The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Thursday (27 March) showcased the prototype of the Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF) Digital Platform, an initiative to help the global maritime workforce access training in the safe handling of alternative marine fuels and new technologies. 

The prototype platform was presented at the “Accelerating Digitalisation and Decarbonisation Conference” at Singapore Maritime Week (SMW 2025) and will be ready by the second half of 2025.

The METF Digital Platform offers maritime companies, seafarers and maritime professionals a systematic and easy way to find relevant courses, register and pay for them.

The platform is currently offered to Singapore-based maritime companies and/or Singapore-registered ships. This would be extended to more companies and stakeholders, including those based overseas, in the next phase.

The prototype is undergoing testing and validation with a group of industry pilot users.

Training progress and certifications received can also be tracked through the platform, helping both companies and individuals monitor compliance with the relevant industry and regulatory standards. By streamlining administrative processes such as training grant eligibility and certification management, the platform reduces the administrative burden on maritime companies and makes training easily accessible for seafarers and maritime professionals.

The METF was first introduced at SMW 2024 as part of Singapore’s efforts to advance maritime decarbonisation and workforce development. Since then, MPA has engaged training providers, shipping companies, and maritime associations to align training standards with industry needs. These efforts have led to the development of the METF Digital Platform, a training management system that simplifies access to training, streamlines certification issuance, and ensures alignment with evolving international standards.

In February 2025, the International Maritime Organization’s Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping Sub-Committee began work to develop interim guidelines for training seafarers in handling alternative marine fuels and new technologies. 

MPA contributed by  proposing draft training guidelines for the safe handling of methanol and ammonia, drawing on Singapore’s experience in competency frameworks, proficiency standards, and training programme development. This included the basic and advanced training for handling of methanol as fuel for maritime personnel by the Singapore Maritime Academy. 

The METF Digital Platform will support the practical implementation of such courses, ensuring seafarers have access to training that meets evolving international safety and operational requirements.

Related: SMW 2024: MPA to set up facility for maritime workforce to train in handling new bunker fuels

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 27 March, 2025

Technology group Wärtsilä will introduce the Methanol Power and Control (PAC) simulation model in partnership with the Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF) and Wavelink Maritime Institute in Singapore, according to the company's joint statement with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Thursday (27 March). 

The model will help maritime professionals acquire the knowledge and competencies needed to operate methanol-powered vessels safely and efficiently. 

Wavelink Maritime Institute will be the first MPA-accredited training partner to use this innovative simulation model launched at SMW 2025. Wärtsilä will also introduce the Ammonia PAC simulation model in early 2026 to further enhance the industry's capabilities to handle and operate ammonia-powered vessels.

These initiatives are part of the renewed partnership between Wärtsilä and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to accelerate maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation. The renewed partnership will focus on the introduction of next-generation alternative fuels, optimisation of digital port operations, and development of future maritime talent.

MPA and Wärtsilä will collaborate with companies in Singapore’s MarineTech ecosystem to explore Research and Development projects aimed at lowering the cost of adopting new technologies. These projects will include the Methanol and Ammonia PAC simulation models, plume modelling to enhance safety assessment, and improvements in handling of low- and zero-emission maritime fuels. The goal is to enhance safety procedures for the handling, storage, and operation of these fuels while ensuring the industry’s readiness for new fuel technologies.

Both partners will also work with industry partners and stakeholders to identify emerging skills needed for methanol- and ammonia-powered engines operations. Training curricula will be co-developed using advanced technologies and simulation models to improve Effectiveness.

Wärtsilä will host a Simulation User Conference on fuel training and simulation in June 2025. The conference will feature Wärtsilä experts sharing insights on the latest advancements in simulations and training related to renewable fuels and their applications in the maritime industry. Topics will include competency and capability development for alternative fuels and the future of maritime decarbonisation.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, said: “As a leading bunkering hub transitioning towards a multi-fuel future, our partnership with Wärtsilä will help unlock the potential of low- and zero-emission maritime fuels. This partnership will be an action-focused effort to ensure a safe and efficient bunkering environment in Singapore.”

Håkan Agnevall, President and CEO of Wärtsilä, said, “As the world’s busiest transshipment port and largest bunkering hub, Singapore has an important role to play in shipping’s journey towards net-zero. That’s why we are proud to continue fostering our partnership with MPA on accelerating this transition. The renewal of our MOU and the launch of the Methanol PAC simulation model are significant steps towards achieving our shared goals of decarbonisation and digitalisation in the maritime sector.”

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 27 March, 2025

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (26 March) said it has opened applications for licences to supply methanol as a marine fuel in Singapore and has highlighted key requirements for the licensees. 

This follows the finalisation of Singapore’s methanol bunkering licensing framework and standards, which incorporated input from over 50 proposals received under MPA’s Expression of Interest (EOI) launched in December 2023, as well as methanol bunkering trials and operations conducted in Singapore since 2023.

Yesterday, Manifold Times reported Senior Minister of State for Transport Amy Khor's announcement on MPA launching an open call for applications for methanol bunker supplier licences in the Port of Singapore, to meet growing interest in methanol among shipowners. 

Licensees are required to implement end-to-end methanol bunkering supply solution as bunker suppliers and bunker craft operators. This includes securing methanol supply to Singapore, implementing quality assurance plans, ensuring proper storage and safe handling of methanol, and establishing emergency response measures. They must also have the necessary manpower and expertise to carry out methanol bunkering operations in Singapore. Additionally, licensees are required to own and operate at least one IMO Type 2 chemical tanker.

Licensees must supply methanol as a marine bunker fuel to vessels in Singapore during licensing period from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030. To support international shipping’s decarbonisation efforts, licensees must supply methanol that meets the specified carbon intensity on a well-to-wake basis, demonstrate a transparent and accurate chain of custody methodology to track emissions from source to delivery, and possess operational experience, readiness, and emergency response preparedness. 

Licensees will be required to meet the prevailing standards and measures at the national and International Maritime Organization level. Bunker players are also expected to adopt mass flow meters, digital bunkering, and the new standards for methanol bunkering in Singapore ahead of operations.

MPA may invite licensees to work with MPA on suitable methanol bunkering pilots and exercises in 2025.

Companies interested in supplying methanol as a marine fuel to vessels in Singapore, may refer to MPA’s website for more information. Applications must be submitted to MPA at [email protected] by 28 May 2025.

The Technical Reference for Methanol Bunkering (TR129) and the Standards for Port Limit Methanol Bunker Tankers were launched in early 2025 to support methanol bunkering operations in Singapore.

Developed by MPA and Enterprise Singapore in collaboration with the Singapore Chemical Industry Council, TR129 provides guidelines for custody transfer requirements, operational and safety protocols for methanol delivery, and crew training competencies. It serves as a key reference for licence applicants, outlining the technical and operational requirements needed to comply with Singapore’s methanol bunkering regulations. TR129 can be purchased from Singapore Standards e-shop.

The Standards for Port Limit Methanol Bunker Tankers, developed by MPA in consultation with the industry, ensure the safe operation of methanol bunker tankers in Singapore. These standards set specific requirements such as propulsion redundancy, manoeuvrability, and vapour management onboard bunker tankers. More information is available on MPA’s website.

Related: SMW 2025: MPA seeks methanol bunker supplier licence applications in Singapore
Related: Singapore releases new standard on methanol bunkering, gears up for multi-fuel future

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 26 March, 2025