Singapore’s maritime authority is taking a strategic leap in the marine fuel sector, establishing for the first time a formal licensing framework for the supply of methanol from 1 January 2026.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), following a call for expressions of interest in March 2025, has proceeded to issue licenses, marking the start of large-scale methanol supply at the world’s most important bunkering port.
As the world’s largest bunkering hub, it reaffirms its leadership role by investing in cleaner fuels and shaping international shipping energy trends.
The licenses were granted by the Port Authority of Singapore to Global Energy Trading, Golden Island and PetroChina International (Singapore), which were selected from 13 candidate companies following a strict evaluation that examined the reliability of their supply chains, operational readiness, safety standards and the sustainability certification of their methanol.
The duration of the licenses will be five years (2026-2030), giving licensees sufficient time to develop infrastructure, enhance supply chains and implement the necessary investments, as the methanol market enters a phase of dynamic growth.
At the same time, the MPA stated that it will continue to update the licensing framework, incorporating technological developments, international standards and practical experience, so that the system remains strong, flexible and fully harmonized with the global requirements of green shipping.
However, it should be noted that Singapore is not the only country moving in this direction.
According to the latest information, in Europe, the ports of Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Antwerp-Bruges have officially approved the provision of methanol as fuel, while Hamburg has licensed ship-to-ship refueling at the Waltershofer Hafen container terminal.
Denmark now has the first commercial e-methanol plant, paving the way for Maersk’s newbuildings, while Norway has entered into partnerships for local supply.
In Asia, China has established the first national standards for marine methanol and is already carrying out green bunkering in Tianjin, Yangpu and Shanghai, while South Korea has developed such operational capabilities in the port of Ulsan.
India is also moving forward with the creation of a green bunkering plant.
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