This growth was partly driven by the diversion of Asia-Europe shipping routes around the Cape of Good Hope due to disruptions in the Red Sea.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) highlighted that Singapore maintained its position as the world’s largest bunkering port, supplying over 16% of global shipping fuel.
Notably, the sale of biofuel blends increased from 0.52 million tonnes in 2023 to 0.88 million tonnes. Biofuel blends of up to B50 are now commercially available, with trials for B100 ongoing.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering saw a significant rise, from 0.11 million tonnes in 2023 to 0.46 million tonnes in 2024.
In December 2024, an Expression of Interest was launched to explore scalable solutions for sea-based LNG reloading, which would complement existing onshore LNG storage and jetty facilities in Singapore, and support the supply of e-/bio methane as marine fuel.
Methanol was available on a commercial scale, with 1,626 tonnes bunkered, while ammonia was also tested in global trials with 9.74 tonnes bunkered for the first time at the Port of Singapore.
In March 2024, Fortescue, supported by MPA, conducted the world’s first use of ammonia combined with diesel as marine fuel aboard the Singapore-flagged vessel, Fortescue Green Pioneer.
To support ammonia bunkering, Singapore's EnterpriseSG and MPA are working on developing standards for ammonia bunkering, with a target completion date of 2025. A lead developer for a low- or zero-carbon ammonia power generation and bunkering solution on Jurong Island is expected to be announced in 2025.
MPA also collaborated with international partners to develop interim guidelines for ammonia use as fuel, which were adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) during its 109th session in December 2024.
In May 2024, Singapore conducted its first simultaneous methanol bunkering and cargo operations (SIMOPS) at Tuas Port. The trial included the use of mass flow metering (MFM) and digital bunkering technologies. MPA is working on a technical reference for methanol bunkering, which will outline safety procedures, crew competencies, and the necessary documentation standards.
In 2024, 29 Singapore-flagged vessels from 12 companies received Green Ship Certificates under the Green Ship Programme.
In April 2024, Eastern Pacific Shipping signed an MoU with MPA to register several ammonia dual-fuel new builds under the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) upon delivery. More vessels using alternative fuels are expected to follow suit in the coming years.
