G1) What are the differences between a permanent and a Marinet account and how do I open the two accounts with MPA?
Any company that transacts with MPA would need to open a permanent account with MPA. Marinet, on the other hand, is a separate online system which provides a wide range of e-services to serve the maritime community. The two accounts could be applied by filling up and submitting the account opening form and marinet application form respectively through the Finance Webpage.
G2) How long does it take to process a new account opening?
The opening of a new account typically requires 5 working days. Due to the volume of applications received, it could take up to a maximum of 10 working days.
G3) When is a Banker’s Guarantee / Insurance Bond (Demand Insurance) required?
A Banker’s Guarantee is usually required when the past or estimated average transaction volume with MPA exceeds $5,000. It could also be requested for project works like dumping projects. The amount of Banker’s Guarantee required will be dependent on credit history and payment terms. This will be advised by MPA accordingly.
G4) How do I sign up for Interbank Giro facilities and what is the frequency of the Giro Deductions?
You could sign up for the interbank Giro facilities by filling up and submitting the inter-bank Giro form available on the Finance Website. Giro deductions are done weekly.
G5) How can I request for copies of credit note, statement of account, payment invoice or a certified true copy of an invoice?
You could submit a request form through the Finance Website. This is our preferred mode of action and priority is given as such.
B1) What happens when a Giro Deduction fails?
The details of the unsuccessful giro deduction would be sent to you. It is recommended that you immediately top up funds for the next Giro deduction which is likely to be in the following week. Should the Giro deduction fails 2 times in a row, your account may be suspended and all future transactions may be on cash basis. You would have to take guidance from the follow-up actions advised by MPA.
B2) How is interest on MPA’s bills calculated?
Interest is computed at 1% per mth on the principal amount beyond the credit terms allowable.
B3) Where can I find the fees and charges rates?
The tariff tables are available on the Finance webpage.
B4) What are the factors affecting the computation of port dues?
The factors include: duration of stay; purpose of call; size/ type of vessel and/ or location. Tariff is structured in a way to discourage long stays in Port.
B5) What are the Port Dues concessions?
These are also found in the tariff tables. Link provided in s/n 8. Each have conditions attached and are subjected to individual expiry rates. Please check for more details with the operation divisions administering the concessions or enter your query on the enquiry webpage of the Finance webpage.
B6) What is the Maritime Welfare Fee?
Maritime Welfare Fee is collected to provide welfare activities, training and subsidy for housing of seafarers at Maritime House. These benefit the seafarers in port. The amount payable depends on the gross tonnage of the vessel. This fee is compulsory. No waivers will be entertained. Further details can be found on the MPA website.
(http://www.mpa.gov.sg/sites/port_and_shipping/port/port_tariff/section_6-maritime_welfare_fees.page)
B7) Why do I receive a bill when my vessel has not departed from the port of Singapore?
Progressive billing is done for long staying vessels. Generally, this is carried out every 2 weeks. Therefore, you might be billed before your vessel departs from the port of Singapore should your vessel stay longer in Port.
B8) What are the Green Initiatives? How much are the concessions relating to these?
More details are available at the following link:
http://www.mpa.gov.sg/sites/pdf/green-pledge-press-release.pdf
B9) What are the charges at private wharfs?
This is a charge levied on movement of goods at private wharfs (ie. all waterfront facilities not granted MPA public licenses). The charges are levied based on purpose and not on product discharged or loaded. For unloading and loading of oil-related goods for oil refining or petrochemical manufacturing, it is $0.10 per tonne. For all others, it is $0.20 per tonne. Anchorage charges at private wharfs are chargeable at $1 per tonne.
B10) When are shipyard rates applicable?
Shipyard rates are applicable when the vessel is physically in the shipyard. The only exceptions are when the vessel is awaiting immigration clearance or undergoing gas free inspection for which one day is charged at shipyard rates although the vessel is at anchorage.
B11) If I were charged the full rates when I am entitled to the shipyard rates, how do I inform MPA?
You could submit a request form through the Finance Webpage. If verified to be correct, a credit note will be issued. Kindly note that response time varies accordingly to interval from which the original invoice was raised till the appeal has been made.
B12) Will my vessel be entitled to Special Bunkering Rate when Special Bunkering Anchorage (SBA) is full and my vessel was diverted?
Yes, the special bunkering rates apply if the vessel is diverted due to a full SBA. Should the invoice not show the special rate, please inform MPA Finance through the Finance Webpage.
B13) How can I request for rebilling of an invoice, credit note to another party?
You could submit a request form through the Finance Webpage. This is subjected to approval and may be chargeable dependent on the type of request and frequency of it being made.
P1) How often does MPA process payments?
MPA processes the payments on a weekly basis.
P2) If I have queries on e-invoice, who should I contact?
All queries on e-invoices including issues with data entry, system problems and feedback should be redirected to AGD:
http://app.helpdesk.agd.gov.sg/public_user/vendor/vendor/helpdesk.aspx?sub=Electronic%20Invoice
P3) I am a foreign entity and do not have a local bank account, can MPA make payment in foreign currencies? How are they made?
MPA can make payments in foreign currencies. These are done via telegraphic transfers. However, all incidental charges would be borne by vendor. Should you require MPA to deduct all bank charges from the payment amount, kindly inform us in advance of the payment.
P4) Can my invoice be paid to a local bank account that is denominated in a foreign currency?
MPA can credit the payment to the vendor’s foreign-currency denominated bank account that is opened with a local bank. However, all incidental bank charges would be borne by the vendor.
