VPS: Singapore releases new bio bunker fuels standard to complement ISO 8217:2024
- Published
by Admin
Steve Bee, Group Marketing and Strategic Projects Director of marine fuels testing company VPS, recently released a circular highlighting on the new Marine Biofuels Standard launched in Singapore and noted changes to the new Technical Reference:
On the 9th May 2025, Singapore announced the publication of a new Marine Biofuels Standard, Technical Reference, TR140:2025 Specification for Marine Biofuel. This Technical Reference, resulting from a review of WA 2:2022, was prepared by the Working Group on Marine Fuels Specifications set up by the Technical Committee on Bunkering (Ambient Liquid Fuels) under the purview of Chemical Standards Committee.
It is a provisional standard to be made available for application over a three year period, with the aim, based upon experience gained, to upgrade to a Singapore Standard.
This Technical Reference is complimentary to the latest international marine fuel standard revision, ISO 8217:2024 and covers the quality for marine biofuels, the corresponding test methods, and the specifications for each test parameter. However, unlike the ISO8217:2024 revision, the TR140:2025 has also taken into consideration a wider range of bio-sources. Along with FAME, HVO, BTL, GTL, which are covered in the ISO-revision, the TR140 also covers, Non-FAME and mixed bio-products without specification, such as Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL).
Referencing the WA2:2022, this new TR has included the following changes:
- Alignment with ISO 8217:2024, in the aspects of percentage fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), oxidation stability, and cetane number/cetane index.
- Inclusion of non-FAME products.
- Inclusion of a new Annex D on guidance on use of marine biofuel.
- Inclusion of a new Annex E on reproducibility and repeatability of FAME content test methods.
- Inclusion of a new Annex F on considerations for biofuel blends with marine fuels.
- Updated Annex I on Corrosiveness.
- Categorisation of required tests in Clause 6 and recommended tests in Clause 7.
The TR140, took one year to complete and was produced by a wide number of experts, including MPA, Standards Agencies, Legislators, Universities and Research Bodies, Ship Owner/Operators, Fuel Suppliers, Testing Agencies and other Industry Bodies. VPS’ own President of Strategic Partnerships, Captain Rahul Choudhuri, was the convenor of the Working Group and also the Chairman of the Technical Committee for Bunkering that oversaw this development.
The TR140:2025, aligns closely with VPS’ thinking and practices regarding biofuels, their testing and fuel management considerations.
Industry professionals are encouraged to review the TR140:2025 for greater clarity. A copy of the TR140:2025 can be purchased here.
Photo credit: VPS
Published: 27 May, 2025
