On March 10, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Enterprise Singapore, through the Singapore Standards Council, introduced a new Technical Reference (TR) 129 focused on methanol bunkering. This publication creates a framework aimed at facilitating the safe and efficient utilization of methanol as an alternative fuel in bunkering operations. The initiative underscores Singapore’s commitment to becoming a sustainable multi-fuel bunkering hub and elevates the operational capability of methanol bunkering. TR 129 establishes comprehensive requirements for the safe handling, transfer, and measurement of methanol during bunkering.
This encompasses guidelines for custody transfer, which includes quantity and quality measurements specifically for ship-to-ship methanol operations. Moreover, the document outlines operational and safety protocols for delivering methanol from bunker tankers to vessels. Key elements include crew training guidelines and the utilization of mass flow meters, which ensure accurate measurement and digital documentation for bunkering processes. Singapore, recognized as the world’s largest bunkering port, has already made significant strides in this area.
The city-state facilitated the first ship-to-container ship methanol bunkering in July 2023, followed by the inaugural simultaneous methanol bunkering and cargo operations at Tuas Port in May 2024. The MPA expressed that insights gained from these operations, including fueling procedures and emergency response strategies, contributed to the formulation of TR 129. The working group responsible for developing TR 129 comprises various stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, and industry representatives such as bunker suppliers and shipowners. As environmental regulations in international shipping become more stringent, the demand for fuels like methanol is increasing.
A.P. Moller-Maersk recently introduced its ninth dual-fuel methanol vessel in Singapore, showcasing the potential for substantial CO2 reductions. While costs have previously hindered the rapid adoption of zero-carbon fuels, experts predict that stricter regulations will help close the price gap with conventional fuels, promoting a transition to low-carbon alternatives.