The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced on Mar 6 that bio-bunkers with a bio-blended up to 30% can be transported and supplied using existing bunker barges in Singapore. This decision aligned with discussions at the 12th session of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Pollution Prevention and Response Sub-Committee (PPR 12), which considered allowing the transport of bio-bunkers with a bio-blended up to 30% using existing bunker barges. If this measure is approved at the upcoming 83rd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) in April, the supply of biofuels with a bio-blend up to 30% using existing barges will effectively be possible at all IMO member state ports. Ahead of this formal approval, the MPA has independently implemented the measure.
Starting March 7, all MPA-licensed bunker suppliers and bunker craft operators would be able to transport and deliver bio-bunkers with up to 30% of bio-content using their fuel oil bunker barges. In Europe and South Korea, bio-bunkers with a 30% bio-blend (B30) have already been supplied. Particularly in Europe, where FuelEU Maritime has been implemented, B30 bio-bunker sales have already begun as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, market participants concerned that there might be few buyers in Asia willing to proactively procure B30 bio-bunkers due to their high cost.