With effect from 1 March 2004, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will be allocating two new bunkering anchorages in the western sector of the Singapore port to cater to an increasing number of vessels calling at the port for bunkering activities. Bunkering has remained a core maritime activity in Singapore. In 2003, Singapore achieved a new record of 20.8 million tonnes in bunker sales, surpassing the previous record of 20.35 million tonnes set in 2001.

The two designated anchorages, namely, Sudong Bunkering Anchorage "A" (ASUBA) and Sudong Bunkering Anchorage "B" (ASUBB), would each be able to accommodate one vessel at any one time to take bunkers (refer to chartlet). They will complement the two existing bunkering anchorages in the eastern sector of the port, namely, the Eastern Special Purposes C (AESPC) and the Changi Special Purposes Anchorage (ACSP).

Vessels of 20,000 GT and above, and which stay in the port for less than 24 hours would be able to lift bunkers at the new ASUBA and ASUBB. Port dues concessions of more than 50 per cent, at the rate of S$1 per 100 GT (instead of the normal rate of $2.20 per 100 GT) would be granted to these vessels. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessels, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carriers and chemical tankers would be required to be piloted when they lift bunkers at these new anchorages. Vessels, other than LPG, LNG and chemical tankers, with a draft of 11.5 metres or less can be exempted from compulsory pilotage.

Conveniently located at the fringe of the port limit in the western sector, the two new anchorages would encourage more vessels to enter the port to take bunkers. More significantly, the new bunkering facilities and the port dues concessions provided will help lower the operational costs for ship owners, charterers and operators. This is part of MPA's continual efforts to enhance the attractiveness of Singapore as a port of choice for bunkering activities.

In recent years, the MPA has introduced several bunkering initiatives to safeguard the bunker trade in Singapore. They include the Accreditation Scheme for Bunker Suppliers and intensified bunker quality checks. Last year, the MPA also participated in the review of the Singapore Standard for Bunkering (CP 60) to further enhance quality standards for bunker delivery in port. While Singapore remains the top bunkering port in the world, the MPA will continue to identify new initiatives to further promote and boost bunkering activities in the port.

End of Release.

Attached:

Charlet of the location of the new bunkering anchorages