Patrick Phoon
At an industry dialogue with close to 50 companies from the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), it was established that there had been no report of disruption to bunker supply and bunkering operations in Singapore.
Co-organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and SSA yesterday, the participants gathered for updates and discussed ways to minimise any impact on the local bunkering scene following the recent announcements made by OW Bunker A/S.
The attendees were advised to carefully inspect their contractual obligations, and to work closely with their stakeholders to avoid or minimise disruption in their operations.
“The bunkering industry here is a well-regulated one. While I urge my members to seek professional and legal advice as necessary, I also hope that those affected by this event would remain calm and not resort to knee-jerk reactions which may rock the stability and reputation of Singapore’s bunkering industry. My Association will be working closely with MPA to ensure that there would not be any unnecessary disruption in bunker supply and operations here, ” said SSA President Mr Patrick Phoon.
Said MPA Chief Executive Mr Andrew Tan, “This has been a useful session for the shipping and bunkering community to come together to understand the current situation and to discuss practical steps forward. MPA will continue to work closely with SSA to manage the situation. We will also work with our licensed bunker suppliers to minimise any disruption to bunkering operations in Singapore.”
About the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA)
The Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) represents a wide spectrum of shipping companies and other businesses allied to the shipping industry. It is a national trade association formed in 1985 to serve and promote the interests of its members and to enhance the competitiveness of Singapore as an International Maritime Centre. To achieve its objectives, the SSA plays an active role in promoting the interests of shipping in Singapore and internationally, and co-operates with other regional and international shipping organisations to protect the marine environment and promote freedom and safety at sea.
As at 13 November 2014, SSA represents 475 member companies; comprising shipowners and operators, shipmanagers, ship agents and other ancillary companies such as shipbrokers, classification societies, marine insurers, bunker suppliers and traders, maritime lawyers, and shipping bankers amongst others.
About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore’s strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore’s port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.
