Singapore Unveils Ammonia Bunkering Standard, First Ethanol Bunkering and LNG Storage Plans

Summary

Singapore has announced a package of multi-fuel bunkering and digitalisation measures at SIBCON 2026. They include a new Technical Reference for ammonia bunkering, the port’s first ethanol bunkering operation with Maersk at Pasir Panjang, licences for LNG floating storage units, new fuel quality standards, Phase 2 of digital bunkering and grants for electric harbour craft.

Article

Singapore: The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has unveiled a series of initiatives to broaden the port’s multi-fuel bunkering capabilities and strengthen fuel quality assurance and digitalisation, at the 24th Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON 2026).

The conference was opened on October 14, 2026, by Murali Pillai, Senior Minister of State for Law and Transport. Running from October 13 to 15 under the theme “Charting a Resilient Multi-Fuel Future,” it is expected to draw more than 2,000 participants from over 60 countries.

What was announced on ammonia?

MPA and Enterprise Singapore, through the Singapore Standards Council, launched a new Technical Reference for Ammonia Bunkering (TR 148). It sets requirements for safety, bunkering procedures, custody transfer and personnel competencies.

Under the Singapore-Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, MPA and the Pilbara Ports Authority will validate TR 148 by sharing operational experience from ammonia bunkering trials at their ports.

The Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration is also developing a model contract, the Singapore Ammonia Bunkering Form, to give buyers and suppliers a common contracting basis. The draft is open for public consultation until January 14, 2027.

What is the ethanol bunkering operation?

Singapore will carry out its first ethanol bunkering operation at PSA’s Pasir Panjang Terminal this week, involving Maersk, Golden Island Pte Ltd and PSA Singapore. Bioethanol will be supplied while the vessel conducts cargo operations, with volumes measured by a mass flow meter.

The trial will assess how Singapore’s methanol bunkering Technical Reference, TR 129, could be adapted for ethanol and validate mass flow metering for ethanol. The findings will shape technical and regulatory requirements for future ethanol bunkering.

What about LNG and bio-methane?

MPA will invite licence applications by end-2026 to operate LNG Floating Storage Units (FSUs) at Singapore anchorages, subject to approvals. The FSUs will add storage capacity and supply resilience, following the award of eight new LNG bunker supplier licences in July 2026.

MPA, CMA CGM and Singapore LNG Corporation have also signed an MoU to explore liquefied bio-methane as a marine fuel, including how existing gas infrastructure could support it.

How is fuel quality being strengthened?

Two new standards were introduced: a Singapore Standard for Bunker Sampling (SS 730:2026) to support consistent sampling, and a Technical Reference on the Test Method for Polymers in Residual Based Marine Fuels (TR 155:2026) to detect polymers in residual fuels.

What is next for digital bunkering?

Electronic bunker delivery notes have been the default in Singapore since April 2025 under Phase 1 of digital bunkering. Phase 2 will automate and secure data flows from mass flow meters to stakeholders and regulators. MPA will launch a grant call in November 2026 for Phase 2 trials, open to licensed bunker craft operators and technology partners.

MPA will also launch Bunker Supplier Management System 2.0 in the second quarter of 2027, providing a single digital platform for licensing and regulatory submissions.

What support is there for electric harbour craft?

From January 1, 2027, MPA will introduce an Early Adopter Scheme for Electric Harbour Craft. The two-year grant will be based on battery capacity, capped by vessel size at up to S$250,000 per vessel.

MPA will also hold a multi-agency oil spill exercise on October 16, including a Revolving Fund Committee exercise with Indonesia and Malaysia.

Why does it matter?

Singapore sold a record 56.20 million tonnes of marine fuel in 2025, and these measures aim to keep it ahead as shipping shifts towards a mix of fuels. Standards for ammonia, trials for ethanol and expanded LNG storage give shipowners and suppliers greater regulatory certainty as alternative-fuel fleets grow. For India’s ports, which are developing green methanol and ammonia bunkering capability, Singapore’s standards and trials offer a benchmark for the frameworks needed to compete for alternative-fuel bunker demand on major East-West routes.

FAQs

What is TR 148?

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

Who is involved in Singapore’s first ethanol bunkering?

Maersk, Golden Island Pte Ltd and PSA Singapore, at PSA’s Pasir Panjang Terminal.

What are LNG Floating Storage Units?

Floating storage facilities at anchorages; MPA will invite licence applications by end-2026 to expand LNG bunkering supply.

What new fuel quality standards were introduced?

SS 730:2026 for bunker sampling and TR 155:2026 for testing polymers in residual marine fuels.

How much support is available for electric harbour craft?

Up to S$250,000 per vessel under a two-year Early Adopter Scheme starting January 1, 2027.