Singapore Expands Multi-Fuel Bunkering, Digital Shipping and Electric Harbour Craft in 2026
Singapore is advancing its marine fuel infrastructure, digital bunkering systems and clean shipping technology through a series of initiatives announced at the Singapore International Bunkering Conference (SIBCON) 2026. The measures aim to strengthen marine fuel supply security, bunker fuel quality assurance, operational efficiency and alternative fuel adoption, reinforcing Singapore’s role in the international maritime and shipping industry.
The 24th SIBCON, organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), was opened by Murali Pillai, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport. Held from 13 to 15 October 2026 under the theme “Charting a Resilient Multi-Fuel Future,” the biennial conference is expected to welcome more than 2,000 maritime professionals from over 60 countries, representing the global shipping, energy and bunkering sectors.
The announcements cover ammonia, liquefied natural gas (LNG), bio-methane and ethanol bunkering, alongside new fuel quality standards, digital regulatory systems, electric harbour craft incentives and regional oil spill response cooperation.
New Standards and Contracts for Ammonia Bunkering
The MPA and Enterprise Singapore, through the Singapore Standards Council, have launched Technical Reference TR 148 for ammonia bunkering. The framework establishes requirements for safety, bunkering procedures, custody transfer and personnel competencies to support the safe handling of ammonia as a marine fuel.
Under the Singapore–Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, the MPA and Pilbara Ports Authority will collaborate to validate the technical reference by sharing operational experience and relevant information from bunkering trials at their respective ports. The initiative is intended to strengthen practical knowledge and support the development of operational standards for the safe, scalable deployment of ammonia bunkering internationally.
Meanwhile, the Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) is developing a model contract for ammonia bunkering transactions. Known as the Singapore Ammonia Bunkering Form, the document is designed to provide buyers and suppliers with a common contractual framework, improving clarity and consistency as the market develops.
Developed over the past year with industry participants and in consultation with the MPA, the form was opened for public consultation at SIBCON 2026. Feedback can be submitted through the SCMA website until 14 January 2027.
LNG Storage and Bio-Methane Supply Development
The MPA will invite applications for licences to operate liquefied natural gas floating storage units (FSUs) in Singapore’s anchorages by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
Following the award of eight new LNG bunker supplier licences in July 2026, the proposed floating storage units are expected to expand storage capacity and strengthen supply chain resilience to meet growing demand for LNG bunkering.
In a separate development, the MPA, CMA CGM and Singapore LNG Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the use of liquefied bio-methane as a marine fuel in Singapore. The collaboration will examine how existing gas infrastructure could support the fuel’s supply and adoption in maritime operations.
Singapore to Conduct Its First Ethanol Bunkering Operation
Singapore will conduct its first ethanol bunkering operation at PSA’s Pasir Panjang Terminal later this week. The operation involves Maersk, Golden Island Pte Ltd and PSA Singapore and will use bioethanol during concurrent cargo operations.
The quantity of fuel transferred will be measured using a mass flow meter (MFM). The trial will assess whether Singapore’s existing methanol bunkering technical reference, TR 129, can be adapted for ethanol and validate the use of MFM systems for ethanol bunkering.
The findings will help inform the technical and regulatory requirements for future ethanol bunkering operations in Singapore.
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New Standards to Strengthen Bunker Fuel Quality Assurance
The MPA and Enterprise Singapore, through the Singapore Standards Council, have introduced two standards to improve bunker fuel quality assurance.
The new Singapore Standard for Bunker Sampling (SS 730:2026) is intended to promote consistent sampling practices and provide greater assurance regarding the quality and reliability of bunker fuels supplied in Singapore.
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The Technical Reference on the Test Method for Polymers in Residual Based Marine Fuels (TR 155:2026) establishes a standardised method for assessing the presence of polymers in these fuels.
Together, the standards are designed to strengthen fuel quality assessment and improve consistency in bunker fuel sampling and testing.
Digital Bunkering to Improve Data Security and Efficiency
Singapore is also expanding the digitalisation of bunker operations. Under Phase 1 of its Digital Bunkering initiative, the electronic bunker delivery note has been the default documentation for bunker operations in Singapore since April 2025.
Phase 2 aims to enable secure, end-to-end automation of bunkering data flows from mass flow meter systems to industry stakeholders and the regulator. The initiative seeks to strengthen data integrity, reduce manual data entry and improve the efficiency and security of information exchange across the bunkering value chain.
The MPA will launch a grant call in November 2026 to support selected Phase 2 trials. Licensed bunker craft operators can apply in partnership with technology providers.
Additionally, the Bunker Supplier Management System 2.0 is scheduled for launch in the second quarter of 2027. The upgraded platform will consolidate bunkering-related regulatory transactions, licence applications and regulatory submissions, improving information visibility and administrative efficiency for industry participants.
Grants to Accelerate Electric Harbour Craft Adoption
The MPA will introduce the Early Adopter Scheme for Electric Harbour Craft from 1 January 2027 to encourage early adoption and support the development of Singapore’s electric harbour craft (e-HC) ecosystem.
The two-year grant programme will support eligible electric harbour craft purchases. Grant amounts will be determined by battery capacity and capped according to vessel size, with funding of up to S$250,000 per vessel.
The scheme is intended to help accelerate the adoption of electric vessels in Singapore’s harbour craft sector.
Regional Cooperation on Oil Spill Response
Alongside SIBCON 2026, the MPA will conduct a multi-agency joint oil spill exercise on 16 October. The exercise will include the Revolving Fund Committee exercise with Indonesia and Malaysia to strengthen maritime oil spill response capabilities and improve regional coordination.
Senior Minister of State Murali Pillai and representatives from Indonesia and Malaysia will observe the exercise.
What the Initiatives Mean for Maritime Operations
Singapore’s latest measures address several interconnected requirements for the transition towards lower-emission shipping: alternative fuel availability, operational safety, fuel quality assurance, digital documentation and vessel electrification.
The introduction of technical references and model contractual arrangements for ammonia bunkering provides a foundation for more consistent operating and commercial practices. Meanwhile, planned LNG storage expansion and the exploration of bio-methane supply could broaden the range of marine fuel options available to shipping operators.
Digital bunkering initiatives and standardised fuel testing also target practical operational requirements, including reliable fuel measurements, secure information exchange and consistent quality assessment. The electric harbour craft grant scheme extends this transition to vessels operating within Singapore’s harbour environment.
The overall impact will depend on implementation, industry participation and the development of supporting infrastructure. Together, the initiatives establish a coordinated approach to alternative marine fuels, digital maritime services and operational resilience as Singapore prepares for a more diversified bunkering market.
