform support vessel (PSV) is estimated to be valued at approximately US$45 million, according to multiple reports published in Malaysian industry publications following the MoU signing ceremony. The agreement brings together Synergy Marine as ship operators, MTCMS Design as naval architects and designers, and Shin Yang Shipyard as the vessel's builder — forming a formidable all-Malaysian consortium to deliver this pioneering project.
In a keynote address delivered at the MoU signing event, Synergy Marine's Managing Director, Dato' Roslan Ahmad, stated that the decision to build an LNG-fuelled vessel was fundamentally driven by environmental responsibility and the company's deeply held commitment to sustainable operations. Dato' Roslan affirmed that the move to LNG aligns directly with the company's core value of caring for the environment, while also ensuring full compliance with the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) global cap on sulphur emissions in marine fuel.
With Synergy Marine actively engaged in the offshore oil and gas sector, Dato' Roslan also cited the recent and sustained recovery of global oil prices as a key catalyst for increased activity across the sector. He expressed that the initiative is part of a strategic effort to position Synergy Marine as the preferred provider in offshore exploration — distinguished by its high business ethics and forward-thinking approach to environmental stewardship and operational standards.
The 77-metre dual-fuel PSV will represent not only a technical achievement but also a statement of intent by Malaysian industry players to lead the region in adopting greener marine technologies. The vessel's keel laying is scheduled for January 2019, with delivery anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2020. Upon completion, the vessel will be made available for charter on the global market, opening opportunities for international oil and gas contractors seeking modern, environmentally compliant offshore support solutions.
Representatives of Synergy Marine (M) Sdn Bhd, MTCMS Design Sdn Bhd, and Shin Yang Shipyard Sdn Bhd at the MoU signing ceremony for Malaysia's first LNG dual fuel platform support vessel. | Source: Offshore Support Journal (OSJ), November 15, 2018.