SIBCON 2026: Singapore bolsters global bunkering leadership with holistic standards framework

Singapore is reinforcing its position as a global hub for maritime trust and quality by aggressively expanding its bunkering standards regime, stated Captain Rahul Choudhuri – Chair, TC for Bunkering (Ambient Liquid Fuels), Chemical Standards Committee (CSC).

Administered by Enterprise Singapore under the industry-led Singapore Standards Council, the national standardisation program is evolving to address the complexities of a multi-fuel future while integrating custody-transfer assurance with safety, quality, and digital traceability.

Captain Choudhuri, also the President of Strategic Partnerships at VPS, shared the following in his presentation Key Highlights of Standards for Trust and Quality at the Pre-Conference Symposium of the 24th Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON 2026) on Tuesday (13 October):

A Holistic Approach to Multi-Fuel Bunkering

As the maritime industry pivots toward alternative marine fuels, Singapore is moving beyond traditional operational and safety standards. The current strategy emphasises a holistic view that encompasses custody transfer, quality, quantity, and, crucially, crew competence.

Recent and upcoming developments in the standards portfolio include:

• Biofuels: TR 140:2025 was amended to align with ISO 8217:2024 and broaden the scope of biofuel applications.
• Methanol: A dedicated standard TR 129 was released in 2024.
• LNG: SS 727:2026 was issued in late August to govern LNG bunkering.
• Ammonia: The upcoming TR 148 is expected to provide the necessary framework for ammonia bunkering.

To address the unique risks associated with the LNG & Ammonia as fuels, a dedicated working group has been established specifically for crew training, ensuring that personnel possess the necessary competencies to handle hazardous fuel products safely.

Digitisation and Metering Integrity

A cornerstone of Singapore’s bunkering strategy is the seamless integration of digital documentation and the use of mass flow meters (MFM) for custody transfer. The Technical Committee for Bunkering (Ambient Liquid Fuels) is currently refining core standards to ensure data integrity across the supply chain.

Key updates include:

• SS 709: This standard for bunker supply chain documentation has been amended to g. handle e-BDN changes and improve alignment with digitised signatories.
• SS 648: The MFM bunker standard is now better aligned with SS 709 to prioritise digital integration.
• TR 80: The master meter verification standard is undergoing revision to clarify verification protocols and ensure readiness for methanol service.

New Standards for Quality Assurance

To further strengthen the port’s reliability, two new standards have been introduced to address specific quality and safety concerns:

• Bunker Sampling Standard: Developed as a single reference point for the port of Singapore, this standard aims to ensure the correct assessment of fuel quality.
• Testing of Polymers in Marine Fuels: This provides a commercially feasible test method for three specific polymers to ensure fuels are fit for purpose and safe for use.

Global Alignment and Public-Private Partnership

Moving forward, Captain Choudhuri shared Singapore’s standardisation efforts are deeply integrated with international bodies, and the success of this program relies on robust public-private partnership.

Through the National Marine Committee, Singapore actively contributes to ISO working groups, such as WG 13 (Working Group on Marine Bunkering) and WG 18 (Working Group on Marine Fuel Specifications), ensuring that national standards remain globally relevant. This includes reviewing ISO 22192 for master meter implementation worldwide.

However, the primary success factor lies in the selfless contribution of stakeholders who prioritise the development of these standards that outlive individual interests, thereby cementing Singapore’s reputation as a trusted bunkering hub.

Related: Singapore: Standards Development Organization promotes adoption of TR140:2025
Related: Singapore progresses on methanol bunkering with latest TR 129 and ISO 6583 meeting
Related: Singapore strengthens LNG bunkering framework with new SS 727 standard

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 14 October 2026