The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will begin licensing methanol bunker suppliers in the Port of Singapore from 1 January 2026, following its Call for Applications launched in March 2025.
Global Energy Trading, Golden Island, and PetroChina International (Singapore) will receive bunkering licences for methanol after an evaluation process that considered 13 applicants.
The licences will run from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030, subject to the licensees meeting the relevant conditions.
MPA noted that the five-year term is intended to give licensees time to develop operational capabilities, bolster supply chains, and support early investment in methanol bunkering as the market grows.
According to MPA, this decision forms part of Singapore’s wider aim to develop as a multi-fuel bunkering hub that includes methanol as a marine fuel option.
MPA selected the three licensees after assessing applicants on criteria including the reliability of their methanol supply chains, readiness to carry out operations, safety arrangements, and the sustainability certification of the methanol to be supplied.The authority noted that the number of applications demonstrates the sector’s focus on marine fuels with lower emissions.
One of the key licensing requirements is that licensees implement an end-to-end methanol bunkering solution as both bunker suppliers and bunker craft operators. This covers securing methanol supply to Singapore, ensuring quality control, safe storage and handling, emergency response measures, and sufficient skilled manpower.
According to the Call for Applications, licensees must also own and operate at least one IMO Type 2 chemical tanker.
MPA said that it will continue updating the methanol bunkering licensing framework, considering operational experience, new technologies, and changes in international rules and standards. This is intended to ensure the framework remains effective, practical, and consistent with global practices.
Recently, MPA announced that it is partnering with engineering consultancy RINA to establish a technology demonstration centre aimed at driving innovation, digitalisation, decarbonisation, and skills development in the maritime sector.
This new centre will be incorporated into RINA’s open innovation hub in Singapore.
