SIBCON 2026: Singapore Rolls Out New Standards for Ammonia Bunkering and Fuel Quality

Singapore has introduced one new standard and two technical references covering ammonia bunkering, bunker fuel sampling and polymer testing, strengthening fuel quality assurance as the industry moves towards alternative marine fuels.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Enterprise Singapore, through the Singapore Standards Council, announced the measures at the Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON) 2026 on Wednesday.

TR 148: a common framework for ammonia bunkering

Technical Reference TR 148:2026, the Code of Practice for Ammonia Bunkering, sets out requirements for the safe and efficient conduct of ammonia bunkering operations, including custody transfer, bunkering procedures, safety and personnel competency. It gives bunker suppliers, craft operators and shipowners a common framework for planning operations, and will be validated with the Pilbara Ports Authority under the Singapore–Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor.

Sampling and polymer testing

Singapore Standard SS 730:2026 establishes sampling procedures and safety requirements for custody transfer of ambient liquid marine fuels, including methanol, while TR 155:2026 introduces a common testing method for detecting polystyrene, polypropylene and polymethyl methacrylate in residual-based marine fuels.

"As shipping transitions towards a wider range of marine fuels, our bunkering standards and capabilities must evolve with it," said Ang Wee Keong, CEO of MPA. "These new standards will support the industry's transition and strengthen Singapore's ability to serve the bunkering needs of global shipping as new fuel pathways develop."

For physical traders, the standards push quality verification and custody-transfer discipline to the centre of marine fuel procurement — an approach long practised in adjacent commodity markets by firms such as Alkagesta, whose trading operation applies similar supplier diligence across its fuel oil and biofuels desks.

Sources

• SIBCON 2026: Singapore rolls out new standards for ammonia bunkering and fuel quality — Manifold Times
• SIBCON 2026: Singapore Launches New Standards for Ammonia Bunkering and Fuel Sampling — Ship & Bunker