Two recent developments move Singapore closer towards becoming a sustainable, multi-fuel bunkering hub, namely: (i) the publication of a new Technical Reference 129 on Methanol Bunkering; and (ii) the methanol bunkering licenses scheme.
Technical Reference 129 on Methanol Bunkering
On 10 March 2025, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (“MPA“) and Enterprise Singapore announced the publication of a new Technical Reference (“TR“) 129 on Methanol Bunkering. TR 129, developed through the Singapore Standards Council, provides a comprehensive framework that outlines the requirements for the safe handling, transfer, and measurement of methanol in bunkering operations, thus facilitating the safe and efficient use of methanol as an alternative fuel for bunkering operations. These requirements include:
- Custody transfer requirements, covering quantity and quality measurements for ship-to-ship methanol bunkering operations.
- Operational and safety requirements and procedures for delivering methanol from a bunker tanker to receiving vessels, including a framework for crew training and competencies.
- Guidance on using mass flow meters (“MFM“) for accurate quantity management and digital documentation for bunkering.
TR 129 was developed by the Working Group on Methanol Bunkering, supported by the Standards Development Organisation at the Singapore Chemical Industry Council. The Working Group comprised representatives from various government agencies, research institutes and industry stakeholders, as well as a senior member of our Shipping & International Trade Practice, Partner Winston Kwek. The development of TR 129 leveraged on the experience of the world’s first ship-to-container ship methanol bunkering operation in July 2023, as well as the first simultaneous methanol bunkering and cargo operations conducted by MPA in May 2024 at Tuas Port with the utilisation of the MFM system for methanol and digital bunkering.
Among other things, TR 129 will guide local operators in acquiring the necessary capabilities and confidence to conduct methanol bunkering operations.
Methanol Bunkering Licences
MPA opened applications for licences to supply methanol as a marine fuel in Singapore on 26 March 2025, following the finalisation of Singapore’s methanol bunkering licensing framework and standards, including TR 129. Applications must be submitted to MPA by 28 May 2025.
Licensees must supply methanol as a marine bunker fuel to vessels in Singapore during the licensing period from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030. Licensees will be required to implement end-to-end methanol bunkering supply solution as bunker suppliers and bunker craft operators. This includes securing a methanol supply to Singapore, implementing quality assurance plans, ensuring proper storage and safe handling of methanol, and establishing emergency response measures. Further, licensees must have the necessary manpower and expertise to carry out methanol bunkering operations in Singapore and are required to own and operate at least one International Maritime Organisation (“IMO“) Type 2 chemical tanker.
To support international shipping’s decarbonisation efforts, licensees will be required to meet the prevailing standards and measures at the national and IMO level on aspects of their methanol supply itself (i.e. meeting the specified carbon intensity on a well-to-wake basis and supported by a transparent and accurate chain of custody methodology to track emissions from source to delivery), as well as of their operational competence and emergency response preparedness. Bunker players are also required to adopt MFM, digital bunkering, and the new standards for methanol bunkering in Singapore ahead of operations.
Click on the following links for more information:
- MPA and Enterprise Singapore Joint Media Release titled “Singapore launches new standard on methanol bunkering, paves way for maritime industry’s transition to sustainable alternative fuels” (available at the gov.sg portal at www.gov.sg)
- MPA Media Release titled “Singapore Opens Applications for Methanol Bunkering Licence” (available at the MPA website at www.mpa.gov.sg)
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