MPA Singapore invites proposals for methanol bunker supply

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has called for an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the supply of methanol as a marine bunker fuel in the Port of Singapore.

The EOI seeks to gather proposals for end-to-end methanol bunkering solutions, scheduled to be implemented in Singapore in 2025.

This includes methanol storage, supply and delivery of methanol, quality assurance plans, safe handling of methanol and emergency response measures, and the required manpower and expertise for methanol bunkering operations in the Port of Singapore.

This initiative aims to secure a resilient methanol supply, aligning with the anticipated influx of methanol-capable vessels in the coming years, thereby addressing the international bunkering needs in the Port of Singapore.

The EOI focuses on three crucial areas: methanol supply sources, the operational model for methanol bunkering at a commercial scale in Singapore, and alternatives to physical methanol transfer to the port, including innovative concepts such as mass balancing.

“MPA will assess the viability of various solutions in the proposals received, which will also inform and shape the development of MPA’s methanol bunkering licensing framework,” the port authority said in an announcement.

This initiative follows the successful completion of the world’s inaugural ship-to-containership methanol bunkering operation on 27 July 2023 in Singapore.

“The launch of this EOI marks an important step towards 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 help international shipping transit to green energy,” Teo Eng Dih, MPA Chief Executive said.

In addition to the forthcoming Technical Reference (TR) for methanol bunkering, the MPA is also working with industry partners to explore methanol supplies, essential infrastructure requirements, seafarer training, and bunkering standards. These efforts form part of a broader strategy to facilitate the seamless operationalization of methanol bunkering and scale up methanol supply in the Port of Singapore.

Interested parties are encouraged to access or download the EOI documents from the MPA’s official website. Proposals are due by 29 February 2024.

The announcement comes on the heels of yesterday’s delivery of MT Maple, Singapore’s first dedicated methanol bunkering vessel.

The 4,000 dwt IMO Type 2 chemical and oil tanker, classed by Bureau Veritas, was built by Sasaki Shipbuilding Co., Hiroshima, Japan for Stellar Shipmanagement Services Pte, a wholly owned subsidiary of Global Energy Group.

The new bunkering tanker is scheduled to join the GET fleet by the end of 2023.