IPEC 2026: MPA shares lessons in advancing Singapore port towards a multi-fuel future
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by Admin
Yao Yikai, Director, Marine Services Department, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), on Thursday (22 October) shared Singapore’s experience in developing itself into a leading global bunkering and multi-fuel supply hub during the 9th Interregional Petroleum and Natural Gas Enterprises Conference (IPEC 2026).
Speaking at the panel discussion, From Scale Advantage to Value-Led Growth: How can Zhoushan Build a Global Hub for Marine Fuel Services and a World-Class Port, Mr Yao outlined three key lessons from Singapore’s efforts to prepare its port ecosystem for a multi-fuel future as the shipping industry transitions towards lower-carbon energy solutions.
The first lesson, he said, is the importance of maintaining a pragmatic approach.
“The shipping industry is moving towards a future where multiple bunker fuels will coexist, but uncertainty remains over which fuels will eventually become dominant,” shared Mr Yao.
“As a result, Singapore’s approach is not to pick a winning fuel, but to prepare for different fuel pathways, guided by market demand and technological readiness.”
“The city-state has progressively built bunkering capabilities for biofuels, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and methanol, while also preparing for emerging fuels such as ammonia.”
The second lesson focuses on gradual implementation through pilot projects and trials.
“Singapore has adopted a step-by-step approach, beginning with trials to establish necessary technical standards and regulatory frameworks and eventually progressing to safe commercial deployment,” he stated.
“Safety and trust remain fundamental to the development of new marine fuels, which require specialised competencies, infrastructure and operating procedures.
“By working closely with industry stakeholders, Singapore has been able to gain operational experience, strengthen safety standards and build greater market confidence in alternative fuels.”
The third lesson concerns international collaboration.
“No single port can achieve the industry’s energy transition on its own. In addition to having alternative bunker fuels available in Singapore, shipowners must have confidence that the same fuels will also be available at other major ports along key trade routes,” said Mr Yao.
He stressed the need to develop not only “fuel-ready ports” but also “fuel-ready routes”.
To support this objective, Singapore has actively partnered with international stakeholders to establish green and digital shipping corridors that better connect fuel supply with shipping demand, facilitate joint trials and promote greater alignment in technical standards.
Addressing the development of Zhoushan’s multi-fuel bunkering sector, Mr Yao highlighted the complementary strengths of Singapore and Zhoushan as major international hub ports and leading bunkering centres.
He said closer connectivity and cooperation between ports can help build a more reliable international network for alternative marine fuels and a more comprehensive bunkering ecosystem.
“The wider adoption of alternative marine fuels ultimately depends on three critical factors: fuel acceptance, fuel availability and fuel pricing,” shared Mr Yao.
“To move alternative bunker fuels from pilot projects to commercial and large-scale deployment, fuel producers, shipowners, ports and governments must work together to create favourable market conditions.”
Looking ahead, Mr Yao said the multi-fuel future will not be achieved through a single marine fuel or by any single port acting alone.
He reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Zhoushan and other international partners to support the development of a safe, reliable and sustainable multi-fuel future for global shipping.
Photo credit: Zhoushan Hi-Tech Zone Administrative Committee
Published: 27 October 2026
