Singapore strengthens multi-fuel bunkering capabilities and digitalisation at SIBCON 2026
Singapore strengthens multi-fuel bunkering capabilities and digitalisation at SIBCON 2026
New initiatives advance capabilities across marine fuel pathways, strengthen assurance and efficiency for ships bunkering in Singapore, and support electric harbour craft adoption.
Charting a resilient multi-fuel future
The 24th Singapore International Bunkering Conference (SIBCON), organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), was opened today by Mr Murali Pillai, Senior Minister of State (SMS), Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport. Themed "Charting a Resilient Multi-Fuel Future", the biennial conference held from 13 to 15 October 2026 welcomes more than 2,000 maritime professionals from over 60 countries, uniting global leaders across the shipping, energy, and bunkering ecosystem.
Several major initiatives were announced at the event to advance operational capabilities across diverse marine fuel pathways, strengthen quality assurance and data efficiency for vessels bunkering in Singapore, and accelerate the commercial adoption of electric harbour craft.
Advancing ammonia bunkering frameworks
MPA and Enterprise Singapore, through the Singapore Standards Council, launched a new Technical Reference for Ammonia Bunkering (TR 148). The framework covers comprehensive requirements for safety, bunkering procedures, custody transfer, and personnel competencies required for the safe conduct of ammonia bunkering operations.
Under the Singapore-Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, MPA and the Pilbara Ports Authority will collaborate to validate TR 148 by sharing operational data and trial insights from their respective ports. This bilateral validation builds practical experience and strengthens the operational benchmarks needed to scale safe ammonia bunkering globally.
Fortescue • Allen & Gledhill • Wärtsilä • Advario • Eastern Pacific Shipping • Itochu • NYK Bulkship • Sumitomo Corporation • Vopak • Centre of Excellence for Maritime Energy Sustainability Development (MESD).
Public Consultation: Open on SCMA's website until 14 January 2027 to establish a common, consistent basis for buyers and suppliers in ammonia transactions.
Expanding LNG, bio-methane and ethanol pathways
Alongside ammonia, Singapore continues to scale storage infrastructure and trial operations across alternative marine fuels. Following the award of eight new liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunker supplier licences in July 2026, MPA is moving to expand anchorage capacity and test alcohol-based fuels alongside live cargo operations.
Fuel quality assurance and digital bunkering
To reinforce fuel reliability in the world's largest bunkering hub, MPA and Enterprise Singapore introduced two new quality assurance standards through the Singapore Standards Council. Concurrently, Singapore is advancing to the next stage of its Digital Bunkering roadmap after making electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDN) the default documentation in April 2025.
| Initiative / Standard | Timeline | Operational Scope & Industry Impact |
|---|---|---|
| SS 730:2026 | Launched Oct 2026 | New Singapore Standard for Bunker Sampling supporting consistent sampling practices and stronger quality assurance across supplied marine fuels. |
| TR 155:2026 | Launched Oct 2026 | Technical Reference on the Test Method for Polymers in Residual Based Marine Fuels, establishing a standardised testing protocol to detect polymers. |
| Digital Bunkering Phase 2 | Grant Call: Nov 2026 | Enables end-to-end security and automated data flow from MFM systems to stakeholders and regulators. Licensed bunker craft operators can apply with tech partners for trial grants. |
| Bunker Supplier Management System 2.0 | Launch: Q2 2027 | Upgraded unified digital platform for regulatory transactions, licence applications, and submissions to improve visibility and administrative efficiency. |
Electric harbour craft and regional readiness
To catalyse early adoption and build out Singapore's electric harbour craft (e-HC) ecosystem, MPA will introduce the Early Adopter Scheme for Electric Harbour Craft starting 1 January 2027. The two-year grant supports eligible vessels, with funding calculated by battery capacity and capped according to vessel size at up to $250,000 per vessel.
In conjunction with SIBCON 2026, MPA will also conduct a multi-agency joint oil spill exercise on 16 October 2026, incorporating the Revolving Fund Committee exercise alongside Indonesia and Malaysia. Senior Minister of State Mr Murali Pillai and regional delegates from Indonesia and Malaysia will observe the exercise, which is designed to sharpen at-sea spill response capabilities and cross-border coordination.
About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA): MPA was established in 1996 with the mission to develop Singapore as a global hub port and international maritime centre, and to advance and safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests. MPA takes on multiple roles as Singapore's maritime and port regulator and planner, international maritime centre champion, national maritime representative, and champion of maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation efforts. MPA partners industry, research community and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection, facilitate maritime and port operations and growth, expand multi-domain capabilities, and support the cluster of maritime services and manpower development. For more information, visit www.mpa.gov.sg.