Post by : Badri Ariffin

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will issue eight new licences for the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel starting from 1 September 2026. The move is aimed at increasing Singapore’s LNG bunkering capacity while strengthening the ecosystem needed to support the growing demand for cleaner marine fuel services.

According to the MPA, the licences are part of its efforts to ensure the country is prepared to meet the increasing needs of the maritime industry through a stronger and more reliable LNG fuel supply network.

Eight Companies Awarded LNG Supply Licences

The eight companies selected to receive the new LNG bunkering licences are:

• Aramco Trading Singapore
• Equatorial Marine Fuel Management Services
• ExxonMobil Asia Pacific
• PetroChina International (Singapore)
• Shell Eastern Trading
• Sinopec Fuel Oil (Singapore)
• TotalEnergies Gas & Power Asia (TEGPA)–Sembcorp Fuels (Singapore) Joint Venture
• Vitol Bunkers (S)

These companies will be authorised to supply LNG as a marine fuel under licences that will remain valid for five years, from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2031. The licences will continue only if the companies meet all applicable licensing requirements throughout the period.

Singapore to Upgrade LNG Bunkering Standards

Alongside the new licensing programme, the MPA and Enterprise Singapore will also improve the existing Technical Reference for LNG Bunkering (TR56).

Working through the Singapore Standards Council, the organisations will upgrade TR56 into an official Singapore Standard (SS) in August 2026.

The new standard is intended to strengthen key areas of LNG bunkering operations, including safety requirements, bunkering procedures, custody transfer processes, and crew competency requirements. It will also serve as a common industry reference for LNG bunkering activities carried out in Singapore.

Supporting Future Growth of LNG Marine Fuel Services

The introduction of the new licences and the updated Singapore Standard reflects Singapore’s continued efforts to build a stronger LNG bunkering ecosystem. By expanding supply capacity and improving operational standards, the initiatives are designed to support the increasing demand for LNG as a marine fuel while maintaining consistent industry practices.

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