Methanol

Singapore releases new standard on methanol bunkering, gears up for multi-fuel future

MPA and EnterpriseSG, through SSC, have published a new TR 129 on Methanol Bunkering to provide a comprehensive framework for the safe and efficient use of methanol for bunkering operations.

Published

1 month ago

March 10, 2025

Admin

First SIMOPS methanol bunkering operation completed in Singapore on 27 May 2024

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), through the Singapore Standards Council (SSC), on Monday (10 March) have published a new Technical Reference (TR) 129 on Methanol Bunkering to provide a comprehensive framework for the safe and efficient use of methanol as an alternative fuel for bunkering operations.

Both said this marked an important step towards operationalising methanol bunkering at scale and driving Singapore’s ambitions as a sustainable, multi- fuel bunkering hub.

TR 129 sets out requirements covering safe handling, transfer, and measurement of methanol in bunkering operations. These include:

Custody transfer requirements, comprising quantity and quality measurements for ship-to-ship methanol bunkering operations;
Operational and safety requirements for the delivery of methanol from a bunker tanker to receiving vessels, including a framework for crew training and competencies; and
Guidance on the use of mass flow meters (MFM) to ensure accurate quantity management and digital documentation for bunkering.

TR 129 was developed by the Working Group (WG) on Methanol Bunkering, supported by the Standards Development Organisation at Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SDO@SCIC). The WG comprises government agencies, research institutes, and industry stakeholders such as bunker suppliers, bunker craft operators, engine manufacturers, testing and certification bodies, shipowners and operators, among others.

Mr David Foo, MPA Assistant Chief Executive (Operations/Operations Technology), said, “The development of the Technical Reference 129 on the safe and efficient use of methanol for bunkering in Singapore is the result of the collective efforts by government agencies, industry partners, and research institutes.”

“It provides clear guidelines to support the safe adoption of methanol as a marine fuel and gives the industry greater confidence in their transition to use of sustainable fuels.”

Ms Choy Sauw Kook, Director-General (Quality & Excellence), Enterprise Singapore, said: “Singapore’s reputation as one of the world’s leading bunkering hubs has always been underscored by our commitment to deliver safe, reliable and industry- first bunkering services.”

“TR 129 will help to equip our local operators with not only the capabilities, but confidence to carry out methanol bunkering operations, and pave the way towards a multi-fuel future in Singapore.”

Following the completion of the world’s first ship-to-container ship methanol bunkering operation in July 2023, MPA also conducted the first simultaneous methanol bunkering and cargo operations in May 2024 at Tuas Port with the use of the MFM system for methanol and digital bunkering. The learnings and experience gained, including in fuelling procedure, crew training, and emergency responses, contributed to the development of TR 129.

Interested parties can learn more on the standard and its implementation at an upcoming seminar, taking place on the sidelines of the Singapore Maritime Week 2025. More information on this can be found here.

TR 129 can be purchased from the Singapore Standards e-shop here.

Manifold Times previously reported EnterpriseSG launching two new bunkering standards while revising a third benchmark at the 23rd Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON 2024).

It introduced TR on Methanol bunkering, SS on Specification for digital bunkering supply chain documentation, SS 648 Code of practice for bunker mass flow metering.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 10 March, 2025

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Bunker Fuel

Singapore: GCMD develops calculator to explore IMO GFI-linked pricing system

Free cost and compliance calculator has been developed by its team based on the newly approved GHG emissions pricing framework by IMO’s MPEC 83 recently.

Published

7 days ago

April 16, 2025

Admin

Singapore: GCMD develops calculator to explore IMO GFI-linked pricing system

The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) on Tuesday (15 April) introduced a free cost and compliance calculator that has been developed by its team based on the newly approved greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions pricing framework by the Marine Environment Protection Committee during its 83rd session (MPEC 83).

The calculator will help maritime stakeholders explore how the two-tiered, GHG Fuel Intensity (GFI)-linked pricing system could impact operational costs.

GCMD said the buzz around International Maritime Organization's MEPC 83 and the newly approved GHG emissions pricing framework has been intense — and understandably so.

“To help make sense of it, our CEO Prof. Lynn Loo started with handwritten trajectory calculations to break down the core workings,” it said in a social media post.

“Building on that, our team has developed a simple, accessible cost and compliance calculator to help you explore how the two-tiered, GFI-linked pricing system could impact operational costs.”

The calculator is just one input—its results should be considered alongside other economic and operational factors to inform commercial decisions.

The tool covers covers heavy fuel oil (HFO), liquified natural gas (LNG), B24 biofuel, e-ammonia and bio-methanol.

