The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is launching an open call for applications for methanol bunker supplier licences in the Port of Singapore, said Senior Minister of State for Transport Amy Khor on Tuesday (25 March). 

The initiative is part of Singapore’s effort to foster a competitive and innovative ecosystem to accelerate the adoption of low- or zero-carbon fuels, while collaborating with industry stakeholders to ensure their safe and effective deployment.

“To meet growing interest in methanol among shipowners, MPA is launching an open call for applications for methanol bunker supplier licences in the Port of Singapore to implement an end-to-end methanol supply model,” Khor said in her speech at the Accelerating Digitalisation and Decarbonisation Conference, as part of the Singapore Maritime Week (SMW 2025).

“This will build on the recently published Technical Reference for Methanol Bunkering, and the Standards for the Port Limit Methanol Bunker Tankers, to provide a consistent approach to ensure the safe and efficient use of methanol.”

During SMW 2024, MPA announced its regulatory framework for methanol bunkering licence was close to be finalised and would call for applications for a licence to supply methanol as a marine fuel in Singapore. 

In 2023, MPA issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) inviting parties interested in supplying methanol as a bunker fuel in the Port of Singapore. The EOI aims to gather proposals for the implementation of end-to-end methanol bunkering solutions in Singapore from 2025.

Khor also said MPA has also been collaborating closely with industry partners and the A*STAR Institute of High-Performance Computing to conduct virtual simulations of ammonia bunkering operations. 

“These simulations are critical for evaluating and mitigating the environmental and safety risks associated with ammonia bunkering operations. This methodology is also extended to other fuels such as LNG and methanol,” she said. 

In parallel, Singaporean companies such as Seatrium and PSA are exploring initiatives aimed at harnessing and utilising low-carbon energy fuels for the maritime sector.

Related: Singapore releases new standard on methanol bunkering, gears up for multi-fuel future
Related: SMW 2024: MPA receives 50 submissions for EOI to supply methanol bunker fuel in Singapore
Related: MPA issues EOI seeking for methanol bunker fuel suppliers in Singapore

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 25 March, 2025

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), through the Singapore Standards Council (SSC), on Tuesday (25 March) have published Technical Reference (TR) 1361 to guide the development of charging infrastructure and battery swap systems for electric harbour craft (e-HC). 

This initiative supports Singapore’s efforts to decarbonise the domestic maritime sector.

TR 136 establishes the safety requirements for the e-HC charging infrastructure and battery swap systems. It includes measures to protect personnel and property from electrical and mechanical hazards during the installation and operation of the charging systems. The TR also establishes the technical requirements to promote interoperability.

TR 136 incorporates widely adopted industry standards on electric vehicle charging systems, such as the Combined Charging System. It is also aligned with local electricity supply conditions and codes such as the TR 25 Electric Vehicles Charging System, as well as international standards including the IEC 61851 on electric vehicle charging system and IEC 62840 on electric vehicle battery swap system. This ensures that service providers can readily adopt the standard.

Adopting TR 136 will strengthen users’ confidence in e-HC charging and battery swap system providers, while giving ship owners, port operators, and charger operators greater assurance in the safe operation of e-HCs. The adoption of the TR is expected to have positive spillover effects with new business opportunities in areas such as charging systems and battery technologies, and upskilling prospects for the maritime workforce.

TR 136 was developed by the Working Group (WG) on Electric Harbour Crafts Charging System, which was appointed by the Electrical and Electronic Standards Committee (EESC) under the purview of the SSC. This WG comprises government and industry stakeholders such as MPA, charging equipment and battery suppliers, e-HC manufacturers and operators, testing, inspection and certification organisations, academic experts, and institutes of higher learning. Please refer to Annex A for the list of stakeholders in the WG.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, said: “TR 136 is a critical step towards developing a safe, robust, and interoperable charging infrastructure for electric harbour craft in Singapore. By setting clear safety and operational guidelines, the new standard will give industry players greater confidence in electrification and pave the way for wider e-HC adoption.”

