Singapore's Maritime Port Authority is seeking proposals on liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunker supplies as it shifts away from fossil fuels towards gas while trying to maintain its role as the world's top bunkering hub.

The move to issue bunker supplier licences to the gas sector complements the country's push to profile itself as an LNG hub.

It is also a step towards meeting its own deadline of supplying LNG fuel to ships by 2020.

"The bunkering industry is an important and integral part of Singapore's global hub port," the port said in a statement yesterday.

"Singapore plays a key role in powering world shipping and promoting the use of cleaner fuels for ship bunkering."

Applicants have to submit proposals by Sept 30 detailing the bunkering supply and delivery model, their LNG sources and marketing plans for the sale of LNG to customers in the port.

There are 60 licensed bunker suppliers covering marine fuel oil and marine gasoil deliveries, data from the maritime authority's website shows. Singapore sells an average 3.5 million to 3.6 million tonnes of marine fuel each month.

REUTERS