SIBCON 2026: SCMA unveils Singapore Form for Methanol Bunkering to marine fuels sector

The Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) introduced the Singapore Form for Methanol Bunkering at the Pre-Conference Symposium of the 24th Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON 2026) on Tuesday (13 October).

The Singapore Form for Methanol Bunkering was developed by the SCMA Methanol Working Group, chaired by Kendall Tan (Partner, Rajah & Tann Singapore’s Shipping and International Trade Practice Group and SCMA’s Board Member representative).

The Working Group comprised shipowners, bunker suppliers, lawyers and regulators.

The Singapore Form caps Singapore’s rapid progress in building a complete ecosystem for methanol bunkering.

In 2023, Singapore conducted the world’s first ship-to-containership methanol bunkering. In 2024, the SCMA Methanol Working Group was constituted.

On 10 March 2025, Singapore launched Technical Reference 129 on methanol bunkering. On 26 March 2025, the MPA opened applications for methanol bunkering licences and on 1 January 2026, MPA issued methanol bunkering licenses, in line with SCMA’s launch of the Singapore Form.

“As existing bunker forms are built for oil-based fuels, the Singapore Form fills a critical legal gap while balancing safety, commercial practicality and parties’ autonomy,” stated Melissa Kor, Senior Assistant Registrar, SCMA.

“Its five principal features are compliant with TR 129; fuel-quality and sustainability requirements; specialised closed-system sampling procedures; electronic bunker delivery notes with clear dispute-notification deadlines; and arbitration under the SCMA Rules, which offers cost-effective procedures for dispute resolution.”

Ms Kor noted the SCMA operates under the International Arbitration Act and awards are enforceable in over 170 countries that are party to the New York Convention on the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards.

“Together, Singapore’s regulatory, operational, contractual and dispute-resolution frameworks aim to create a stable and integrated methanol bunkering ecosystem, strengthening its position as a leading international maritime centre for the world.”

Related: Singapore bunkering sector enters milestone with first methanol marine refuelling op
Related: Singapore releases new standard on methanol bunkering, gears up for multi-fuel future
Related: SMW 2025: MPA reveals key requirements for methanol bunkering licence

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 14 October 2026