The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has taken a significant step towards incorporating methanol as a marine bunker fuel in the Port of Singapore. On 14 December 2023, MPA issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) inviting proposals from interested parties to supply methanol for marine bunkering in Singapore.
The EOI is designed to gather proposals for the implementation of end-to-end methanol bunkering solutions in Singapore, with the target of commencing operations by 2025. The move is in anticipation of the expected delivery of methanol-capable vessels in the coming years, addressing the growing international bunkering needs in the Port of Singapore.
The EOI focuses on three critical areas: methanol supply sources, methanol bunkering operation models at a commercial scale in Singapore, and alternatives to the physical transfer of methanol molecules, such as mass balancing. MPA will evaluate the viability of various solutions proposed, shaping the development of MPA’s methanol bunkering licensing framework.
This announcement follows the successful completion of the world’s first ship-to-containership methanol bunkering operation on 27 July 2023 in Singapore. In addition to the Technical Reference (TR) for methanol bunkering, MPA is collaborating with industry partners to study methanol supplies, infrastructure requirements, seafarers training, and bunkering standards. These efforts contribute to the broader initiative to operationalize methanol bunkering and supply methanol at scale in the Port of Singapore.
Mr. Teo Eng Dih, MPA Chief Executive, stated, “The launch of this EOI marks an important step towards the development of a methanol licensing framework to enable the supply of methanol at scale in the Port of Singapore. We look forward to working closely with interested parties on this effort, which will be integral to helping international shipping transition to green energy.”
Interested parties can access or download the EOI documents on MPA’s website at https://go.gov.sg/mpa-eoi-supply-methanol-bunkering. Queries are to be submitted to the MPA point-of-contacts stated in the EOI documents by 20 February 2024, and proposals must be submitted by 29 February 2024, 3:00 pm (Singapore time).
Key Points:
- EOI Objectives: The EOI seeks proposals for methanol bunkering solutions in Singapore, with a focus on supply sources, bunkering operation models, and alternatives to physical transfer.
- Milestone Achievement: The EOI follows the world’s first ship-to-containership methanol bunkering operation in Singapore on 27 July 2023.
- Collaborative Efforts: MPA is working with industry partners to study methanol supplies, infrastructure requirements, seafarers training, and bunkering standards.
- CEO Statement: Mr. Teo Eng Dih emphasizes the importance of the EOI in developing a methanol licensing framework for the Port of Singapore.
- Submission Details: Interested parties can access EOI documents on MPA’s website, with queries due by 20 February 2024, and proposals by 29 February 2024.
Source MPA Singapore