In a circular released on 6 March 2025, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced an increase in the allowable biofuel blend for Singapore-registered bunker ships, raising the limit from B25 to B30, taking effect on 7 March 2025.
The MPA circular informs about the draft MEPC (Marine Environment Protection Committee) guidance on transporting biofuel blends by conventional bunker ships, which was agreed upon during the 12th Session of the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 12). This guidance will be reviewed for approval at the 83rd MEPC session in April 2025.
Key points include:
- Conventional bunker ships can carry biofuel blends of up to 30% by volume (B30), as long as all residues and tank washings are properly disposed of on land, unless the ship’s oil discharge monitoring equipment (ODME) is approved for the biofuel blend being carried. These provisions are temporary until more detailed rules on carrying biofuels are established.
- The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore supports this draft guidance and is allowing early implementation for Singapore-registered bunker ships starting from 7 March 2025. No separate MPA approval is needed for ships within this guideline.
- Shipowners, operators, and crew members of Singapore-registered bunker ships should follow this guidance when operating with biofuels containing 25% to 30% biofuel by volume. If calling at a foreign port, approval from the local Port State Authority is required.
- For biofuels above B30 or those not listed in the IBC Code or MEPC.2/Circ.27, bunker suppliers and operators must seek approval from MPA’s Standards & Investigation – Marine Fuels (SIMF) department before conducting pilot tests or deliveries. Ongoing pilots for biofuels up to B100 are available for testing efficacy and procedures.
