Golden Island delivers 300 mt of green methanol to dual-fuel bulk carrier Brave Pioneer under MPA’s new licensing framework
Singapore | January 23, 2026 – The Port of Singapore has officially entered the commercial methanol bunkering era following the successful execution of the first operation under the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s (MPA) new 2026 licensing framework. The milestone operation, delivering green methanol, underscores Singapore’s readiness to scale alternative fuel infrastructure and reinforces its position as a leading sustainable multi-fuel bunkering hub.
Operational Milestone: First Licenced Methanol Delivery
Golden Island Pte Ltd, one of only three companies awarded a five-year methanol bunkering license, supplied 300 metric tonnes (mt) of methanol to the Brave Pioneer, an 81,000 DWT dual-fuel bulk carrier owned by Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and chartered by Cargill.
The fuel transfer was carried out via the MT Golden Antares, a 7,999 DWT IMO Type II chemical tanker, the first of four specialized vessels Golden Island has committed to Singapore’s methanol market. The Brave Pioneer, newly delivered from a shipyard in the Philippines, received the fuel just before its maiden voyage to Europe, marking a key operational first for the vessel and the port.
Safety and Technical Excellence
The transfer adhered to Technical Reference 129 (TR129), Singapore’s legal and safety framework for methanol bunkering. A newly commissioned Mass Flow Meter (MFM) system ensured precise custody transfer measurements, aligning with Singapore’s strict operational standards.
The operation was fully digitized in collaboration with Ofiniti, using an electronic Bunker Delivery Note (e-BDN) platform. This made the process fully paperless, transparent, and traceable, setting a benchmark for future methanol bunkering operations at the port.
Strategic Licensing and Industry Readiness
The MPA issued five-year methanol bunkering licenses, valid through 2030, to Golden Island following a rigorous 2025 “Call for Applications.” Applicants were evaluated on:
- Supply Chain Reliability: Ensuring consistent sourcing and delivery of methanol.
- Operational Readiness: Proven capability of specialized bunker tankers.
- Safety Systems: Compliance with high-risk handling protocols for lower-flashpoint fuels.
- Sustainability Verification: Use of ISCC EU-certified green methanol.
Golden Island’s successful execution demonstrates both operational readiness and the port’s growing infrastructure to support alternative fuels.
Environmental Impact: Supporting Decarbonization
For Cargill, the Brave Pioneer represents the first of a fleet designed to test green methanol in dry bulk shipping. Project stakeholders estimate that using green methanol can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 70% compared to conventional marine fuels such as Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO).
“The successful bunkering milestone demonstrates the industry’s commitment to safety, operational excellence and decarbonization,” said the MPA. “It reinforces Singapore’s role as a sustainable multi-fuel bunkering hub supporting vessel operators in achieving their environmental objectives.”
Industry Collaboration and Future Outlook
Golden Island credited a coalition of partners, including Bureau Veritas, Ofiniti, Mitsui & Co., and Cargill, for ensuring the smooth execution of the operation. The MT Golden Antares is just the first of four dedicated methanol tankers, signaling an ongoing expansion of Singapore’s alternative fuel capabilities.
“This milestone underscores our commitment to advancing Singapore as a global multi-fuel bunkering hub,” Golden Island stated. “The success of this first commercial methanol stem paves the way for broader adoption of green fuels in the maritime sector.”
With Singapore now fully operational in commercial methanol bunkering, industry observers expect a steady increase in green fuel adoption, supporting the city-state’s ambitions as a sustainable, technologically advanced maritime hub.
About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
Established in 1996, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) develops Singapore as a global hub port and international maritime centre while safeguarding the nation’s strategic maritime interests. MPA serves as the maritime regulator, port planner, and international maritime representative, driving Singapore’s digitalisation and decarbonisation agenda.
Working closely with industry, academia, and other government agencies, MPA enhances safety, security, environmental protection, and manpower development to sustain Singapore’s maritime growth.
Golden Island: Pioneering Green Bunkering
Founded in 1982, Golden Island has a history of pioneering fuel transitions in the world’s largest bunkering port. The company was the first supplier in Singapore to offer Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (LSFO 0.5%) in 2019, ahead of the IMO 2020 deadline. The firm continues to set the pace for the low-carbon transition, ensuring the safe, compliant, and scalable supply of methanol alongside conventional and biofuel products.
Key Milestones & Roadmap to Net-Zero
- Licensed Methanol Supplier: Golden Island is one of only three companies awarded a five-year methanol bunkering license by the MPA Singapore.
- B100 Biofuel Deliveries: First and second deliveries to Estelle Maersk and Maersk Amazon using chemical tanker Golden Sirius in late 2025.
- Fleet Expansion: Four IMO Type II chemical tankers, Golden Antares, Golden Sirius, Golden Centaurus, and Golden Carina, operational in 2026.
- Golden Antares Arrival: In August 2025, First load 5,000 metric tonnes of ISCC-certified green methanol for MFM testing.
- Digital Transformation: Pioneered e-BDN in Singapore for enhancing transparency and efficiency in the bunkering process.
Source: Golden Island Pte Ltd | MPA Singapore