SIBCON 2026: Singapore rolls out new standards for ammonia bunkering and fuel quality

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Enterprise Singapore, through the Singapore Standards Council (SSC), on Wednesday (14 October) launched a new Singapore Standard (SS) and two Technical References (TRs) covering ammonia bunkering, bunker fuel sampling, and testing for polymers in residual based marine fuels. 

Announced at the Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON) 2026, the new standards will strengthen safety, consistency and fuel quality assurance for the bunkering industry as Singapore develops its capabilities for a multi-fuel future.

Technical Reference (TR) 148:2026 – Advancing Ammonia Bunkering Operations

With ammonia emerging as one of the alternative marine fuels, TR 148:2026 Code of Practice for Ammonia Bunkering (TR 148) sets out the requirements for the safe and efficient conduct of ammonia bunkering operations. This includes custody transfer, bunkering procedures, safety and personnel competency. It provides a common framework for bunker suppliers, bunker craft operators, shipowners and other industry stakeholders to plan and conduct ammonia bunkering operations.

Singapore Standard (SS) 730:2026 – Strengthening Bunker Sampling of Ambient Liquid Marine Fuels

SS 730:2026 Code of Practice for Bunker Sampling (SS 730) sets out requirements for custody transfer sampling of ambient liquid marine fuels, including Class F marine fuels, which are fuels made from petroleum, synthetic and renewable sources, and methanol. The Standard provides common sampling procedures and  safety requirements for bunker suppliers, bunker craft operators, bunker buyers and bunker surveyors, strengthening consistency in bunker delivery and fuel quality assurance.

Technical Reference (TR) 155:2026 – Enhancing Testing Standards for Polymers in Residual Based Marine Fuels

TR 155:2026 Test Method for Polymers in Residual Based Marine Fuels (TR 155) establishes a common method for testing for polystyrene, polypropylene and polymethyl methacrylate in residual based marine fuels, including detection limits. This will improve consistency in how these polymers are identified and strengthen fuel quality assurance.

Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive, MPA, said, “As shipping transitions towards a wider range of marine fuels, our bunkering standards and capabilities must evolve with it. These new standards will support the industry’s transition and strengthen Singapore’s ability to serve the bunkering needs of global shipping as new fuel pathways develop.”

Ms Choy Sauw Kook, Director-General (Quality & Excellence), Enterprise Singapore, said, “Standards are an important enabler of maritime decarbonisation, providing a common foundation for new fuels and practices to be adopted safely and consistently. As the marine fuel landscape evolves, TR 148, SS 730 and TR 155 extend this assurance across bunkering operations, fuel sampling and quality testing, including for emerging fuels such as ammonia. Together, they support Singapore’s transition to a multi-fuel future and reinforce our position as a trusted global bunkering hub.”

TR 148, SS 730 and TR 155 can be purchased from the Singapore Standards eShop.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 14 October 2026