In response to media queries, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) highlights that under the Merchant Shipping (Civil Liability and Compensation for Oil Pollution) Act 1998, which is Singapore’s enactment of the 1992 International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (1992 CLC), the owner of the tanker MARINE HONOUR has strict liability (i.e. liable even in the absence of fault) for pollution damage caused by oil spill from its tanker in Singapore waters.

2.   The spirit of the “polluter pays” principle simplifies the claims process by having a clear party against which to pursue claims without potential complications of proving fault.

3.   This includes expenses that Singapore Government agencies are incurring such as clean-up costs at sea and on shore.

4.   The owner of the MARINE HONOUR retains the right to take recourse action against third parties for its pollution liability.