LNG, Methanol, Biofuels, Ammonia: Singapore's Multi-Fuel Bunkering Future Has Arrived

The News Hook

On January 1, 2026, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore activated three new methanol bunkering licences — awarded to Global Energy Trading, Golden Island, and PetroChina International (Singapore). On January 20, the first commercial methanol bunkering operation took place on the Singapore-flagged Brave Pioneer. A month later, Singapore was developing its first Technical Reference for Ammonia Bunkering, due for publication in Q2 2026. The world's largest bunkering hub has formally entered the multi-fuel era.

The Numbers Behind the Transition

Singapore's total alternative marine fuel sales reached 1.95 million tonnes in 2025, up from 1.35 million tonnes in 2024. The breakdown reveals the state of play across each fuel type:

• Biofuels: 1.38 million tonnes — by far the largest alternative fuel category. Growth driven by FuelEU Maritime compliance: vessels bunkering marine biodiesel blends in Singapore for EU-bound voyages can use the compliance surplus under FuelEU's pooling mechanism

• LNG: 571,000 tonnes — steady growth, now a mainstream bunkering option. Singapore has licensed LNG bunkering suppliers for years and has the infrastructure to match

• Methanol: 3,000 tonnes — small in volume but commercially and symbolically significant. The fuel type with the fastest percentage growth, now on a regulated footing with five-year licences to 2030

• Ammonia: zero sales in 2025 — but the first ammonia dual-fuel vessels are entering service globally in 2026, and Singapore's first Technical Reference for Ammonia Bunkering is in development

Why Singapore Is Winning the Alternative Fuel Race

Singapore's dominance in alternative fuel bunkering is not accidental. The MPA spent three years conducting safety studies and fuel trials before licensing each new fuel type. For methanol alone: two safety studies, four fuel trials, and the world's first ship-to-containership methanol bunkering operation in July 2023 preceded the 2026 commercial licences. This methodical approach has given commercial operators and fuel suppliers the confidence to invest in Singapore-based infrastructure — knowing the regulatory framework is stable and safety-tested.

What This Means for Vessel Operators

• Dual-fuel vessel operators: Singapore is now one of the few ports globally where LNG, methanol, and biofuel vessels can all bunker their primary fuel of choice — reducing the need for fuel deviation calls

• FuelEU Maritime compliance: vessels on Asia-Europe routes can use Singapore biofuel bunkers to generate FuelEU compliance surpluses that apply to their European operations

• CII rating management: switching to lower-carbon fuels — even partially — improves a vessel's CII rating, making bunkering decisions a direct input to regulatory compliance

• Price and availability: with three methanol suppliers now licensed and biofuel volumes growing, the market is becoming more competitive — better pricing and scheduling options for operators

The Ammonia Horizon

Ammonia is the zero-carbon fuel candidate most often cited for the deep-sea shipping sector. Unlike methanol, it contains no carbon and therefore produces zero CO2 when combusted. Singapore is publishing its first Ammonia Bunkering Technical Reference in Q2 2026, with safety studies completed and the first ammonia dual-fuel vessels beginning operational service globally. The Singapore Registry of Ships is expected to flag its first ammonia dual-fuel vessel within two years. Operators planning fleet renewals now should be tracking ammonia infrastructure development in Singapore as a key factor in vessel specification decisions.