Using dispersants in Singapore port waters

1.Under the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation) Regulations, no person shall use any dispersant which does not comply with the specifications set out below for the purpose of eliminating or reducing any oil pollution in the port waters.

Specifications of dispersants

• The flash point of the dispersant shall not be less than 65°C (150°F) in accordance with the test prescribed by the Institute of Petroleum.
• The dispersion capacity of the dispersant shall not be more than 1 part of dispersant to 1 part of marine fuel oil of viscosity not less than 300 seconds (Redwood 1) at 50°C (122°F) in accordance with test No. PSA/CD/II as specified by the Authority.
• The biodegradability of the surface active agent shall not be less than 90°on the average of the results of the seventh and eighth day from the commencement of the test at 37°C (99°F) in accordance with test No. MPA/MV/III as specified by the Authority.
• The toxicity of the dispersant using glass fish (Chanda gymnocephalus) as a standard test organism shall be as follows:

The mixture of the dispersant and the standard marine fuel oil (MFO V1100/1200) in the ratio of 1:1 shall have a 96-hour LC 50 value of not less than 100 mg per litre as measured by the method of the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority.

• The dispersant shall not contain aromatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated hydrocarbons in concentrations greater than:
• Total aromatic hydrocarbons - 3%
• Total chlorinated hydrocarbons - 0.05 mg per litre.

2.To obtain approval for dispersants to be used in the port, a sample of the product must be sent to a MPA appointed laboratory in Singapore for testing.

They are:

TUV SUD PSB Pte Ltd
Contact Person: Mr. Seth Ong Aik Poh
Tel: (+65) 6885 1533
Fax: (+65) 6778 4301

3. Only those dispersants that have been found to comply with these specifications are allowed for use in the port waters. This is to ensure the safety of all port users and protection of the marine environment.

4. For enquiries or any clarification, please contact us at:

Hazardous Cargo Section

Marine Environment & Safety Department

Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore

7B Keppel Road #19-07/09

Tanjong Pagar Complex

Singapore 089055

Tel: (+65) 6325 2421

Fax: (+65) 6325 2430

Email: hazmat@mpa.gov.sg

Q1. Is a particular dispersant approved by MPA?

A1.       Refer to Dispersants approved for use in the Singapore waters (pdf) for the list of approved dispersants that can be used in Singapore waters. Approval for dispersant to be used in port can also be obtained from the MPA if the particular dispersant complies with the specification listed after testing in MPA appointed laboratories.