Singapore advances maritime bunkering standards at SIBCON 2026

At the 24th Singapore International Bunkering Conference (SIBCON 2026), maritime leaders discussed the transition toward multi-fuel capabilities and the critical need for data integrity in digital bunkering systems.

To support ammonia bunkering, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Enterprise Singapore launched a new Technical Reference (TR 148). This standard covers safety, bunkering procedures, and personnel competencies. The Pilbara Ports Authority in Australia will collaborate with Singapore to validate these standards through shared operational experience and bunkering trials.

Discussions also highlighted the shift from measurement integrity to data integrity. Experts emphasized that as bunkering becomes more digital, the industry must address cyber-security risks and system fragmentation. The panel suggested that interoperability between different platforms is more vital than creating new ones, allowing a digital Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) to incorporate multiple sources of truth, such as meter readings, terminal data, and surveyor reports. Additionally, AI is being recognized for its ability to reconcile various data points and spot anomalies in barge systems.