The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has announced that licences for the supply of methanol as a marine fuel will be issued starting 1 January 2026. This decision follows the Call for Applications launched in March 2025 and marks a major milestone in Singapore’s ambition to position itself as a sustainable, multi-fuel bunkering hub.
Three Companies Selected Through Rigorous Evaluation
MPA will grant methanol bunkering licences to Global Energy Trading Pte Ltd, Golden Island Pte Ltd, and PetroChina International (Singapore) Pte Ltd.
These three firms were chosen from 13 applicants, after a detailed assessment covering:
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Reliability of the methanol supply chain
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Operational readiness
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Strength and safety of proposed bunkering systems
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Sustainability certification of the methanol supplied
The high number of applicants shows the industry’s increasing commitment to adopting lower-emission marine fuels.
Five-Year Licensing Period to Support Market Development
The licences will be valid from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2030, provided that selected companies meet all licensing conditions.
A five-year period is intended to:
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Encourage early investment
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Allow companies to build operational capacity
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Strengthen supply chains
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Support the phased, large-scale rollout of methanol bunkering
MPA will continue refining the licensing framework as experience grows, incorporating technological advancements and evolving global standards to ensure safety, practicality, and international alignment.
By issuing methanol bunkering licences and supporting long-term investment, Singapore is taking decisive steps toward establishing itself as a leader in alternative marine fuels. This initiative strengthens the nation’s multi-fuel bunkering ecosystem while advancing global decarbonization efforts in the maritime sector.
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Source: MPA
