New bunkering standards enhance fuel quality assurance for a multi-fuel future
New bunkering standards enhance fuel quality assurance for a multi-fuel future
Announced at SIBCON 2026, MPA and Enterprise Singapore, through the Singapore Standards Council, launched a new Singapore Standard (SS 730) and two Technical References (TR 148 and TR 155) covering ammonia bunkering, bunker fuel sampling, and polymer testing in residual marine fuels.
Strengthening safety and assurance across emerging fuel pathways
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Enterprise Singapore, through the Singapore Standards Council (SSC), launched a new Singapore Standard (SS) and two Technical References (TRs) today covering ammonia bunkering, bunker fuel sampling, and testing for polymers in residual based marine fuels.
Announced at the Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON) 2026, the new standards reinforce operational safety, procedural consistency, and fuel quality assurance for the global bunkering industry as Singapore builds out its capabilities for a multi-fuel future.
"As shipping transitions towards a wider range of marine fuels, our bunkering standards and capabilities must evolve with it. These new standards will support the industry's transition and strengthen Singapore's ability to serve the bunkering needs of global shipping as new fuel pathways develop."Mr Ang Wee Keong — Chief Executive, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
TR 148:2026 — Advancing ammonia bunkering operations
With ammonia emerging as a key alternative marine fuel, TR 148:2026 Code of Practice for Ammonia Bunkering (TR 148) sets out the requirements for the safe and efficient conduct of ammonia bunkering operations. The Technical Reference encompasses custody transfer, bunkering procedures, operational safety, and personnel competency, providing a unified framework for bunker suppliers, bunker craft operators, shipowners, and industry stakeholders to plan and execute ammonia bunkering transfers.
Under the Singapore-Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, MPA and the Pilbara Ports Authority will collaborate to validate TR 148 by sharing operational experience and technical data from ammonia bunkering trials conducted at their respective ports.
Global Objective: Build practical field experience and refine the operational requirements needed to support safe, scalable deployment of ammonia bunkering worldwide.
SS 730:2026 & TR 155:2026 — Sampling and polymer testing
Alongside ammonia protocols, the newly introduced Singapore Standard and second Technical Reference directly target custody transfer sampling across conventional, renewable, and alcohol-based fuels, as well as contamination detection in residual fuels.
| Standard Code | Official Title | Core Operational Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| TR 148:2026 | Code of Practice for Ammonia Bunkering | Custody transfer, bunkering procedures, operational safety protocols, and crew competency requirements for ammonia transfers. |
| SS 730:2026 | Code of Practice for Bunker Sampling | Custody transfer sampling procedures and safety requirements for ambient liquid marine fuels, including Class F fuels (petroleum, synthetic, renewable) and methanol. |
| TR 155:2026 | Test Method for Polymers in Residual Based Marine Fuels | Standardised testing methodology and detection limits for identifying polystyrene, polypropylene, and polymethyl methacrylate in residual marine fuels. |
"Standards are an important enabler of maritime decarbonisation, providing a common foundation for new fuels and practices to be adopted safely and consistently. As the marine fuel landscape evolves, TR 148, SS 730 and TR 155 extend this assurance across bunkering operations, fuel sampling and quality testing, including for emerging fuels such as ammonia. Together, they support Singapore's transition to a multi-fuel future and reinforce our position as a trusted global bunkering hub."Ms Choy Sauw Kook — Director-General (Quality & Excellence), Enterprise Singapore
All three publications — TR 148:2026, SS 730:2026, and TR 155:2026 — are now available for purchase through the Singapore Standards eShop.
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.
About Enterprise Singapore: Enterprise Singapore is the government agency championing enterprise development. It works with committed companies to build capabilities, innovate and internationalise, supports the growth of Singapore as a hub for global trading and startups, and builds trust in Singapore's products and services through quality and standards. For more information, visit www.enterprisesg.gov.sg.
About Singapore Standards Council: The Singapore Standards Council (SSC) facilitates the development, promotion and review of Standards and Technical References in Singapore through partnerships with industry, academia and government organisations, under the national standardisation programme overseen by Enterprise Singapore. For more information, visit www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/standards.