Malaysia to centralise bunkering licence approvals under Transport Ministry from 2027

Malaysia has designated the Ministry of Transport as the single lead agency to approve bunkering licences and related permits for the bunkering sector starting from 1 February 2027, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook recently. 

Loke said Malaysia has set a goal of becoming an Asia-Pacific bunkering hub by 2030 and to achieve that ambition, the government must provide the industry with a clear regulatory framework and a reliable approval process.

“This will give operators a single point of accountability and support more consistent decisions on safety, fuel quality and environmental protection,” he said in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of Malaysia Maritime Week 2026.

“This reform is part of our wider effort to build a competitive bunkering sector that can serve today’s shipping needs and prepare Malaysia for the transition to cleaner marine fuels.”

In addition, the Ministry of Transport is advancing the Malaysia Maritime Bunkering initiative to build a greener, more sustainable marine fuel ecosystem. 

“We are also working with Australia to develop a policy and legal framework for green bunkering, including the use of fuels such as LNG, biofuels and methanol,” he said. 

Loke added that this work also supports a wider international commitment. 

“The International Maritime Organization’s 2023 greenhouse gas strategy calls for zero- or near zero-emission fuels and technologies to account for at least 5% of the energy used by international shipping by 2030, with a target of 10%. Malaysia intends to be ready to support ships as that transition gathers pace,” he said. 

According to a social media post by the ministry, the Green Bunkering Regulatory Roadmap was officially launched during the event, marking an important step towards establishing a national regulatory framework for sustainable marine fuelling.

The roadmap outlines nine strategic actions covering digital licensing, safety standards, handling procedures, green port investments and clean fuel regulations.

“Developed in collaboration with the Australian Government through Partnerships for Infrastructure, the roadmap translates national policy into concrete implementation and provides a clear framework for alternative marine fuels across Malaysia’s ports,” the ministry said. 

“The initiative strengthens the foundation for secure, high-performing ports that are ready to support future trade demands, while advancing Malaysia’s position as a competitive maritime hub.”

Photo credit: Aaron Lee on Unsplash
Published: 8 October 2026