Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) conducted a large-scale chemical spill drill simulating a methanol leak on 15 July, ahead of the upcoming issuance of the first batch of methanol bunkering licences.
This exercise tested safety protocols and emerging technologies, MPA said in a release on 15 July. The drill involved 11 vessels and over 150 personnel from more than 10 government agencies and industry stakeholders. The simulation was conducted off Singapore's southern coast and aimed to validate operational readiness ahead of commercial-scale methanol bunkering activity.
The MPA is currently evaluating 13 applications for its first methanol bunkering licences following an open call in March, it said in the release. The five-year licence, valid over 1 January 2026-31 December 2030, will be issued to firms meeting stringent criteria, particularly on bunkering safety and operational readiness.
MPA also plans to issue the licences in the fourth quarter of 2025, it said in the release. Only three to four bunker suppliers may be awarded, and prospective applicants are actively preparing for bunkering trials to increase their success rate, market sources said.
