The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has awarded eight new LNG bunkering licences to major energy firms to expand capacity and reinforce its multi-fuel hub status. Effective September 2026, the five-year licences emphasize stringent safety, methane mitigation, and the future integration of bio- and e-methane.
Singapore | July 30, 2026 – In a landmark move to accelerate maritime decarbonisation and future-proof its maritime infrastructure, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has announced the awarding of eight new liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering licences.
Effective 1 September 2026, the five-year licences, running through 31 August 2031, mark a pivotal expansion in Singapore’s strategic transition toward a robust, multi-fuel bunkering hub. The announcement concludes a competitive Call for Applications launched earlier this year on 14 January 2026.
Elite Industry Leaders Chosen for Expansion
Following a rigorous evaluation of their global supply capabilities, commercial viability, robust operational experience, and stringent safety standards, eight major energy and marine fuel players have secured the coveted licences:
- Aramco Trading Singapore
- Equatorial Marine Fuel Management Services
- ExxonMobil Asia Pacific
- PetroChina International (Singapore)
- Shell Eastern Trading
- Sinopec Fuel Oil (Singapore)
- TotalEnergies Gas & Power Asia (TEGPA) – Sembcorp Fuels (Singapore) Joint Venture
- Vitol Bunkers (S)
These licensees will be mandated to provide comprehensive, end-to-end LNG bunkering services encompassing fuel procurement, dedicated storage, intricate cargo transfer, and ship-to-ship delivery operations. Existing licence holders will continue operations seamlessly until their transition concludes at the end of the year.
Focusing on Methane Mitigation and Future Fuels
A defining characteristic of this latest licensing round is MPA’s forward-looking emphasis on environmental integrity. Beyond conventional operational metrics, the evaluation framework heavily weighed applicants’ capabilities to monitor and actively mitigate methane slip, a critical environmental hurdle for gas-powered propulsion.
Furthermore, the selected firms are expected to champion the supply of lower-lifecycle greenhouse gas alternatives, including liquefied bio-methane (LBM) and synthetic e-methane, aligning with international mandates to achieve net-zero shipping emissions.
Elevating Safety: From Technical Reference to Singapore Standard
To match this massive expansion in physical capacity and green fuel integration, regulatory frameworks are being elevated concurrently. In August 2026, MPA and Enterprise Singapore, operating through the Singapore Standards Council, will officially upgrade the existing Technical Reference for LNG Bunkering (TR56) into a full-fledged Singapore Standard (SS).
The newly minted SS will enforce tighter benchmarks across:
- Advanced safety protocols and engineering controls
- Standardised bunkering procedures
- Accurate custody transfer measurements
- Enhanced competency frameworks for marine crews
By establishing this unified industry reference, Singapore aims to provide unmatched operational transparency and bolster confidence among shipowners navigating the complex energy transition.
About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
Established in 1996, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has the core mission of developing Singapore as a global hub port and international maritime centre, while advancing and safeguarding the nation’s strategic maritime interests. MPA fulfills multiple critical roles, acting as Singapore’s maritime and port regulator and planner, international maritime centre champion, national maritime representative, and a leading advocate for maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation efforts.
To achieve these goals, MPA partners with industry leaders, the research community, and various government agencies to enhance safety, security, and environmental protection. It also facilitates maritime and port operations and growth, expands multi-domain capabilities, and strongly supports the cluster of maritime services and workforce development.
Source: MPA Singapore