MPA unveils steps to drive transformation in bunkering 

This includes a provisional national quality standard for marine biofuel.

The Maritime Port Authority (MPA) has taken several steps to address near-term challenges for the bunkering sector.

Amongst these steps include the provisional national quality standard for marine biofuel to support the development of biofuel bunkering.

As per the MPA Port Marine Circular No. 21 of 2022, all bunker fuels supplied in the Port of Singapore shall meet ISO 8217 standards. 

“The ISO 8217 is being revised to include additional requirements for blends of distillate and residual fuel oils with fatty acid methyl ester(s). This national standard has been developed under the purview of the Chemical Standards Committee (CSC), a committee under the Singapore Standards Council,” the MPA said.

“Bunker suppliers, bunker craft operators, bunker surveyors, shipowners, buyers, fuel oil testing laboratories are encouraged to make use of this standard,” it added.

MPA is also working with the Technical Committee for Bunkering to study the impact of biofuel on the metrological accuracy of Mass Flow Meters.

MPA also unveiled plans to amend the SS 648: 2019 Code of Practice for Bunker Mass Flow Metering to include biofuels within its scope.

Meanwhile, MPA said it will continue to collaborate with public and private sector partners to accelerate the trials and adoption of methanol, ammonia and hydrogen derived from renewables as well as biofuels to support Singapore's domestic and international sustainability goals.