Singapore receives 50 proposals for methanol bunkering
The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore has received 50 proposals to facilitate methanol bunkering in the port following the issuance of an expression of interest (EOI) last year.
PHOTO: Methanol bunkering of A.P. Moller-Maersk's methanol-fuelled vessel at the Singapore port. Maritime Port & Authority of Singapore
The EOI initiative, which was launched after the successful methanol bunkering of AP Moller-Maersk's vessel, Maersk Solstice, aimed to gather comprehensive solutions to facilitate methanol bunkering. These solutions were intended to address aspects such as methanol supply, establishing a commercial-scale methanol bunkering operational model, and exploring alternatives to physically transferring methanol to Singapore.
According to MPA officials, 40% of the submissions from companies covered all three areas highlighted in the EOI, with several projects already operational or approaching final investment decisions.
“Over 60 regional and international companies comprising energy companies, fuel suppliers, traders, bunker operators, and storage companies, participated in the EOI, signalling clear business confidence in Singapore as a key offtake location for methanol by international shipping,” MPA said.
The industry’s readiness to scale up methanol bunkering is reinforced further by the scheduled deliveries of Type II bunker tankers capable of supplying methanol this year.
Singapore projects methanol demand to reach 1 million mt/year by 2030. MPA is also exploring low- or zero-carbon ammonia bunkering on Jurong Island in collaboration with Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA).
The MPA is on track to complete its regulatory framework for methanol bunkering licenses over the coming months. It plans to open applications for licenses to supply methanol as marine fuel in Singapore by year end.
There are currently 33 methanol-fueled vessels in operation, with 236 more on order, as per DNV data.
By Debarati Bhattacharjee
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