Singapore will strengthen its efforts to digitalize operations, continue investing in trials of next-generation fuels and pursue new initiatives toward net zero as part of its future response to the marine fuel (bunker fuel) market. Murali Pillai, Senior Minister of State for Law and Transport, said this in a keynote speech at the Singapore International Bunkering Conference (SIBCON), held in Singapore from Oct 13 to 15. SIBCON is a major international bunkering conference held biennially and organized by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

On digital bunkering, Singapore will build a digital data ecosystem that captures bunkering data at source and automates the flow of this data with end-to-end security as it is transmitted to various parties in the value chain. The initiative will enable various data and documents, including fuel measurements recorded by mass flow meters (MFMs), to be transferred directly to the port authority's data system via smartphones and other devices. The initiative is expected to be launched soon.

As part of its efforts to promote next-generation fuels, two demonstration projects for ammonia bunkering involving Japanese shipping companies and trading houses are scheduled to start next year. Separately, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the CMA CGM Group and Singapore LNG Corporation Pte Ltd (SLNG) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the supply and use of liquefied bio-methane as a marine fuel in Singapore.

Toward net zero, Singapore will promote the electrification of small vessels and harbor craft operating within its port waters. From January 2027, the government will introduce the Early Adopter Scheme for Electric Harbor Craft (EASE) to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The scheme will include subsidies of SGD 250 per kWh to cover part of the cost of batteries.