SIBCON 2026: Biofuels and Fuel Flexibility Shape Bunkering’s Next Chapter

The Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON) returned to Singapore on October 13–15, bringing the marine fuels community together to address one of shipping's most consequential challenges: supplying the energy needed to keep global trade moving while reducing emissions. Organized by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the event provides an important meeting place for fuel suppliers, shipowners, regulators, and technology providers.

It was a pleasure to support SIBCON and its work to advance a resilient, increasingly sustainable bunkering industry. This year's theme, "Charting a Resilient Multi-Fuel Future," reflected the practical decisions businesses across the maritime value chain face.

The discussions pointed toward a future in which several fuels coexist, with different adoption timelines and commercial requirements. Biofuels have an important near-term role, while investment in other renewable pathways continues. Across these options, progress depends on dependable supply, credible sustainability documentation, and an economic case that works for both fuel producers and vessel operators.

Key Takeaways

• Biofuels remain central to near-term maritime decarbonization, although storage requirements, feedstock competition, and operational constraints affect uptake.
• Fuel flexibility is shaping fleet investment as owners weigh long vessel lifespans against uncertainty over future fuel availability and regulation.
• Singapore is advancing several fuel pathways, with initiatives covering bioethanol, liquefied biomethane, and ammonia.
• Trustworthy regulation and transparent data are essential to turn investment interest into dependable renewable fuel supply.

Why Is Shipping Preparing for a Wider Fuel Mix?

A recurring message at SIBCON was that shipping's energy transition will involve a broader range of fuels, with conventional fuels and renewable alternatives operating alongside one another for years.

Participants generally viewed biofuels as one of the strongest near-term options. However, expectations for how quickly other pathways could scale varied. Some speakers cautioned that the overall marine fuel mix might change relatively slowly over the next five years.

For shipowners investing in assets with operating lives of 20–30 years, that uncertainty matters. Several companies emphasized a fuel-agnostic approach and the value of dual-fuel vessels in preserving future choices. Flexibility comes at a cost, but it can reduce exposure to a fuel pathway that develops more slowly than expected.

Vessel capability alone will not deliver emissions reductions. Ships must also have access to suitable fuel at the ports they use, in dependable quantities and at commercially workable prices. Connecting fleet investment with fuel production and bunkering infrastructure remains a central challenge.

What Is Happening in the Bio-Bunkering Market?

The discussions showed a bio-bunkering market with an established commercial presence and considerable growth potential. But it also faces substantial operational pressures.

Several participants reported that bio-bunker use had declined following Middle East supply disruptions earlier this year, as operators prioritized essential fuel needs. They did not agree that this weakness would persist over the longer term.

Price was only part of the explanation. Participants also cited dedicated storage arrangements and the need for rapid inventory turnover as reasons some businesses had temporarily stepped back from marine biofuels. These observations underline why adoption depends on the full delivery chain, including terminal capacity, inventory management, and vessel schedules.

Fuel quality drew a similarly nuanced discussion. Speakers praised biofuels' technical performance and reported positive experience in Singapore. Meanwhile, one market participant raised concerns about deteriorating quality following the supply disruption. Maintaining buyer confidence requires consistent testing, clear specifications, and traceability as supply chains change.

Feedstock Supply and Compliance Value Will Shape Growth

Views differed on whether sustainable feedstocks could support shipping's longer-term ambitions. Some participants expressed confidence in the available waste resource base, particularly for biomethane production. Others emphasized physical supply limitations and competition with aviation for eligible feedstocks.

For the bio-bunkering market, this makes feedstock eligibility and documented sustainability commercially significant. Buyers need confidence that a fuel’s environmental attributes will be recognized under the rules relevant to their operations.

Participants also highlighted how compliance value can improve biofuel economics. Some cited circumstances in the EU where B100 (100% biodiesel) could offer a lower overall cost than low-sulfur marine gasoil once compliance benefits were included. Such comparisons depend on the applicable rules, fuel prices, and operating conditions and are not a universal price advantage.

Technical acceptance remains another consideration. Participants identified the absence of B100 approval from some engine manufacturers as a barrier to wider use. Expanding adoption will require alignment between fuel availability, vessel compatibility, and compliance incentives.

How Are Bioethanol and Bio-LNG Moving Forward?

Bioethanol attracted interest as a marine fuel with an established production and trading base. Participants saw potential for shipping to become an additional demand center, particularly as road transport markets evolve. They also emphasized that emissions performance differs across production pathways, making the source of the fuel important to its decarbonization value.

At SIBCON, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced a planned bioethanol bunkering operation involving Maersk, Golden Island, and PSA Singapore. The operation would run alongside cargo handling and test metering and procedures to inform future requirements.

The operation represents a step toward operational readiness. However, wider adoption will still require dependable supply and a viable commercial case.

Liquefied biomethane, commonly called bio-LNG, offered another example of developing renewable supply through existing infrastructure. The MPA, CMA CGM, and Singapore LNG Corporation signed an agreement to examine the supply and use of LNG as a marine fuel in Singapore.

Conference discussions highlighted the importance of clear mass-balance accounting and credible certification for this pathway. Existing infrastructure can support development, but the availability of renewable gas and transparent accounting will be critical to its growth.

What Will Help Emerging Fuels Reach Commercial Scale?

Ammonia remained an important long-term option, although participants described a market still centered on pilots and the development of operating practices. Toxicity was a prominent safety concern.

Singapore’s launch of a new Technical Reference for Ammonia Bunkering illustrates the work needed to establish safe procedures and support future deployment.

Across emerging fuels, the commercial questions were consistent:

• Can production reach sufficient scale?

• Will fuel be available when vessels need it?

• Can operators justify the cost through emissions reductions and compliance value?

Participants also discussed novel biofuel feedstocks and production pathways. These could broaden future supply, but their contribution will depend on technical suitability, recognition of sustainability, and the ability to compete commercially.

Why Do Regulation and Better Data Matter So Much?

Participants recognized FuelEU Maritime as an important driver of renewable fuel demand. Their broader message was that trustworthy, predictable regulation helps producers assess future markets and gives buyers greater confidence to commit.

Uncertainty around the International Maritime Organization’s Net-Zero Framework also remained a concern. Nevertheless, speakers pointed to investments already underway as evidence that the industry continues to make progress while international negotiations develop.

The allocation of costs and benefits between owners and charterers also matters. Investment becomes harder when the party paying for a vessel upgrade or renewable fuel cannot capture a fair share of the upgrade's or fuel's value.

Better data can support these decisions. Participants called for greater transparency regarding fuel availability, pricing, sustainability, and compliance. They also identified traceability as a growing compliance challenge.

Singapore's announced measures on bunker sampling and secure digital data flows reinforce the importance of dependable information throughout the supply chain.

Building Confidence in Bunkering’s Renewable Future

SIBCON’s value lies in bringing together the people whose decisions must align for maritime decarbonization to advance. Fuel producers need clearer demand signals, shipowners need reliable supply, and regulators need practical operating experience to develop effective standards.

Singapore provides a valuable setting for those conversations, supported by an established maritime ecosystem and the ability to connect commercial discussion with infrastructure, trials, and operational expertise.

The conference brought a high degree of optimism for what the future holds. Biofuels are already contributing to maritime decarbonization, new pathways are being tested, and businesses are investing with a long-term view despite continuing uncertainty.

Supporting SIBCON reinforced the value of continued cooperation across the global bunkering community. The investments, partnerships, and operational lessons shared in Singapore offer a strong foundation for a more dependable renewable fuel market. This brings even greater confidence in shipping's lower-carbon future.

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