Alternative fuel · Sourcing enquiry

Methanol Bunkering Coordination in Singapore

Sourcing enquiries for methanol dual-fuel vessels under the MPA’s methanol bunkering licensing framework. Availability and capability are confirmed for every enquiry.

Methanol bunkering in Singapore

Methanol bunkering in Singapore is carried out by bunker suppliers licensed by the MPA specifically for methanol. Licences took effect on 1 January 2026 for three suppliers, valid to 31 December 2030. SingaporeBunker.com treats methanol as a sourcing and coordination enquiry: we check licensed supplier capability for your vessel, quantity and date before any offer is made.

Methanol is an alcohol fuel that is liquid at ambient temperature, which makes it easier to store than LNG. Its climate benefit depends on how it is made: grey methanol from natural gas offers little GHG advantage, while bio-methanol and e-methanol can deliver large well-to-wake reductions. A growing number of container ships and other vessels have been delivered with methanol dual-fuel engines.

The MPA launched Technical Reference TR 129 for methanol bunkering in March 2025, together with standards for methanol bunker tankers, and then ran a call for applications for methanol bunker supply licences. Licensees were assessed on supply chain reliability, operational readiness, safety and the sustainability certification of the methanol they supply, and must operate as both bunker supplier and bunker craft operator, with at least one IMO Type 2 chemical tanker.

Sourcing enquiry, not confirmed capability. Methanol supply volumes in Singapore are still developing. An enquiry starts a capability and availability check. It is not a confirmation that methanol can be delivered.

Licensing information from MPA announcements, checked October 2026.

Specifications

Methanol quality, quantity and sustainability

Quality

Methanol is outside ISO 8217. Purity is typically specified against commercial methanol specifications or the dedicated ISO specification for methanol as a marine fuel (ISO 6583), along with any engine maker requirements on water and impurities.

Pathway and certification

For emissions reporting, the production pathway matters as much as the fuel. Ask for the certification scheme, the GHG intensity value and the documents that will accompany the delivery.

Quantity

Methanol has roughly half the energy density of conventional fuel oil by mass, so quantities are much larger for the same voyage. Size the enquiry from the expected consumption, not from conventional fuel tonnage.

Vessel applications

Vessels that enquire about methanol

Methanol dual-fuel container ships

Newbuild liner tonnage designed to run on methanol or conventional fuel.

Chemical and product tankers

Tankers with methanol-capable engines, including vessels that trade methanol as cargo.

Pilot programmes

Owners testing methanol on specific routes or vessels.

Operational considerations

Safety and operational considerations

Toxicity and flammability. Methanol is toxic and has a low flash point. Transfer is carried out under specific safety procedures.
Invisible flame. Methanol burns with a nearly invisible flame, which affects fire detection and response planning.
Bunker tankers. Methanol is delivered by tankers approved to carry it, such as IMO Type 2 chemical tankers under the Singapore licensing conditions.
Pilot fuel. Dual-fuel engines need a conventional pilot fuel. Include it in the enquiry.

Procurement & delivery

How methanol enquiries are handled

You send the vessel, quantity, grade, certification and timing.
We check availability with licensed methanol bunker suppliers.
Where supply is possible, we obtain an offer stating grade, quantity, price basis, documentation and delivery window.
Once confirmed, we coordinate nomination, safety documentation and communication with the agent and supplier.

For other alternatives, see LNG bunkering coordination and marine biofuel blends.

Methanol bunkering FAQs

Is methanol bunkering available in Singapore?

Yes, through bunker suppliers licensed by the MPA for methanol from 1 January 2026. Availability for a particular vessel, quantity and date still has to be confirmed for each enquiry.

Does SingaporeBunker.com supply methanol?

We handle methanol as a sourcing and coordination enquiry. Delivery is made by an MPA-licensed methanol bunker supplier.

Why is a methanol stem so much larger?

Methanol contains roughly half the energy of fuel oil per tonne, so a vessel needs about twice the mass for the same energy.

Send a methanol bunkering enquiry

Give us the vessel, quantity, certification and timing. We will check licensed supplier capability and come back to you.