MPA Singapore seeking options to scale up LNG bunkering services

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has opened a call for Expression of Interest (EOI) for sea-based LNG reloading and supply of e/bio-methane as marine fuel in the Port of Singapore.

MPA launched the non-binding EOI on December 12, 2024, noting that LNG demand in 2024 in the Port of Singapore has increased, with more than 385,000 tonnes of LNG bunkered as of October 2024, surpassing the total volume of the past three years.

The port authority further stated it expected this demand to grow further with a growing global fleet of LNG dual-fueled vessels and competitive LNG bunker prices.

“MPA is therefore reviewing the current LNG bunker licensing regime and supply requirements to better serve the industry’s growing bunkering needs – including capacity and product offerings in the short-to-medium term, as well as new supply model(s) in the longer term,” MPA Singapore stated.

Through this EOI, the port authority aims to explore options for completing the existing efforts to facilitate the development of onshore LNG storage and jetty capabilities.

Furthermore, MPA wants to explore the expansion of sea-based reloading of LNG such as ship-to-ship reloading or other viable modes of operation.

MPA added it was also keen to explore the development of new concepts and use of floating platforms to further enhance safety and efficiency of multi-fuel bunkering operations and simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) in the Port of Singapore.

Additionally, the EOI aims to assess the further development of the use of methane-based alternatives (such as liquefied bio-methane) as marine fuel in the Singaporean port to support future shipping demands for methane-based alternatives with lower lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Therefore, MPA invited the interested parties to submit proposals in the following three areas:

• the potential for scaling up of sea-based reloading of LNG for use as a marine fuel in the Port of Singapore;
• the industry’s interest to supply e-/bio-methane in the Port of Singapore; and
• new concepts and use of floating platforms to increase bunkering safety and efficiency as well as incident response in the Port of Singapore.

As informed, proposals will be accepted by February 28, 2025.