New LNG bunkering rules force bidders to own bunker vessels

Bidders can no longer simply broker fuel but are now forced to own or charter at least one specialised LNG bunker vessel.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) opened applications for additional licences to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel in the Port of Singapore, as part of efforts to support the use of lower-emissions fuels.

MPA said the call is open to both existing LNG bunkering licensees and new entrants, following updates to Singapore’s LNG bunkering licensing framework and standards.

These updates now cover sea-based LNG reloading and the supply of liquefied bio-methane and e-methane within the port.

Under the requirements, licensees must put in place end-to-end LNG bunkering arrangements, including securing LNG supply, demand planning, cargo transfer operations, storage and safe handling, and the sale and delivery of LNG fuel to vessels in Singapore.

Each licensee must also own or charter at least one LNG bunker vessel for the full licence period.

The vessel must be registered under the Singapore Registry of Ships and comply with MPA’s Standards for Port Limit LNG Bunker Vessels.

MPA said applicants must demonstrate technical readiness to supply LNG fuels with lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, including liquefied bio-methane and e-methane, and provide details of intended supply pathways and sourcing arrangements.

Applicants are also required to outline measures to monitor and mitigate methane slip from LNG bunker vessels, covering vessel design, operational practices, and monitoring and reporting approaches.

Applications must be submitted to MPA by 27 March 2026, and the authority said it will conduct industry briefings on the application requirements.

MPA added that it will work with Enterprise Singapore to upgrade the Technical Reference for LNG Bunkering to a Singapore Standard in the second quarter of 2026, alongside the recently published standards for port-limit LNG bunker vessels.