Singapore opens applications for Methanol Bunkering Licence

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced on March 26th that it has opened applications for licences to supply methanol as a marine fuel in Singapore.

This follows the finalisation of Singapore’s methanol bunkering licensing framework and standards, which incorporated input from over 50 proposals received under MPA’s Expression of Interest (EOI) launched in December 2023, as well as methanol bunkering trials and operations conducted in Singapore since 2023.

Licensees are required to implement end-to-end methanol bunkering supply solution as bunker suppliers and bunker craft operators. This includes securing methanol supply to Singapore, implementing quality assurance plans, ensuring proper storage and safe handling of methanol, and establishing emergency response measures. They must also have the necessary manpower and expertise to carry out methanol bunkering operations in Singapore. Additionally, licensees are required to own and operate at least one IMO Type 2 chemical tanker

Licensees must supply methanol as a marine bunker fuel to vessels in Singapore during licensing period from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030.

To support international shipping’s decarbonisation efforts, licensees must supply methanol that meets the specified carbon intensity on a well-to-wake basis, demonstrate a transparent and accurate chain of custody methodology to track emissions from source to delivery, and possess operational experience, readiness, and emergency response preparedness.

Licensees will be required to meet the prevailing standards and measures at the national and International Maritime Organization level. Bunker players are also expected to adopt mass flow meters, digital bunkering, and the new standards for methanol bunkering in Singapore ahead of operations. MPA may invite licensees to work with MPA on suitable methanol bunkering pilots and exercises in 2025.

To remind, the Technical Reference for Methanol Bunkering (TR129) and the Standards for Port Limit Methanol Bunker Tankers were launched in early 2025 to support methanol bunkering operations in Singapore

Developed by MPA and Enterprise Singapore in collaboration with the Singapore Chemical Industry Council, TR129 provides guidelines for custody transfer requirements, operational and safety protocols for methanol delivery, and crew training competencies. It serves as a key reference for licence applicants, outlining the technical and operational requirements needed to comply with Singapore’s methanol bunkering regulations.

The Standards for Port Limit Methanol Bunker Tankers, developed by MPA in consultation with the industry, ensure the safe operation of methanol bunker tankers in Singapore. These standards set specific requirements such as propulsion redundancy, manoeuvrability, and vapour management onboard bunker tankers.