Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port dropped by 6.8% on year in May 2026, according to data from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

In total, 4.55 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,548,000 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in May, down from 4.88 million mt (4,878,100 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2025.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in May (against on year) recorded respectively 1.79 million mt (-5.3% from 1.89 million mt), 2.29 million mt (-6.5% from 2.45 million mt), zero (-100% from 1,200 mt), 600 (35.2% from 1,700 mt) and zero (from zero).

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in May, (against on year) recorded respectively 11,600 mt (-71.6% from 40,900 mt), 36,400 mt (-62.1% from 96,100 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero). B100 biofuel bunkers, introduced in February last year, recorded 12,800 mt (+573.7% from 1,900 mt). 

LNG and methanol sales were 70,300 mt (+56.2% from 45,000 mt) and zero (from zero) respectively. There were no recorded sales of ammonia for the month and so far since 2025.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 15 June, 2026

Classification society DNV recently highlighted how complex methanol retrofits can be carried out in practice through a project involving COSCO Shipping, CHI Shanghai, MARIC, suppliers, and DNV. 

Its latest Maritime Impact article detailed challenges in design integration, construction, commissioning, and operations, while demonstrating how close collaboration and early planning support more efficient delivery and knowledge transfer: 

The world’s first methanol conversion project for a mega container carrier was completed at CHI‑Shanghai’s yard in September 2025. At nearly 400 metres in length and with a capacity of 20,000 TEU, the seven‑year‑old vessel became the first ship of its kind to be retrofitted to run on methanol. 

Delivered through close coordination between COSCO Shipping, CHI Shanghai, designers, suppliers, and DNV, and supported by a process of continuous learning, the project demonstrated that deep, first‑of‑a‑kind retrofits can be executed safely, on time, and at industrial scale.

Designing a methanol conversion for a megaship

The vessel’s fuel system, designed only for conventional fuels, required fundamental changes to enable safe and compliant methanol operation across propulsion, auxiliaries, storage, and safety systems.

The general design was developed by MARIC, while CHI Shanghai carried out the detailed engineering and served as EPC contractor. The scope included conversion of the ship’s MAN B&W 11S90 main engine and two of its four Wärtsilä auxiliary engines to dual‑fuel operation. In parallel, new methanol fuel tanks with a total capacity exceeding 15,000 cubic metres were installed forward of the engine room, together with new fuel preparation and supply systems.

Coordinating the complexity of retrofitting

Delivering this as a retrofit rather than a newbuild added complexity that is often underestimated. Existing structural arrangements could not simply be replaced, and new systems had to be integrated into confined spaces, requiring innovative construction sequences and tight interface management between suppliers. 

“This was a very complex project involving many parties, including engine makers, fuel system suppliers, and automation and safety specialists,” says Yan Hao, Commercial Director at CHI‑Shanghai. “It was also the first time all of these suppliers had worked together on a methanol retrofit of this scale. Coordination was critical.”

Note: The full article by DNV can be read here.

Photo credit: DNV and COSCO Shipping
Published: 15 June, 2026

Spanish bunker service provider Mureloil on Saturday (28 February) said it has deployed Bahía Candela, a next-generation hybrid chemical tanker, for operations. 

The vessel is specifically designed for bunkering operations and terminal-to-terminal fuel transport. 

After its delivery, the ship carried out its first commercial operations in the ports of Bilbao and Mugardos. The tanker then stopped in Algeciras before starting its journey to Barcelona, where it will operate over the coming months. 

The Bahía Candela is the first of two sister vessels, with the second named Bahía Beatriz, both of which will be operated by Repsol as part of its maritime decarbonisation strategy to develop low-carbon fuel logistics including methanol and biofuels. 

Building on the success of Bahía Levante, the new vessel features a diesel-electric propulsion system combined with 4.2 MW of lithium-ion batteries, enabling fully electric port operations for up to 72 hours—including cargo handling and manoeuvring—with zero direct GHG emissions.

Related: Mureloil launches hybrid chemical tanker for bunkering and terminal transport

Photo credit: Mureloil
Published: 12 June, 2026