Ethanol Bunkering in Singapore: From First Trials to Commercial Scale
Updated: 4 days ago
Singapore, 29 September 2026
This roundtable took place on 13 October 2026. Read the key takeaways from the roundtable, or watch the recording.
Register your interest to receive a copy of the Roadmap and a link to the on-demand recording.
The end of September 2026 marked another milestone for marine biofuels. POET and Maersk completed the first U.S. bunkering of 100% bioethanol for a commercial container vessel, the Tangier Maersk, in Houston. Kirby Corporation, the Port of Houston and the U.S. Coast Guard supported the operation. It adds to recent ethanol bunkering activity in Rotterdam, Barcelona and Santos.
These developments show that ethanol bunkering is moving beyond proof-of-concept. Houston also showed what the next phase requires: fuel suppliers, shipowners, logistics partners, port authorities and regulators working together. The focus is shifting towards operational readiness, supply chains, safety frameworks and the commercial conditions needed for regular adoption.
As the world's largest bunkering hub, Singapore is well positioned to lead this next phase. It has a track record in bunkering innovation and standards development, including mass flow metering and electronic bunker delivery notes. The industry is now exploring how ethanol bunkering can progress from individual trials to repeatable commercial operations.
To share insights and experience on how to move ethanol bunkering in Singapore from trials to commercial operations, the Maritime Ethanol & Methanol Alliance (MEMA), a platform of the Global Centre for Green Fuels (GCGF), will host a roundtable on the opening day of the 24th Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON) 2026, recognised as the world's largest and most influential marine fuel and bunkering event. The roundtable is supported by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
The roundtable will bring together senior stakeholders from across the marine fuels value chain, including shipowners, fuel producers, bunker operators, regulators, class societies, technology providers and financiers. The aim is to identify practical steps to support the responsible scaling of ethanol bunkering in Singapore and across the region.
When and where
MEMA Roundtable - Ethanol Bunkering in Singapore: From First Trials to Commercial Scale
Tuesday, 13 October 2026
Leo I Ballroom, Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore
Co-located with SIBCON 2026
Programme
Welcome and closing remarks from Clarence Woo, Managing Director, Global Centre for Green Fuels (GCGF)
Opening remarks from New Wei Siang, Director, International, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
A scene-setting presentation from Bureau Veritas, "Is Ethanol Ready for Marine Scale?", covering supply, carbon intensity, pricing, vessel uptake and global developments
Panel 1 – From Trial to Routine Bunkering: featuring panellists from IBIA, Hong Lam Marine, Stolthaven Singapore, DNV and Orient Marine, and a moderator from Lloyd's Register
A first-hand account of ethanol bunkering in Santos, Brazil, from Bunker Holding
A preview of the report, "A Study of Ethanol as a Marine Fuel for the United States", which GCGF developed in collaboration with the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and other industry partners
Panel 2 – From Fuel Availability to Bankable Demand: featuring panellists from LanzaTech, Marquis Energy, Wärtsilä, Bunker Holding, Copersucar, and PetroChina International (Singapore), and a moderator from S&P Global
Live audience polls, a summary of key takeaways, and a networking reception
Key takeaways will be published afterwards as a Roadmap for scaling ethanol bunkering in Singapore
Programme timing:
13:30 registration · 14:00–17:35 roundtable · 18:00–19:00 networking reception
Watch the Recording
Missed the roundtable? Watch the full livestream recording below.
Key Takeaways
Read the key takeaways from the roundtable, including insights from both panels and the audience polls.
Expression of Interest
Submit an Expression of Interest to receive:
a copy of the Roadmap for scaling ethanol bunkering in Singapore
updates on MEMA’s work on ethanol bunkering, including opportunities to contribute to our working groups