Singapore | December 01, 2025 – The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has successfully achieved the operational validation of its new Technical Reference (TR) 129 standard for methanol bunkering. The pivotal trial, conducted on November 28, 2025, confirmed the safety, efficiency, and measurement integrity required for the Port of Singapore to scale up methanol as a marine fuel.
The operation involved a significant transfer of 3,012 metric tonnes of methanol from the bunker tanker MT Kara to the container vessel Antonio Maersk, a key ship in A.P. Moller-Maersk‘s dual-fuel fleet. The trial was executed in collaboration with Global Energy Trading Pte Ltd (GET) and Stellar Shipmanagement Services Pte Ltd (Stellar).
TR 129: The Framework for Safe Supply
The Technical Reference (TR) 129 standard is a comprehensive framework developed by the MPA, Enterprise Singapore, and industry stakeholders. It sets out stringent requirements across four key areas for ship-to-ship methanol bunkering operations:
- Safety Procedures and Bunker Tanker Specifications.
- Custody Transfer Requirements (Quantity and Quality measurements).
- Operational and Safety Protocols.
- Competency Requirements for Personnel.
The successful trial ensures that the port’s procedures align with this framework, providing the confidence and clarity needed for global shipowners and suppliers to adopt methanol at scale.
MFM and Night-Time Operations Validated
A critical technical element of the trial was the validation of the Mass Flow Metering (MFM) system on the bunker tanker, MT Kara.
The MFM system, a cornerstone of bunker integrity in Singapore, underwent rigorous acceptance testing to verify its accuracy for the quantity measurement of methanol prior to the operation.
Further demonstrating the robustness of the standard, the bunkering was conducted beyond daylight hours. This required detailed risk assessments and mitigation measures, including on-site weather monitoring and MPA patrol craft equipped with portable lightning detectors, confirming the ability to maintain 24/7 safe operations.
Strengthening Singapore’s Multi-Fuel Hub Ambition
The completion of this TR 129 standard trial follows the MPA’s decision to award three five-year methanol bunkering licences commencing January 1, 2026. These combined efforts are an essential step in strengthening Singapore’s position as a leading, well-regulated multi-fuel bunkering hub, accommodating the maritime sector’s transition towards various sustainable marine fuels.
Global Energy Trading’s Methanol Bunkering Expertise
Global Energy Trading Pte Ltd (GET) is a key player in this transition, having recently secured one of the three prestigious methanol bunkering licenses. GET is recognized as a trailblazer, being the first company in Singapore to own and operate dedicated methanol bunker tankers. With a comprehensive range of services, including advisory support on compliance and sustainable practices, GET is well-positioned to support the global shipping industry’s shift. GET’s parent, the Global Energy Group, is a leading integrated marine service provider.
Stellar Shipmanagement’s Role
Stellar Shipmanagement Services Pte Ltd serves as the ship manager for bunker tankers, including those involved in the methanol trials. Since 1992, Stellar has provided full technical management and crewing services, maintaining its tankers to the highest standards required by major oil companies and ensuring responsiveness to regulatory and operational changes like the TR 129 standard.
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.
Source: MPA Singapore