CBL International Limited (CBL), the listing vehicle of marine fuel logistics firm Banle Group recently announced the renaming of its Singapore-based wholly-owned subsidiary, Majestic Energy (Singapore) Pte Ltd to Banle International (Singapore) Pte Ltd.

In an interview with Singapore-based bunkering publication Manifold Times, Christofel Tian, Head of Singapore at CBL, dived into detailed plans for the subsidiary and its role in contributing to the Group’s regional growth ambitions including aspirations to move beyond biofuels and develop a full suite of sustainable marine fuels, including LNG, methanol, ammonia:

MT: According to CBL International’s website, Banle International Singapore, then known as Majestic Energy Singapore, was established in 2022. What are the significant milestones the subsidiary has achieved since then?

Since its establishment in 2022 under the name Majestic Energy (Singapore) Pte Ltd, our Singapore subsidiary has made substantial progress.

One of the subsidiary’s milestones is contributing to doubling the revenue of CBL in 2024 from 2023. As the primary fuel bunkering hub in the Asia-Pacific region, Singapore serves as a strategic base for CBL’s regional expansion. CBL’s revenue in Singapore increased by 102% year-over-year in 2024 as compared to 2023. This growth reflects both increased demand for traditional marine fuels and early adoption of biofuel.

Another milestone is playing a role in CBL’s launch of biofuel supply services across key markets. In March 2025, we successfully launched biofuel supply services in Singapore, after providing biofuel supply services in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and various ports in China. This aligns with global regulatory shifts such as the IMO GHG Strategy, which mandates a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and moves towards a net-zero future by or around 2050, positioning us at the forefront of Asia-Pacific’s green maritime transition.

These achievements underscore our rapid operational scaling and strategic importance within CBL’s regional network, which now spans over 60 ports globally, including 13 of the world’s top 15 ports.

MT: How will this rebranding affect Banle International Singapore’s operations and vision in the republic and the Asia-Pacific region?

The rebranding from Majestic Energy Singapore to Banle International (Singapore) Pte Ltd marks more than just a name change—it represents a deeper alignment with the Group’s identity and long-term vision.

Operationally, the rebrand strengthens our market presence in Singapore, the world’s largest bunkering hub with annual sales nearing 55 million metric tons in 2024. It also enhances brand recognition across the Asia-Pacific region, where CBL continues to expand its footprint across intra-Asia and Euro-Asia trade routes.

Strategically, the move allows us to better leverage the Group’s global resources, supplier networks, and ESG initiatives. For example, CBL’s biofuel sales surged by over 600% year-over-year in 2024, and our unified brand enables seamless execution of sustainability-focused strategies across all markets we serve.

Ultimately, this rebranding reinforces our commitment to being a trusted partner in the transition toward greener shipping solutions, while maintaining operational excellence and customer-centric service delivery.

MT: What are the short and long-term goals Banle International Singapore has set in the area of sustainable marine fuels?

Our short-term goals for 2025 to 2026 are to expand our biofuel capabilities in Singapore and other regional hubs, increase B24 and B30 biofuel supply availability across our 60+ port network, and collaborate with local regulators and industry stakeholders to promote adoption of TR 140:2025, the new national technical reference standard for biofuels in Singapore.

Beyond 2026, our long-term goals are to move beyond biofuels and develop a full suite of sustainable marine fuels, including LNG, methanol, ammonia, integrate vertically into the biofuel supply chain, from securing feedstock sources to refining, blending, and final delivery and support the global shipping industry’s decarbonisation journey by offering cost-effective, scalable, and compliant green fuel solutions.

We believe that the future of bunkering lies in diversified energy offerings, and we aim to be at the forefront of that transformation in the Asia-Pacific region.

MT: With CBL’s biofuel sales volumes and sales surged over 600% year-over-year in 2024 and CBL launching its first biofuel supply services in Singapore in March 2025, what strategies will Banle International Singapore deploy to support the Group’s expansion in this?

We’re deploying a multi-pronged strategy to support the Group’s continued expansion in biofuels:

• Regional Outreach and Market Education: We’re actively engaging with shipping companies and shippers across Southeast Asia, Greater China, and Northeast Asia, promoting awareness and confidence in using biofuels like B24 and B30.
• Regulatory Engagement: We are working closely with local authorities in Singapore and elsewhere to shape favourable policies and standards, such as the TR 140:2025 standard, which will help accelerate adoption.
• Partnership Building: We are forging alliances with feedstock suppliers, refiners, and technology providers to secure stable and cost-efficient supply chains for biofuels.
• Technology & Automation Investment: Leveraging digital platforms and automation to improve inventory management, order fulfillment, and compliance tracking—ensuring efficient and transparent operations.

By combining these strategies, we aim to solidify our position as a leading provider of sustainable marine fuels in the region and contribute meaningfully to CBL’s global growth ambitions.

MT: With Singapore launching a new bio bunker fuels standard to complement ISO 8217: 2024, how will this impact the local biofuel market and the company’s biofuel operations?

The launch of TR 140:2025, Singapore’s new national technical reference standard for bio-bunker fuels, is a pivotal development for the local and regional biofuel market.

This standard complements ISO 8217:2024, which governs marine fuel specifications, and provides clear guidelines on quality, compatibility, and performance of biofuels used in the maritime sector. Its introduction is expected to:

• Boost Shipper Confidence: Standardised specifications reduce uncertainty about fuel quality and engine compatibility, encouraging wider adoption among shipping operators.
• Attract More Suppliers and Investors: With clearer benchmarks, more players—including refiners, traders, and logistics providers—are likely to enter the market, increasing competition and innovation.
• Support Regulatory Compliance: As part of Singapore’s broader push for green shipping and ESG compliance, TR 140:2025 aligns with initiatives like the FuelEU Maritime regulation, enhancing Singapore’s appeal as a sustainable bunkering hub.

For CBL, this presents an opportunity to scale up our biofuel operations, streamline quality control processes, and offer standardised products that meet or exceed both international and local requirements. We are already adapting our supply chain in Singapore to align with TR 140:2025, ensuring we remain ahead of the curve in delivering safe, high-quality, and compliant biofuels.

Related: CBL International renames Singapore subsidiary to bolster regional growth strategy
Related: VPS: Singapore releases new bio bunker fuels standard to complement ISO 8217:2024
Related: Exclusive: Banle Group stays ahead of the curve in bio bunker fuels and global expansion

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 11 June, 2025