Singapore has introduced a new national standard and two technical references covering ammonia bunkering, bunker fuel sampling and polymer testing in residual marine fuels, in a move designed to strengthen fuel quality assurance as the shipping industry shifts towards alternative marine fuels.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Enterprise Singapore announced the measures at the 24th Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON), held at Resorts World Sentosa from 13 to 15 October under the theme "Charting a Resilient Multi-Fuel Future". The biennial event, the world's largest bunkering gathering, is expected to welcome more than 2,000 maritime professionals from over 60 countries.
Technical Reference TR 148:2026 sets out requirements for the safe conduct of ammonia bunkering, covering custody transfer, operating procedures, safety and personnel competency. MPA and Australia's Pilbara Ports Authority will validate the reference through trials under the Singapore-Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor.
Singapore Standard SS 730:2026 establishes sampling procedures and safety requirements for ambient liquid marine fuels, including methanol, while TR 155:2026 introduces a common testing method for detecting polystyrene, polypropylene and polymethyl methacrylate in residual-based marine fuels.
MPA chief executive Ang Wee Keong said the new standards would support the industry's transition and strengthen Singapore's ability to serve the bunkering needs of global shipping as new fuel pathways develop. Senior Minister of State for Law and Transport Murali Pillai, who opened the conference, said Singapore is deliberately building optionality across several fuel pathways rather than betting on a single winner.
The standards push matters directly to trading houses active in the world's largest bunkering hub. Alkagesta, the Malta-based commodity trader with a growing Singapore presence, has consistently highlighted quality assurance and certified supply chains as central to its marine fuels strategy.
