Singapore strengthens LNG bunkering framework with new SS 727 standard

Singapore-licensed LNG bunker supplier FueLNG announced a seminar to mark the elevation of the LNG bunkering Technical Reference (TR 56) to the newly published Singapore Standard SS 727 – LNG Bunkering.

FueLNG said the launch of SS 727 represents a significant achievement for Singapore’s maritime industry, providing a comprehensive and robust framework to enhance the safety, consistency and reliability of LNG bunkering operations. The company said the standard captures years of industry experience, technological advancements and operational learnings, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a leading global LNG bunkering hub.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore had previously announced that the existing TR56 would be upgraded into a Singapore Standard in August 2026 to further strengthen safe and reliable LNG bunkering operations, alongside the issuance of eight new licences to supply LNG as a marine fuel in Singapore from September 1. The licences were awarded to Aramco Trading Singapore, Equatorial Marine Fuel Management Services, ExxonMobil Asia Pacific, PetroChina International (Singapore), Shell Eastern Trading, Sinopec Fuel Oil (Singapore), TotalEnergies Gas & Power Asia (TEGPA)-Sembcorp Fuels (Singapore) Joint Venture, and Vitol Bunkers (S).

A highlight of the seminar was a presentation by Dr. Saunak Rai, Chairman of the Technical Committee for Bunkering (Cryogenic & Gaseous Fuels) and General Manager of FueLNG, who led the industry effort to develop the standard. Dr Rai shared the evolution of LNG bunkering standards in Singapore, tracing the journey from the early development of TR 56 to its elevation as Singapore Standard SS 727, and provided insights into the collaboration between industry stakeholders, regulators and technical experts that shaped the standard.

The seminar also featured operational perspectives from Siah Poh Chiang, Operations Manager, FueLNG, who shared lessons from FueLNG’s experience conducting safe and efficient truck-to-ship LNG bunkering operations, demonstrating how industry best practices contributed to the development of the new standard.

The seminar concluded with a panel discussion on the Future of LNG Bunkering, moderated by Dr Saunak Rai, bringing together Mark Nicdao of Shell, Zhanming Yang of Equatorial Marine Fuel Management Services, Michael Newman of Fearnleys Asia (Singapore) and Richard Tan of TotalEnergies Gas & Power Asia. The panellists shared perspectives on the evolving LNG bunkering landscape, market outlook, regulatory developments, operational challenges and the role of LNG in supporting the maritime industry’s transition towards lower-carbon fuels.

FueLNG said the exchange of views and audience engagement underscored the importance of collaboration across the maritime value chain to accelerate the adoption of safe, reliable and sustainable bunkering solutions, adding that as one of Singapore’s leading LNG bunkering providers, it is honoured to have contributed to this milestone through both operational experience and technical leadership.