“Whether you're assessing fuel options, planning newbuilds, or just trying to get a feel for what this might mean for your operations — this tool offers a useful first-cut view. For added clarity, we’ve included the workings on the side so you can trace the calculation process,” GCMD added.

Note: GCMD’s cost and compliance calculator can be found here.

Photo credit: Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation
Published: 16 April, 2025

Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 0.5% on year in March 2025

4.47 million mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in March, up from 4.45 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2024, according to MPA data.

Published

1 week ago

April 15, 2025

Admin

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 0.5% on year in March 2025

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port increased by 0.5% on year in March 2025, according to Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) data.

In total, 4.47 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,469,170 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in March, up from 4.45 million mt (4,445,070 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2024.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in March (against on year) recorded respectively 1.62 million mt (+0.6% from 1.61 million mt), 2.33 million mt (-3.7% from 2.42 million mt), 500 mt (+100% from zero), 100 mt (-98% from 5,100 mt) and zero (from zero).

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 0.5% on year in March 2025

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in March (against on year) recorded respectively 51,900 mt (+100% from zero), 93,700 mt (+42% from 66,000 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero). A new addition of biofuel blend, introduced in February this year, B100, recorded no sales in March.

LNG and methanol sales were posted respectively at 39,000 mt (+1% from 38,600) and zero (from zero).

A complete series of articles on Singapore bunker volumes by Manifold Times in 2024 can be found below:

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 15 March, 2025

Events

Maritime Week Americas to assess how US policy changes will impact bunkering

Event, taking place in May, will try to assess how US policy changes will impact the day-to-day business of shipping and bunkering, as well as the maritime industry’s shift towards a zero carbon future.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 11, 2025

Admin

Maritime Week Americas to assess how US policy changes will impact bunkering

Maritime Week Americas is coming to the United States amid the trade mayhem and turmoil and will try to assess how US policy changes will impact the day-to-day business of shipping and bunkering, as well as the maritime industry’s shift towards a zero carbon future.

President Donald Trump has wasted no time in overturning the status quo and injecting massive uncertainty into every aspect of world trade, said ship.energy.

With the dust still nowhere near settling, there is no telling when the chaos will end or what the energy, shipping and bunker markets will look like in a month or year from now.

Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes, CEO of ship.energy, founder and organiser of Maritime Week Americas, said: “There is no doubt that the conversations at MWA25 will be livelier that ever as delegates battle to come to terms with a completely new world order. What all this turmoil means to shipping and bunkering, let alone to global, regional, and national economies, will be the question that everyone joining us in Tampa will be asking. Hopefully by the end of the event we will have some answers.”

Maritime Week Americas is always where the key questions are raised and answers are sought. With vigorous debate and frank discussion, well over 250 bunker buyers, suppliers and traders will gather in Tampa for an intense week that includes training, the MWA25 Flagship Conference, and – as always – some unmissable networking.

MWA25 will look at shipping and bunker markets throughout North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, examining traditional bunker markets and the ‘new’ fuels whose take-up is rapidly picking up pace. But can the same be said now for the United States?

Traditional marine fuels are still the mainstay throughout the Americas. The conference will examine fuel quality and quantity issues and take a close look at what is happening in some of the continent’s more active markets, such as Peru and Panama.

There LNG is now a mainstream marine fuel as its availability grows throughout the Americas, with Panama among the newest supply hubs. But is there potential for a backlash over LNG’s green credentials?

Biofuels are also on a fast upward trajectory, with Brazil and other countries now leading the way. But while LNG and biofuels look set to play a key role in fuelling ships for the foreseeable future, other fuels, such as methanol, ammonia and hydrogen may not be too far behind. These, and the full range of alternative fuels will be examined in depth during the MWA Conference.

More ports are now beginning to appreciate the environmental benefits of making shore power available to visiting vessels, with some – such as Miami – currently assessing the benefits of installing electric power facilities and others – such as Seattle – already planning to mandate cold ironing for cruise ships visiting the port. At the same time, more electric-powered vessels are beginning to appear, with Canada’s Montreal and Vancouver currently leading the way with new electric ferries. Meanwhile, the world’s biggest electric-powered ferry is expected to start operating between Buenos Aires in Argentina and Colonia in Uruguay by mid-2025.

For the first time, Maritime week Americas will include an entire session focused on Jamaica, an island determined to revitalise and boost its shipping, maritime and bunkering activities.

As always, MWA25 will feature some exciting networking events, designed to highlight the new venue and to ensure that the delegates take every opportunity to network.

Note: More information on Maritime Week Americas can be found here.

Photo credit: Petrospot
Published: 11 April, 2025