Singapore Introduces Bunker Sampling and Polymer Testing Standards, Launches Phase 2 of Digital Bunkering

Summary

Singapore has introduced two new standards to strengthen bunker fuel quality assurance: SS 730:2026 for bunker sampling and TR 155:2026 for testing polymers in residual marine fuels. MPA also unveiled Phase 2 of its digital bunkering initiative, with a grant call in November 2026, and will launch Bunker Supplier Management System 2.0 in the second quarter of 2027.

Article

Singapore: The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Enterprise Singapore, through the Singapore Standards Council, have introduced new standards to strengthen bunker fuel quality assurance, alongside the next phase of the port’s digital bunkering programme. The measures were announced at SIBCON 2026 on October 14, 2026.

What are the new fuel quality standards?

Two new standards were introduced:

• SS 730:2026, Singapore Standard for Bunker Sampling: supports consistent sampling practices, providing greater assurance over the quality and reliability of bunker fuels supplied in Singapore.
• TR 155:2026, Technical Reference on the Test Method for Polymers in Residual Based Marine Fuels: establishes a standardised method to detect the presence of polymers in residual fuels.

Why do sampling and polymer testing matter?

Bunker samples are the primary evidence in fuel quality disputes. Consistent sampling procedures help ensure that samples truly represent the fuel delivered, reducing disagreements between buyers and suppliers and supporting faster resolution of claims.

Polymers are not normally expected in residual marine fuels, and their presence can point to contamination. A standardised test method gives laboratories, suppliers and shipowners a common basis to identify such issues before they cause operational problems such as filter blockages or engine damage.

The measures come as fuel quality risks are becoming more localised. Recent industry reports, including from Integr8 Fuels, have found that while global fuel quality is broadly stable, risks are increasingly concentrated by port, fuel grade and supply chain.

What is Phase 2 of digital bunkering?

Under Phase 1, the electronic bunker delivery note (e-BDN) has been the default documentation for bunker operations in Singapore since April 2025. All bunker suppliers in Singapore had implemented digital bunkering by August 2025.

Phase 2 aims to secure and automate the full flow of bunkering data, from mass flow meter (MFM) systems to stakeholders and the regulator. It seeks to strengthen data integrity and cut manual data entry, enabling faster, more secure information flow across the bunkering value chain.

MPA will launch a grant call in November 2026 to support selected Phase 2 trials. Licensed bunker craft operators can apply together with technology partners.

What is Bunker Supplier Management System 2.0?

MPA will launch Bunker Supplier Management System 2.0 in the second quarter of 2027. The upgraded system will provide a single digital platform for bunkering-related regulatory transactions, licence applications and submissions, improving information visibility and making regulatory processes more efficient for the industry.

Why does it matter?

Singapore sold a record 56.20 million tonnes of marine fuel in 2025, so even small improvements in quality assurance and data integrity affect a large share of global bunker supply. Standardised sampling and polymer testing give buyers more confidence in fuel quality, while automated, tamper-resistant data from mass flow meters to regulators reduces the risk of quantity disputes and fraud.

For other bunkering ports, including India’s emerging hubs, Singapore’s combination of quality standards, mass flow metering and end-to-end digital documentation sets a benchmark for building trust with international shipowners.

FAQs

What is SS 730:2026?

Singapore’s new standard for bunker sampling, supporting consistent sampling practices and greater assurance over fuel quality.

What is TR 155:2026?

A Technical Reference setting a standardised test method for detecting polymers in residual marine fuels.

What does Phase 2 of digital bunkering involve?

Securing and automating bunkering data flows from mass flow meters to stakeholders and the regulator.

When will the Phase 2 grant call open?

MPA will launch the grant call in November 2026, open to licensed bunker craft operators with technology partners.

What is Bunker Supplier Management System 2.0?

A unified digital platform for bunkering regulatory transactions and licence applications, launching in Q2 2027.