SIBCON 2026: Singapore sets global benchmark for alternative marine fuel standards, says MPA
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by Admin
As the maritime industry accelerates its transition toward decarbonisation, the Port of Singapore is positioning itself as a leader in establishing rigorous, transparent standards for alternative marine fuels, states the Deputy Director (Standards & Investigation – Marine Fuel), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
Calvin Lee emphasised the port’s proactive approach to ensuring quality and safety during a recent industry panel discussion Alternative Fuels: Quality, Safety & Early Lessons at the Pre-Conference Symposium of the 24th Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON 2026) on Tuesday (13 October).
According to Lee, the Port of Singapore has taken decisive steps to mitigate the risks associated with the adoption of new fuel types, such as biofuels. A cornerstone of this strategy is the mandatory implementation of the ISO 8217:2024 standard for all biofuel bunkered within the port.
“In the port of Singapore, MPA has actually required our bunker suppliers to supply ISO 8217:2024 standards-compliant bunker biofuels to ships,” Lee stated.
He noted that this regulatory enforcement, coupled with the MPA’s own regular, independent testing of marine fuel supplies, has been highly effective.
“With the implementation of that standard, we are able to share that we have actually not seen any biofuel bunker disputes regarding quality aspects thus far.”
Lee highlighted the port’s commitment to transparency extends beyond local operations. When the industry faced widespread fuel contamination issues in 2022, the MPA established an Industry Expert Group to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
The findings were not only used to refine local testing standards but were also shared with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to benefit the global shipping community.
Addressing the challenge of fragmented regulations, Lee acknowledged while individual ports often develop their own initial requirements when embarking on new fuel bunkering, the long-term goal must be harmonisation.
“Shipping is a global industry,” Lee said. “It is important that the ports come together to actually consolidate these standards and to iron out any differences.”
To achieve this, Singapore has launched the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) program. Through this initiative, the MPA has signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with various international ports to share green standards and validate them across jurisdictions. This collaborative approach aims to reduce the regulatory burden on shipowners and operators as they navigate the complex shift toward alternative energy sources.
For those entering the industry, Lee offered a clear piece of advice: start early.
“I would encourage companies to start early,” he said, noting that proactive preparation is the best way to manage the complexities of the maritime energy transition.
As Singapore continues to refine its bunkering ecosystem, the MPA’s focus remains on maintaining supply integrity and fostering international cooperation, ensuring that the transition to alternative fuels is both safe and scalable for the global fleet.
Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 16 October 2026
