Golden Island Powers Milestone Achievement: Singapore Completes World’s Largest Ethanol Bunkering Operation
Singapore, 17 October 2026
SINGAPORE — Golden Island Pte. Ltd., a leading provider of marine fuel solutions, has successfully delivered Singapore’s first ethanol bunkering operation in partnership with A.P. Moller – Maersk and PSA Singapore, with the support of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
Conducted at PSA’s Pasir Panjang Terminal, the operation marked the world’s largest single ethanol bunkering volume to date, transferring approximately 5,000 metric tonnes of ISCC-certified bioethanol to the Singapore-registered dual-fuel container vessel Maersk Halifax. The operation was completed simultaneously with live cargo operations (SIMOPS) using a Mass Flow Meter (MFM) system from Golden Island’s Singapore-registered IMO Type II chemical tanker, M.T. Golden Centaurus.
Key Highlights of the Bunkering Operation
Record-Breaking Scale: Bunkered ~5,000 MT of ISCC-certified bioethanol, setting a global record for the largest volume of ethanol transferred in a single bunkering operation.
Operational Efficiency: Executed as a simultaneous operation (SIMOPS) alongside container cargo handling, minimizing turnaround time.
End-to-End Supply Chain Efficiency: Stolthaven Singapore leveraged its dedicated systems and operational expertise to ensure the safe and efficient storage, handling, inter-tank transfers, loading, and discharge of the ethanol cargo.
Pioneering Technology & Safety: Utilised Mass Flow Metering (MFM) to ensure accurate measurement while adhering to rigorous safety protocols established during a joint Hazard Identification (HAZID) and Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) workshop.
Regulatory Development: Data gathered from the operation will help adapt Singapore's existing methanol technical reference (TR 129) and MFM system for future commercial ethanol bunkering.
Quote from Leadership
"We are proud to have delivered Singapore's first ethanol bunkering, and to have done it alongside live cargo operations, using a mass flow meter. Our crew and Golden Centaurus built on what we learned in methanol bunkering and followed the same safety-first discipline. That let us deliver the largest single ethanol bunker to date safely and on time."
"We thank MPA, Maersk, PSA, Stolthaven, and Ofiniti for their close collaboration. Golden Island will keep investing in the people, vessels, and know-how needed to supply lower-carbon fuels, so that customers can choose the fuel that best meets their decarbonisation goals in the Port of Singapore.”
— Mr. Johnny Tan, Managing Director, Golden Island Pte. Ltd.
Paving the Way for Lower-Carbon Maritime Fuels
Ethanol shares similar handling characteristics with methanol and is recognised under the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) safety guidelines for methyl/ethyl alcohol fuels. By utilising existing methanol bunkering frameworks and expertise, Golden Island continues to strengthen its capability to supply sustainable alternative fuels, reinforcing Singapore's position as a premier multi-fuel global hub for maritime decarbonisation.
Golden Island Pte. Ltd.
Email: bunker@golden-island.com.sg
Website: www.golden-island.com.sg
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