Singapore Advances Digital Bunkering MFM Automation | Mariner News

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will issue a grant call in November 2026 to facilitate trials for the second phase of its digital bunkering initiative. This phase aims to automate the flow of bunkering data directly from mass flow metering (MFM) systems to industry stakeholders and regulators.

This marks a significant strategic pivot, moving beyond the digital documentation introduced in Phase 1 (electronic bunker delivery notes became default in April 2025) towards a fully automated and trusted data ecosystem. The immediate objective is to reduce manual data entry, thereby substantially improving data integrity across the bunkering supply chain.

For bunker craft operators, this development signals a heightened emphasis on technological integration and data transparency. Licensed operators, in partnership with technology providers, will be able to apply for grants, suggesting a potential competitive advantage for those capable of seamless MFM data transmission and system integration. This also implies increased investment in digital infrastructure will be necessary to remain competitive within the world’s largest bunkering port.

The automation of MFM data flow is poised to enhance regulatory oversight, providing the MPA with more immediate and comprehensive visibility into bunkering operations. This shift from retrospective document checks to proactive, data-driven monitoring can significantly bolster Singapore’s reputation for stringent compliance and reduced quantity disputes, setting a higher global benchmark for bunkering practices.

Further reinforcing this digital transformation, the MPA plans to roll out Bunker Supplier Management System 2.0 in the second quarter of 2027. This upgraded platform will centralize bunkering-related regulatory transactions, license applications, and submissions, integrating regulatory processes within the broader digital framework.