The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will be implementing several new initiatives to upgrade the bunkering industry and enhance its services in port. The schemes will also help prepare the multi-billion Singapore bunkering industry in meeting the revised international requirements on tankers being adopted.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong, Minister for Transport, announced the MPA's bunkering plans at the opening ceremony of the 13th Singapore International Bunkering Conference (SIBCON) held at Shangri-La Hotel today.

In his opening address, Minister Yeo said that continuous improvement and close cooperation with the industry is key to ensuring that Singapore remains the world's bunkering port of choice. He highlighted that the schemes and programmes for bunkering were guided by three key underlying principles: adherence to international standards; bunker quality assurance; and cost competitiveness.

Adherence to International Standards

One of the new measures to be implemented by the MPA is the 'Gate System' for licensing bunker tankers operating in the Singapore port. The system will set age limits and other conditions for the issuing of new harbour craft licences for tankers and for phasing-out existing harbour tankers carrying heavy grade oil (HGO). It is in line with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)'s revised regulations to phase out single-hulled tankers and to ban the carriage of HGO by such tankers. The measures were developed by the MPA in close consultation with the bunkering industry to ensure that Singapore is able to meet its international obligations, and at the same time ensure sufficient bunker tanker capacity to serve the industry.

Additionally, the MPA will consider raising the limit for pilotage exemption of such vessels to encourage the operation of more environment-friendly double-hulled bunker barges in port.

For Singapore-registered single hulled tankers, the MPA will allow them to operate up to 25 years or 2015, whichever is earlier.

The MPA is also preparing the regulations to give effect to Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention - Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships. It is also currently laying the groundwork to accede to the new IMO Bunker Convention.

Bunker Quality Assurance

To promote safer bunkering and strengthen the bunker delivery process to enhance quality assurance and accuracy of delivered quantity, the Singapore Standard for Bunkering, or SS CP60 has been revised by the MPA, together with SPRING Singapore and the industry. A new section on Health, Safety and the Environment is also included in the new revision to promote safe bunkering in port.

Cost Competitiveness

Bunkering remains an important sector of the Singapore maritime industry. It generates revenue of up to S$13.6 billion annually. Last year, a record of 20.8 million tonnes of bunker was sold in Singapore. Presently, vessels that use the special bunkering anchorages and stay in port for less than 24 hours enjoy more than 50 per cent in port dues concession. To enhance the attractiveness of the bunkering business, the MPA is also reviewing the port dues charges for bunkering at other anchorages.

SIBCON

SIBCON is an international event organised biennially by the MPA to bring together maritime and marine fuel experts from around the world to speak on the latest international trends and developments in bunkering, and the challenges facing the industry. This year's conference has attracted more than 500 local and international delegates from oil majors, shipping lines, bunker trading firms and classification societies. Its theme is "Bunkering Trends and Challenges for the next 2 years."

Through the organising of major international port and maritime-related conferences such as SIBCON, the MPA aims to further raise Singapore's profile as a world-class port and a leading international maritime centre.

End of Release.

Attached:

Opening Address by Mr Yeo Cheow Tong, Minister for Transport

Fact Sheet