THE Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is seeking proposals for end-to-end methanol bunkering solutions in the Republic from 2025, it said on Thursday (Dec 14).

This is to ensure the Port of Singapore has a resilient supply of methanol to meet its international bunkering needs as more methanol-capable vessels get delivered in the coming years.

It has launched an expression of interest (EOI) exercise focusing on methanol supply sources, methanol bunkering operational models for commercial scale, and alternatives to the physical transfer of methanol molecules to Singapore, such as mass balancing.

Methanol bunkering operation models include the storage, supply and delivery of methanol in Singapore, and the required manpower and expertise for methanol bunkering operations.

MPA chief executive Teo Eng Dih said the launch of the EOI marks an important step towards the development of a methanol licensing framework to enable the supply of methanol at scale in the Port of Singapore.

The authority is also working with industry partners to study methanol supplies; infrastructure requirements, such as terminal facilities and methanol-carrying bunker tankers; seafarers training; and bunkering standards.

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In July, Singapore conducted its first methanol bunkering operation. The move was a significant milestone for the Republic in its move towards a multi-fuel approach in the future, MPA said at the time.

All proposals must be submitted by 3 pm on Feb 29, 2024.