PetroChina Set for First LNG Bunkering in Singapore, Adds Methanol Bunker Vessel

Summary

PetroChina International is preparing its first LNG bunkering operation in Singapore after securing one of eight new LNG bunker supplier licences. The state-owned group’s trading arm, which holds about 10% of Singapore’s bunker market, is also completing the purchase of a methanol bunkering vessel as it expands into alternative marine fuels.

Article

Singapore: PetroChina International, the trading arm of China’s state-owned PetroChina, is set to carry out its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation in Singapore, expanding its alternative marine fuel business at the world’s largest bunkering hub.

What licences does PetroChina hold?

PetroChina International received one of eight LNG bunker supplier licences awarded by Singapore in July 2026. It is also licensed to supply methanol as a marine fuel.

Speaking at SIBCON 2026, Chairman Wu Junli said the company would complete the acquisition of a methanol bunkering vessel on Friday, October 16, strengthening its ability to supply methanol to ships. Details of the LNG operation, including the bunker vessel, receiving ship and volume, were not disclosed.

How big is PetroChina’s bunker business?

PetroChina accounted for about 10% of Singapore’s bunker sales in 2025, when the port sold a record 56.20 million tonnes of marine fuel. That implies sales of roughly 5.6 million tonnes in Singapore (calculated from the reported share).

Globally, the company sold 7.95 million tonnes of bunker fuel in 2025 and serves 18 ports using 16 time-chartered bunker vessels.

PetroChina completed its first commercial LNG bunkering in Europe last year and obtained methanol bunkering qualification in Rotterdam.

What did Wu say about the market?

Citing Clarksons data, Wu said global orders for alternative-fuel vessels approached 2,000 ships by the end of 2025, more than 1,200 of them LNG-fuelled. Methanol-powered vessels are growing quickly, while ammonia-fuelled ships are starting to gain momentum.

He highlighted a gap in infrastructure: fewer than 50 existing and planned ports offer methanol bunkering, compared with around 220 LNG bunkering ports worldwide. He also said China has annual green methanol production capacity of 380,000 tonnes.

How does it fit Singapore’s LNG plans?

Singapore is expanding its LNG bunkering capacity to meet rising demand. Alongside the eight new supplier licences, MPA will invite licence applications by end-2026 to operate LNG floating storage units at its anchorages. It has also signed an MoU with CMA CGM and Singapore LNG Corporation to explore liquefied bio-methane bunkering.

Singapore issued its first methanol bunkering licences on January 1, 2026, and the Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration this week launched a standard contract for methanol bunker transactions.

Why does it matter?

PetroChina’s entry adds a major conventional supplier to Singapore’s LNG and methanol markets, increasing competition and supply options for shipowners operating alternative-fuel fleets. As one of the largest bunker suppliers in Singapore, its move signals that established oil-based suppliers are positioning for a multi-fuel future.

Wu’s comments on the methanol infrastructure gap also point to an opportunity for ports along major trade routes, including in India, to invest in methanol bunkering as dual-fuel fleets expand.

FAQs

What is PetroChina doing in Singapore?

PetroChina International is set to conduct its first LNG bunkering operation in Singapore.

Does PetroChina hold an LNG bunkering licence in Singapore?

Yes. It received one of eight LNG bunker supplier licences awarded in July 2026, and is also licensed to supply methanol.

What share of Singapore’s bunker market does PetroChina hold?

About 10% of Singapore’s 2025 bunker sales.

How much bunker fuel did PetroChina sell globally in 2025?

7.95 million tonnes, serving 18 ports with 16 time-chartered bunker vessels.

How many ports offer methanol bunkering?

Fewer than 50 existing and planned ports, compared with about 220 LNG bunkering ports, according to Wu Junli.