Despite geopolitical tensions and an overall uncertain global environment, the flow of goods remained stable and Singapore consolidated its role as one of the world’s most important maritime hubs.
As Senior Minister of State for Law and Transport, Murali Pillai, announced at the Singapore Maritime Foundation New Year Conversations, the city-state set new records in several key port operation indicators in 2025.
At 3.22 billion GT, ship arrivals reached an all-time high last year, an increase of 3.5% compared to 2024. Container handling increased significantly to 44.66 million TEU (+8.6%). The bunker segment also set new records: 56.77 million tons of marine fuel represents growth of 3.4%.
Alternative fuels continued to grow. Their sales rose from 1.35 million tons in 2024 to 1.95 million tons in 2025. Biofuel blends grew to 1.38 million tons, LNG reached 0.57 million tons. Methanol reached 3,013 tons – a small but growing market.
On January 14, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will issue new LNG bunker supply licenses. At the same time, standards for port limit LNG bunker vessels will be published for the first time, regulating technical equipment, operation and efficiency.
The existing Technical Reference TR56 will be updated to the Singapore Standard in the second quarter of 2026. In addition, the MPA is publishing a new Technical Reference for Ammonia Bunkering. Both steps are intended to ensure safe processes and enable early deployment scenarios.
Singapore established two additional Green and Digital Shipping Corridors (GDSC) with India and South Korea in 2025 and raised cooperation with China to national level. The network now comprises nine international corridors, including Rotterdam, Los Angeles/Long Beach, Japan, Australia and Shandong.
For 2026, the MPA is planning joint emissions reporting protocols, more intensive digital exchange platforms and fuel tests along defined routes.
Since August 2025, all bunkering operations have been digitized. Electronic bunker delivery bills (e-BDN) and a central verification system increase transparency and efficiency. According to MPA, up to 40,000 working days are saved each year – significant progress in a previously document-intensive process environment.
Location attractiveness further increased
According to the MPA, a total of 35 maritime companies expanded or established their presence in Singapore in 2025. According to the information, over 200 international shipping and service companies are represented in total. Their estimated annual business volume is around S$5 billion. In addition, several technology-oriented research and innovation centers went into operation, including the ABS Singapore Maritime Safety Centre, the BV-SIT Centre for Maritime Electrification and the Rina Technology Demonstration Centre.
The Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS) set a new record of 137.46 million GT in 2025 – a growth of 27%. This makes Singapore the fourth largest registry in the world. 34 ships were certified under the Green Ship Program. Five methanol-powered ships are already sailing under the flag; a first ammonia dual-fuel ship is expected in the next two years.
Despite the ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, Singapore expects robust growth in maritime traffic in 2026. Commodity flows in particular are likely to increase due to route shifts and diversification. The MPA believes that the maritime sector is well prepared and is focusing on cooperation, clear regulations and technological progress. (JWy)
