Singapore is set to begin large-scale green methanol bunkering from January 2026, positioning itself as a multi-fuel sustainable hub for the global shipping industry. This move signals a major shift for chemical and fuel supply chains, as the port—already the world's largest bunkering hub—expands its alternative fuel offerings, creating new sourcing and logistics opportunities for methanol producers, traders, and maritime fuel buyers.
License awards and timeline
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) confirmed on 24 November 2025 that it will issue methanol bunkering licenses to three companies from 1 January 2026: Global Energy Trading Pte Ltd, Golden Island Pte Ltd, and PetroChina International (Singapore) Pte Ltd. These firms were selected from 13 applicants in a tender launched in March 2025, based on supply-chain reliability, operational safety, and sustainability certification of the methanol supplied. Licenses are valid for five years, until 31 December 2030.
Infrastructure and standards development
Singapore has already conducted pilot methanol bunkering operations, including a bio-methanol refueling of the container vessel Laura Maersk in 2023 and a 1,340-tonne blended methanol supply in May 2024. A reference standard, TR 129, was published in March 2025 to govern safety, handling, and measurement during methanol bunkering. License holders are investing in dedicated assets: Global Energy Trading is building an IMO type 2 methanol bunker tanker, while Golden Island has taken delivery of the Golden Antares, designed for low-carbon methanol delivery and compliant with TR 129.
Market context and growth trajectory
In 2024, Singapore's total marine fuel sales hit a record 54.9 million tonnes, up 6% year-on-year, with alternative fuels crossing 1 million tonnes for the first time (1.34 million tonnes), driven by biofuels and LNG. Methanol sales remain modest at just over 1,600 tonnes in 2024, but the regulatory and technical framework is now in place for scale-up. The MPA noted that strong tender interest reflects growing industry attention on low-emission marine fuels.
Green methanol as a transition fuel
Singapore defines green methanol as a blend of residual CO2 and green hydrogen produced from renewable electricity. Shipping companies report potential CO2 reductions of up to 65% compared to conventional fuels, depending on production pathway. The category includes bio-methanol from biomass or waste and e-methanol synthesized from captured CO2 and low-carbon hydrogen. In 2025, the first commercial-scale e-methanol plant began operations in Denmark, targeting maritime fuel supply.
What buyers should watch
For chemical and fuel buyers, Singapore's methanol bunkering expansion signals growing demand for certified green methanol, creating new offtake opportunities for producers. The port's ability to offer both volume and fuel diversity—from conventional bunker fuel to biofuels, LNG, methanol, and soon ammonia—makes it a critical node for global maritime decarbonization. Importers and distributors should monitor certification requirements under TR 129 and the development of dedicated supply chains for bio-methanol and e-methanol.
Source: Read the original report | Published: November 24, 2025