SIBCON 2026: ONE navigates global bunkering challenges through strategic partnerships and digital innovation

Singapore’s position as a reliable bunkering hub is due to its success in providing an environment with robust governance, transparency, and infrastructure for marine refuelling operations to take place, believes Richard Ho, Vice President of Fuel Department, Ocean Network Express (ONE).

Richard was speaking at the panel discussion Shipowner’s Fuel Decision Today: Cost, Risk and Reality at the 24th Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON 2026) on Wednesday (14 October), where he noted recent geopolitical disruptions have served as a “pressure test” for Singapore’s bunkering industry.

Drawing on his experience overseeing a fleet of approximately 280 vessels across more than 160 service routes, Richard highlighted that Singapore’s ability to maintain uninterrupted bunkering operations during this period reflected the resilience of the local ecosystem and constructive engagement among key industry players, including ONE.

A key takeaway from his address was the shift in operational planning priorities during market disruptions.

He noted that shipping companies are moving beyond a simple focus on price-per-metric-ton to consider the “total cost of ownership”, including the risks and potential operational costs associated with fuel availability. Furthermore, bunker purchasing horizons have extended from a few days to several weeks, allowing companies to plan ahead and secure marine fuel amidst market uncertainty.

To manage the complexities of a multi-fuel future, Richard advocated for increased investment in digitalisation, including AI and electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDNs).

He also stressed that the industry must transition from short-term spot contracts to long-term, partnership-based agreements to strengthen supply chain stability.

Finally, Richard underscored the importance of  fuel quality. For large container vessels that ONE operates, which can carry up to 24,000    containers, poor-quality bunker fuel is not merely an operational inconvenience but a significant risk to supply chain continuity.

“If your containership is going to be stopped or be disrupted because of poor quality fuel, you are looking at numerous shippers being affected by delays. Therefore, the quality portion of marine fuel is critical for ONE,” he explained.

“I like to highlight the fact that for Singapore we don’t have this issue on quantity or quality, so it allows us to move things very quickly.”

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 20 October 2026