Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port fell by 4% on year in August 2026, according to data from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

In total, 4.77 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,772,700 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in August, up from 4.97 million mt (4,965,300 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2025.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in August (against on year) recorded respectively 2.1 million mt (11.1% from 1.89 million mt), 2.19 million mt (-12.4% from 2.50 million mt), zero (from zero), zero (-100% from 1,800 mt) and zero (from zero).

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in August, (against on year) recorded respectively 8,700 mt (-74.9% from 34,700 mt), 47,900 mt (-48.9% from 93,800 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero). B100 biofuel bunkers, introduced in February last year, recorded 800 mt (-83.3% from 4,800 mt). 

LNG and methanol sales were 58,600 mt (-12.5% from 67,000 mt) and zero (from zero) respectively. There were no recorded sales of ammonia for the month and so far since 2025.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 15 September, 2026

Classification society ABS on Sunday (13 September) said it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with three Korean maritime organisations to advance the development of international standards for the next generation of smart ships and shipyards.

The MOU targets ISO standards for hydrogen ships, smart shipyards and future maritime technologies. 

The Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute (KOMERI), the Korean Offshore & Shipbuilding Association (KOSHIPA) and the Research Institute of Medium & Small Shipbuilding (RIMS) have joined ABS in a five-year framework to develop global benchmarks for vessels and shipyards that take advantage of digital technology, smart manufacturing and advanced maritime systems. 

As part of a related agreement, ABS is already supporting the development of preliminary standards in two areas: digital production and traceability requirements for additively manufactured shipboard components and vent mast design for hydrogen-fuelled ships.

“Next-generation shipbuilding is advancing rapidly, and the international standards that govern smart ships, smart shipyards and advanced manufacturing are still taking shape. ABS has deep, long-running relationships with Korea’s shipbuilding sector, and this agreement puts that experience to work in developing the standards the industry needs. It is a further reflection of why Korean yards look to ABS to help advance these technologies safely,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.

The MOU builds on an earlier agreement between ABS and the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) to advance international standardisation of smart ship and shipyard technologies, part of Korea’s national strategy to lead in high-value-added vessel development. 

The agreement also reflects the growing engagement of ABS with Korea’s maritime sector, including recent cooperation with Korean and U.S. institutions through the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Partnership Center.

“International standards are more than technical criteria — they are the gateway to market entry and a core element of global competitiveness. Working with ABS allows us to combine Korea’s standardization capabilities with ABS’ classification experience, and we expect this to produce practical results that lower the barriers for Korean equipment manufacturers entering overseas markets,” said Joo-Hyoung Choi, Managing Director of KOMERI.

Photo credit: ABS
Published: 15 September, 2026

The world’s first operational ship-to-ship (STS) ammonia bunkering vessel has entered service following the conversion of a 5,500-cubic-metre liquefied gas carrier, Swedish ship designer FKAB Marine Design said on Thursday (10 September). 

The vessel is now the world’s first operational ammonia bunker vessel and has received the first ammonia bunkering class certificate.

FKAB said the achievement represents an important step in the development of the infrastructure needed to support ammonia as a marine fuel. 

While several ammonia bunker vessel projects have reached the design, feasibility or construction stage, the Shenghang Yongle has now progressed into operational readiness.

Jiangsu Andefu Energy Development led the conversion and certification process in close cooperation with China Classification Society, while FKAB together with cargo handling supplier Gloryholder prepared the technical drawing documentation required for the conversion.

The vessel can transport liquid ammonia and deliver it as a marine fuel through ship-to-ship bunkering. 

Originally designed as a flexible liquefied gas carrier, the vessel has been upgraded from a conventional ammonia carrier into a dual-purpose vessel capable of both transporting liquid ammonia and delivering it as fuel through ship-to-ship bunkering.

The overall work included modifications to the bunkering system, development of operating procedures, risk assessments, and the establishment of safety and emergency-response arrangements.

Particular attention was given to the challenges associated with ammonia, including toxicity, material compatibility, low-temperature operation, leak detection and risk control during bunkering.

Photo credit: FKAB Marine Design
Published: 15 September, 2026