MPA to release updated biofuels standard, mandate zero-emission tugs

The Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) plans to update its provisional biofuel quality standard to cover biofuels blended in higher ratios.

PHOTO: Cargo terminal at the Port of Singapore. Getty Images

The MPA released its provisional standards for biofuel blends of up to B50 (up to 50% biofuel blended with 50% conventional marine fuel). The port authority will gradually be updating its biofuel standards to cover all higher-ratio biofuel blends once a series of trials runs have been completed by 2025.

The port authority is also working with industry partners to scale up biofuel consumption on tugboats and other harbour crafts. From 2030 onwards, all harbour crafts must either be fully electric or run on net-zero alternative fuels such as B100 (100% biofuel) or hydrogen-based fuels, the MPA says.

Commercial sales of biofuel blends of up to B24 are currently available in Singapore. This is primarily because of an IMO regulation that limits sea-going bunker barges from supplying biofuel blends of more than B25.

By Nithin Chandran

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