Singapore Launches TR 148 Ammonia Bunkering Standard and Model Contract to Prepare for Ammonia-Fuelled Ships

Summary

Singapore has launched a new Technical Reference for Ammonia Bunkering, TR 148, setting requirements for safety, procedures, custody transfer and crew competencies. The Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration has released a draft Singapore Ammonia Bunkering Form for public consultation until January 14, 2027. Together, they give the industry a technical and commercial framework for ammonia bunkering.

Article

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Enterprise Singapore, through the Singapore Standards Council, have launched a new ammonia bunkering standard, Technical Reference 148 (TR 148), at SIBCON 2026. A model commercial contract for ammonia bunkering has also been released for industry consultation.

The measures were announced on October 14, 2026, as part of a wider package to strengthen Singapore’s multi-fuel bunkering capabilities.

What does TR 148 cover?

TR 148 sets out requirements for:

• Safety in ammonia bunkering operations
• Bunkering procedures
• Custody transfer
• Personnel competencies

Ammonia is toxic and requires strict handling, so a clear operational standard is a key step before bunkering can move from trials to regular commercial supply.

How will the standard be tested?

Under the Singapore-Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, MPA and Australia’s Pilbara Ports Authority will work together to validate TR 148. The two port authorities will share operational experience and information from ammonia bunkering trials at their ports.

MPA said the collaboration will help build practical experience and strengthen the standards and operational requirements needed for safe, scalable ammonia bunkering worldwide. Pilbara is a natural partner, as it is home to major iron ore export ports linked to ammonia fuel initiatives in the dry bulk sector.

What is the Singapore Ammonia Bunkering Form?

The Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) is developing a model contract for ammonia bunkering transactions, called the Singapore Ammonia Bunkering Form. It aims to give buyers and suppliers a common basis for contracting, offering greater clarity and consistency as the market develops.

The form was drafted over the past year with industry participants and in consultation with MPA. It was released for public consultation at SIBCON 2026, and feedback can be submitted on SCMA’s website until January 14, 2027.

Why does Singapore need both?

A technical standard governs how ammonia is physically transferred safely, while a model contract sets out how commercial terms, responsibilities and risks are allocated between buyers and suppliers. Having both in place reduces uncertainty for shipowners, fuel suppliers and insurers considering ammonia.

Singapore has prior experience in this area. At SIBCON 2024, the government noted that MPA had supported the world’s first use of ammonia as a marine fuel in Singapore that year.

How big is the ammonia-fuelled fleet?

The ammonia-fuelled fleet remains small but is growing. According to DNV data from mid-2026, four ammonia-capable vessels were in operation, with 43 more on order. Recent deliveries include the first ammonia-powered Newcastlemax bulk carriers, highlighting interest from the dry bulk sector, particularly on Australia-Asia iron ore trades.

Why does it matter?

As the world’s largest bunkering hub, Singapore’s frameworks often become reference points for other ports. TR 148 and the model contract could help standardise ammonia bunkering practice internationally, which is essential if ammonia is to become a mainstream zero-carbon fuel. For India, which is developing green ammonia production and bunkering capability at ports such as VOC Thoothukudi and Kandla, Singapore’s approach offers a template for the safety rules and commercial arrangements needed to compete for future ammonia bunker demand.

FAQs

What is TR 148?

Singapore’s new Technical Reference for Ammonia Bunkering, covering safety, bunkering procedures, custody transfer and personnel competencies.

Who developed TR 148?

MPA and Enterprise Singapore, through the Singapore Standards Council.

How will TR 148 be validated?

MPA and the Pilbara Ports Authority will share experience from ammonia bunkering trials under the Singapore-Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor.

What is the Singapore Ammonia Bunkering Form?

A model contract being developed by the Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration to standardise ammonia bunkering transactions.

Until when can feedback be submitted on the form?

Public consultation runs until January 14, 2027, via SCMA’s website.