Ms Choy Sauw Kook, Director-General (Quality & Excellence), EnterpriseSG, said: “Standards have always played an important role in enabling pathfinders to drive industry development. By providing local operators with clear guidelines on how to adopt electric charging infrastructure in a safe and reliable manner, the TR 136 will accelerate the electrification of harbour craft and, in turn, the decarbonisation of the maritime sector in Singapore. Enterprise Singapore will continue to work closely with MPA and various industry partners, to develop standards that advance the interests of the maritime industry."

Er. Lim Say Leong, Co-Convenor of the Working Group on Electric Harbour Crafts Charging System, said: “During the development of TR 136, the working group consulted widely with marine industry players as there were no international standards that could be adopted. These efforts were necessary and important to ensure that TR 136 is robust and implementable by key stakeholders in the electric harbour craft ecosystem.”

Mr Ng Bingrong, Co-Convenor of the Working Group on Electric Harbour Crafts Charging System, said: “We thank all partners who have contributed to the TR 136, and will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the TR 136 evolves with technology and industry needs. The working group welcomes feedback from users to further improve TR 136.”

MPA and EnterpriseSG will organise a closed-door seminar on 28 March 2025 at the sidelines of Singapore Maritime Week 2025. Key representatives from MPA, the WG, and industry will present their insights and expertise through technical sharing and a panel discussion at the seminar.

As part of the broader effort to encourage adoption of e-HCs, MPA organised a socialisation event on 10 March 2025 to facilitate business matching between the wider group of potential e-HC operators, developers, charging infrastructure providers, financiers, and insurers. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to better understand the technical aspects, cost of ownership, and business model considerations associated with e-HCs.

Financing for e-HCs is available under the Enterprise Financing Scheme-Green (EFSGreen), which enables companies to better access green financing that allows them to develop their capabilities and establish a strong sustainability record. As part of this, EnterpriseSG provides risk-sharing of up to 70% to catalyse lending by seven participating financial institutions. Additionally, local banks DBS, OCBC, and UOB, through engagements with MPA, have expressed strong interest to offer financing solutions for e-HC operators and owners.

Related: SMW 2025: Singapore to launch new standard for electric harbour craft this week

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 25 March, 2025

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) on Tuesday (25 March) renewed a multi-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration in research and development, talent development, workforce upskilling, support for startup maritime businesses, and regulatory alignment. 

The renewal marked a comprehensive and future-oriented collaboration that continues to strengthen Singapore’s role as a global maritime hub while advancing ABS’ strategic initiatives in Singapore.

As part of the five-year arrangement, ABS will establish the ABS Singapore Maritime Safety Centre, a cutting-edge facility designed to provide immersive training for seafarers and maritime professionals, in support of the MPA’s Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF).

ABS is investing USD$4.5 million in the centre, which is expected to create new employment opportunities for the region.

By employing the latest training techniques, including virtual reality and game-based training systems, the ABS Singapore Maritime Safety Centre can simulate realistic training scenarios with varying levels of complexity, without putting the vessel or crew at risk.

Maritime professionals and students will have the opportunity to learn and acquire skills in the safe handling of alternative fuels, such as ammonia and methanol, as well as the deployment of battery and electric propulsion systems at the Centre.

Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO, said: “The maritime industry’s transition to net zero demands not only innovation but also a workforce equipped to deliver all of the advances in technology and fuel without compromising safety.”

“Through this expanded collaboration with MPA, ABS is committed to advancing research and development, nurturing talent, and delivering world-class training that empowers seafarers and shore-based professionals alike in the safe operation of next generation assets.”

“Singapore’s leadership in maritime sustainability makes it the ideal partner for this critical mission. ABS is proud to support the transformational METF project and honoured to be selected as a partner.”

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “The renewal of MPA’s MOU with ABS underscores our shared vision for a sustainable and future-ready maritime sector.”

“By combining expertise in R&D, talent development and workforce training, we are strengthening  Singapore as a global hub for maritime innovation and the upskilling of maritime professionals. MPA looks forward to our continued collaboration with ABS and the addition of the ABS Singapore Maritime Safety Centre to the METF suite of training capabilities.”

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 25 March, 2025