Singapore has taken a major step towards expanding lower-carbon fuel options in global shipping, completing the world’s largest single ethanol bunkering operation at PSA’s Pasir Panjang Terminal on 17 October.

 

The operation saw Maersk Halifax, a Singapore-registered dual-fuel container vessel, receive approximately 5,000 metric tonnes of ISCC-certified bioethanol from Golden Island’s Singapore-registered chemical tanker, M.T. Golden Centaurus.

 

The landmark operation was carried out with container cargo handling continuing simultaneously, demonstrating how alternative marine fuels could be supplied without interrupting terminal operations. The bioethanol transfer was measured using a mass flow meter (MFM).

 

The operation was conducted by Maersk, Golden Island Pte Ltd. and PSA Singapore, with support from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

 

Beyond setting a global volume record, the trial will help Singapore assess the technical standards, safety procedures and infrastructure needed to support ethanol as another marine fuel option.

 

The operation will generate data to determine how Singapore’s existing technical reference for methanol bunkering, TR 129, could be adapted for ethanol. The findings will also help establish whether existing mass flow meter systems can be used for future ethanol bunkering operations.

 

Ethanol shares similar handling characteristics with methanol and can be used in methanol-capable engines, subject to the necessary modifications. Its potential adoption could widen the range of lower-carbon fuels available to shipping companies pursuing decarbonisation.

 

MPA Chief Executive Ang Wee Keong said, "This operation allows us to test how Singapore’s experience and existing infrastructure for methanol bunkering can support another emerging marine fuel. The findings will help us develop the standards and procedures needed for safe and efficient ethanol bunkering, as we continue to prepare Singapore for a multi-fuel future.”

 

Maersk, which is pursuing a multi-fuel strategy, said the trial reflects the need to explore different pathways to cut emissions across the shipping industry.

 

"The energy transition requires us to explore and scale solutions that can deliver real-world impact," said Emma Mazhari, Head of Energy Markets, Maersk. "At Maersk, we continue to pursue a multi-fuel strategy because we recognise that no single fuel pathway can decarbonise global shipping on its own.”

 

Before the operation, the participating parties conducted a Hazard Identification and Hazard and Operability Study workshop to assess risks and operational requirements.

 

MPA also worked with stakeholders to ensure crews were trained in handling the fuel and responding to emergencies, drawing on experience gained from methanol bunkering.

 

Golden Island Managing Director Johnny Tan said the operation demonstrated the company's ability to deliver a large-scale ethanol transfer while maintaining safety and operational efficiency.

 

"We are proud to have delivered Singapore's first ethanol bunkering, and to have done it alongside live cargo operations, using a mass flow meter. Our crew and Golden Centaurus built on what we learned in methanol bunkering and followed the same safety-first discipline. 

 

"That let us deliver the largest single ethanol bunker to date safely and on time. We thank MPA, Maersk and PSA for their close collaboration. Golden Island will keep investing in the people, vessels and know-how needed to supply lower-carbon fuels, so that customers can choose the fuel that best meets their decarbonisation goals in the Port of Singapore.”

 

For PSA Singapore, the successful integration of ethanol bunkering with live container operations offers practical insights into how new marine fuels can be introduced at busy terminals without compromising safety or efficiency.

 

Nelson Quek, Regional CEO Southeast Asia, PSA International, said, “The successful completion of the SIMOPS at Pasir Panjang Terminal marks an important step in advancing our operational readiness for a wider range of lower-carbon fuel options, supporting PSA’s commitment to sustainability and the maritime industry’s decarbonisation efforts. 

 

"Safety remains our foremost priority, and this operation provides valuable insights into how ethanol bunkering can be safely integrated with container terminal operations. PSA Singapore will continue to work closely with our partners to strengthen our capabilities, build operational resilience, and support the safe, efficient, and scalable adoption of new marine fuels as we enable a more sustainable maritime ecosystem.”

 

The record-setting operation positions Singapore to further develop its capabilities in alternative marine fuels as the shipping industry explores ways to reduce emissions. The next step will be to translate the operational findings into standards and procedures that can support the safe, efficient and potentially scalable use of ethanol bunkering.