WATCH: Singapore all set to offer methanol bunkering

This move, which follows the Call for Applications launched in March 2025, marks an important step towards establishing methanol bunkering at scale and driving Singapore’s ambition to be a sustainable multi-fuel bunkering hub.

Supply chain reliability

Licences will be awarded to Global Energy Trading Pte Ltd, Golden Island Pte Ltd and PetroChina International (Singapore) Pte Ltd, which were selected from a total of 13 applicants through a comprehensive evaluation process that assessed supply chain reliability, operational readiness, safety systems, and the sustainability certification of the methanol to be supplied. 

The licences will be valid for a five-year period, from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030, subject to successful applicants meeting relevant licensing conditions.

The five-year period supports the early development of methanol bunkering by giving licensees sufficient scope to build capabilities, strengthen supply chains, and anchor initial investments as the market develops.

MPA said it will continue to review the licensing framework, incorporating operational experience, technological developments, and evolving international standards along the way.

Sales of alternative fuels in Singapore surpassed 1 million tonnes for the first time in 2024, marking a significant milestone of the port as a bunkering hub.

Singapore is working together cooperatively with the Port of Rotterdam to conduct further studies and trials for the bunkering of bio-methane, methanol and ammonia to support their future use along the Rotterdam-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor.

The emphasis is particularly on bio and e-variants of ammonia, methanol and methane and making them more available, accepted and affordable for large-scale use.