Shell Delivers First Bio-LNG Cargo to Singapore

Shell has successfully imported the first mass-balanced liquefied biomethane (LBM) cargo into Singapore through its local subsidiary, Shell Singapore, as reported by Hellenic Shipping News on 14 October 2026. The ISCC EU-certified biomethane was sourced from the USA and transported via pipeline to a liquefaction plant, where it was integrated into a conventional LNG cargo supplied by Shell for delivery to Singapore. This innovative approach highlights the practical feasibility of using existing LNG infrastructure to bring certified renewable gas into the region.

Mass-Balancing Approach

The mass-balancing approach involves sourcing certified biomethane from the United States and transferring it through pipelines to a liquefaction plant. This method allows Shell to blend the certified biomethane into conventional LNG, which is then delivered to Singapore without the need for dedicated facilities. This technique underscores the flexibility and potential of current LNG infrastructure to accommodate bio-LNG, a significant step towards sustainable marine fuel supply.

Infrastructure and Certification

The imported cargo was stored at the Singapore LNG (SLNG) terminal, which recently secured International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC EU) certification. This certification covers storage, regasification, bunkering, and trucking operations at the terminal. According to Manifold Times, the ISCC EU certification is crucial for ensuring that the end-to-end process from sourcing to delivery meets rigorous sustainability standards, providing customers with a traceable and accountable supply of green methane molecules.

Operational and Regulatory Details

The bio-LNG cargo was delivered to the SLNG terminal on Jurong Island, Singapore. The delivery followed the arrival of the chartered LNG bunker vessel Macoma at the terminal, as mentioned by Hellenic Shipping News. The successful operation demonstrates the readiness of SLNG’s onshore infrastructure for bio-LNG services, including bunkering, which supports the development of a recognised end-to-end certification trail.

Implications for Future Operations

The successful import of bio-LNG into Singapore marks a significant milestone for the adoption of sustainable marine fuels in the region. This initiative not only showcases the potential for existing LNG infrastructure to support bio-LNG but also highlights the importance of certification and traceability in ensuring the reliability and sustainability of the fuel supply. By leveraging mass-balancing techniques and advanced certifications, Shell and SLNG have paved the way for more widespread adoption of bio-LNG in marine operations.

What This Means for Operators

The successful import of the first ISCC EU-certified bio-LNG cargo into Singapore has significant implications for marine operators seeking to transition to more sustainable fuel sources. The use of mass-balancing techniques and existing LNG infrastructure demonstrates a practical and cost-effective approach to incorporating certified bio-LNG into operations. This development reduces the need for significant upfront investment in dedicated bio-LNG facilities and offers a clear path towards compliance with international sustainability standards. Operators can now consider integrating bio-LNG into their fuel strategies, benefiting from both environmental and operational advantages.