- TR 129 was developed with input from government agencies and research institutes.
- MPA and Enterprise Singapore established a safe bunkering framework.
- TR 129 outlines protocols for safe handling, custody transfer, and digital documentation.
Under the Singapore Standards Council, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Enterprise Singapore issued Technical Reference (TR) 129 on methanol bunkering as of March 10. It sets out a holistic approach to facilitating the safe and efficient utilisation of methanol as a substitute fuel in bunkers. The evolution of TR 129 is a milestone in methanol bunkering at scale operationalization and affirming Singapore as a multi-fuel and sustainable bunkering centre, reports S&P Global.
Enhancing Safety and Operating Standards
TR 129 specifies key requirements that span the safe transfer, handling, and measurement of methanol within bunkering activities. It comprises custody transfer requirements to facilitate proper quantity and quality measurements for ship-to-ship methanol bunkering. The technical guide also outlines operational and safety procedures for methanol bunker delivery from a bunker tanker to receiving ships. One of the main elements of the framework is crew training and competency, and the implementation of mass flow meters (MFM) to optimize accurate quantity control and digital documentation for enhanced efficiency and transparency.
Singapore’s Development in Methanol Bunkering
Singapore, being the globe’s largest bunkering port, has already reached significant milestones in methanol bunkering. In July 2023, the city port carried out the first-ever ship-to-container ship methanol bunkering operation. This came after another record milestone in May 2024, when MPA completed the first-ever simultaneous methanol bunkering and cargo operations at Tuas Port through the use of the MFM system for methanol and digital bunkering.
“The learnings and experience gained, including in fueling procedure, crew training, and emergency responses, contributed to the development of TR 129,” the MPA stated.
Industry Partnership in TR 129 Development
TR 129 development was spearheaded by the methanol bunkering working group, with the assistance of the Standards Development Organization at the Singapore Chemical Industry Council. The working group has a wide range of stakeholders that include government bodies, research institutions, and industry players like bunker suppliers, bunker craft operators, engine builders, shipowners, and testing and certification authorities.
Methanol’s Increasing Contribution to Sustainable Shipping
Tighter environmental regulations are speeding up the use of methanol as an alternative low-carbon fuel in global shipping. In November 2023, A.P. Moller-Maersk revealed its ninth dual-fuel methanol ship in Singapore. The firm said the ship is capable of reducing 280 metric tons of CO2 per day when operating on green methanol compared to a sister ship that runs on heavy fuel.
As per DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight platform (March 2024), 82.57% of ordered ships are traditionally fueled, whereas 17.43% are alternative-fueled ships. Out of these, 9.27% are LNG-fueled ships and 4.85% are methanol-fueled ships.
Market Outlook and Pricing Trends
The price of zero-carbon fuels has frequently been mentioned as a barrier to mass adoption. Nevertheless, certain industry sources indicate that more stringent rules will ultimately reduce the price difference between traditional and low-carbon fuels, driving a shift toward sustainable alternatives. Platts, a unit of S&P Global Commodity Insights, valued Singapore-delivered low-carbon methanol marine fuel at $1,025 per metric ton on March 7.
With the release of TR 129, Singapore is reaffirming its commitment to sustainable bunkering practices, safety, efficiency, and industry cooperation. As the world’s maritime industry heads toward a multi-fuel future, methanol will be key to emissions reduction and decarbonization targets.
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Source: S&P Global
