During 2024, alternative bunker fuels saw significant milestones in Singapore, with sales exceeding one million tonnes for the first time, reaching 1.34 million tonnes.
According to MPA Singapore, biofuel blends rose from 0.52 million tonnes in 2023 to 0.88 million tonnes, with commercial availability up to B50 and trials extending to B100. LNG sales increased from 0.11 million tonnes to 0.46 million tonnes, supported by a new Expression of Interest to develop scalable sea-based LNG reloading solutions.
Furthermore, methanol debuted on a commercial scale at 1,626 tonnes, while ammonia trials registered 9.74 tonnes, marking a global first in Singapore’s port.
To remind, to lower business costs, the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) will streamline mass flow meter verification to once a year from 1 April 2025, reducing industry expenses by an estimated S$300,000 annually.
In March, Fortescue, supported by the MPA, conducted the world’s first ammonia-diesel marine fuel trial on the Singapore-flagged Fortescue Green Pioneer. To support ammonia bunkering, Singapore is developing standards by 2025, with the lead developer for a low- or zero-carbon ammonia power solution on Jurong Island expected to be announced that year. Interim guidelines for ammonia use, developed with MPA’s input, were adopted by the IMO in December 2024.
Additionally, the first simultaneous methanol bunkering and cargo operations (SIMOPS) took place at Tuas Port in May 2024, featuring trials of a mass flow metering system and digital bunkering. Singapore plans to release a Technical Reference for methanol bunkering in 2025, addressing safety, competencies, and regulatory frameworks.
