Singapore has launched a new standard for methanol bunkering, marking an important step towards enabling methanol bunkering at scale and cementing its position as a sustainable, multi-fuel bunkering hub.
As informed, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), through the Singapore Standards Council (SSC), 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” .
Specifically, TR 129 sets out requirements covering ‘safe handling, transfer, and measurement of methanol in bunkering operations’.
These include:
As per MPA, 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.
“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,” David Foo , MPA Assistant Chief Executive (Operations/Operations Technology), commented.
“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. Standards and conformance have played an important role in establishing this strong foundation and will continue to be a key lever for us to meet industry needs and advance the growth of our maritime sector,” Choy Sauw Kook , Director-General (Quality & Excellence), Enterprise Singapore, said.
“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.”
To remind, in December 2023, Singapore welcomed the delivery of its first methanol bunkering vessel, the 4,000 dwt IMO Type 2 chemical and oil tanker MT Maple.
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, MPA added.
As Offshore Energy reported in January 2025, sales of alternative bunker fuels in the Port of Singapore exceeded one million tonnes for the first time to reach 1.34 million tonnes in 2024 . Moreover, total bunker sales registered a new high of 54.92 million tonnes, marking a 6% year-on-year increase.