Business

MPA advises shipping industry on DORSCON Orange precautions

The Ministry of Health has raised its risk assessment from level Yellow to Orange; industry urged to be well informed of its implications.

Published

6 years ago

February 13, 2020

Admin

The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore on Wednesday (12 February) released a circular informing shipping industry on how to prepare DORSCON level Orange:

DORSCON Orange Precautionary Measures For Shipping Community

On 7 February 2020, the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) raised its risk assessment from Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON) level Yellow to DORSCON Orange.

At present, there are no restrictions to shipping activities. Ships can continue to berth at terminals to carry out operations. To date, there is no significant disruption in the Port of Singapore due to the 2019-nCoV situation.

With the heightened posture, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will put in place the additional precautionary measures that MOH has introduced to minimise the risk of further transmission of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the community. This is on top of the measures that MPA had implemented under Port Marine Circular (PMC) 02 of 2020 dated 1 February 2020 – “Extension of Precautionary Measures to Minimise Risk of Community Spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus in Singapore” and PMC 03 of 2020 dated 1 February 2020 – “Maritime Declaration of Health”.

In line with MOH’s media release dated 7 February 2020 (Annex 1):

Additional Precautions for Large-Scale Events. MPA advises the shipping community to cancel or defer non-essential large-scale events. For those who choose to proceed, they should take all necessary precautions to minimise the risk of community transmission. Individuals who are unwell, on Leave of Absence, or have recent travel history to mainland China, should not attend such events.
Daily Health Checks. All ship masters and employers should require their crew and employees to conduct regular temperature-taking and check Page 2 of 20 whether they have respiratory symptoms such as cough and runny nose. Temperature should be taken at least twice daily, and anyone with a fever or is unwell should see a doctor immediately.
Enhance Business Continuity Capability. All ships and workplaces should step up their business continuity plans, and prepare for widespread community transmission. The business continuity plans can include allowing employees to telecommute or segregation of teams.
Role of Individuals in Preventing Transmission. The most effective method to prevent transmission remains through good personal hygiene of regular hand washing with soap and water, and the use of hand sanitisers when soap and water are unavailable. Individuals should avoid touching their face unnecessarily, especially if their hands are not clean.
Temperature Screening at Sea Checkpoints for Inbound Travellers. Since 24 January 2020, MPA has implemented temperature screening at all sea checkpoints, including ferry and cruise terminals, PSA terminals and Jurong Port, for inbound travellers. Industry-led Initiatives

Temperature Screening at Cruise and Ferry Terminals. Since 8 February 2020, 2359hrs, cruise and ferry terminal operators have implemented centralised outbound temperature screening for departing passengers. This is an additional precautionary measure by the terminal operators to ensure the health and safety of all passengers and crew.

Cleaning and Disinfection. Cruise and ferry operators have also stepped up their cleaning and disinfection regime on board the cruise ships and ferries, especially in common or public areas to help prevent the widespread transmission of the 2019- nCoV. Further Advice

MPA advises the shipping community to adhere closely to the following press releases and advisories:

GOV.SG article dated 6 February 2020 on different DORSCON levels (Annex 2)
MOM general advisory for workplace measures in response to DORSCON Orange situation in Singapore dated 7 February 2020 (Annex 3)
ICA updates on border control measures in response to the 2019 novel coronavirus (Annex 4)
MPA advisories on 2019 novel coronavirus (nCoV) (Annexes 5, 6 and 7).

Conclusion

MPA urges the shipping community to remain vigilant, resolute and stay united in tackling the novel coronavirus (nCoV) situation. Organisations and individuals can play a part in reducing the risk of imported cases and community transmission. Singapore’s port operations continue to forge ahead and we thank partners for the support.

Photo credit: Ehpien on Flickr
Published: 13 February, 2020

Legal

Singapore withdraws remaining 127 charges against Hin Leong founder OK Lim

Lim Oon Kuin, also known as OK Lim, was issued a stern warning and a district court granted him a discharge amounting to an acquittal for these charges on 17 July.

Published

6 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Admin

Founder of collapsed oil trader Hin Leong Trading, Lim Oon Kuin, also known as OK Lim, has had the remaining 127 charges against him withdrawn, according to The Straits Times on Monday (20 July).

OK Lim was issued a stern warning and a district court granted him a discharge amounting to an acquittal for these charges, including those for cheating, on 17 July. The discharge means Lim cannot be prosecuted again for the same offences.

Lim, 84, is currently serving a 13½-year prison sentence after the High Court reduced his original 17½-year jail term in March 2026. He was convicted in 2024 on two cheating charges and one count of abetting forgery in a case prosecutors described as one of Singapore’s most serious trade finance frauds.

Lim was convicted in May 2024 of two charges of cheating the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) and one count of abetting forgery that proceeded to trial out of a total of 130 criminal charges.

He was first charged in court on 14 August 2020, and was subsequently handed further charges in court on 25 September 2020, 30 April 2021 and 24 June 2021 for his role in perpetuating fraud on various financial institutions.

A total of 130 charges were eventually brought against him for cheating and forgery-related offences.

Photo credit: Sora Shimazaki
Published: 21 July, 2026

Winding up

Singapore: Coastal Logistics Pte Ltd to be wound up voluntarily

Coastal Logistics was reportedly affiliated with troubled Singapore bunker player Coastal Oil (Singapore) Pte Ltd.

Published

6 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Admin

Several resolutions for Coastal Logistics Pte Ltd were made during an extraordinary general meeting held on 14 July, according to a notice in the Government Gazette on Friday (4 July).

The following resolutions were duly passed during the meeting:

As Special Resolution

That it has been proved to the satisfaction of the meeting that the Company cannot by reason of its liabilities continue its business and accordingly the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 160(1)(b) of the Insolvency, Restructuring and Dissolution Act 2018 (No. 40 of 2018);

As Ordinary Resolutions

that Mr. Wong Pheng Cheong Martin and Ms. Koay May Yee, both care of FTI Consulting (Singapore) Pte Ltd, One Raffles Quay, #27-10 South Tower, Singapore 048583 be appointed as the joint and several Liquidators of the Company for the purpose of such winding up; and
that the Liquidators be at liberty to open, maintain and operate any bank account(s) or account(s) for monies received by them as Liquidators with such bank(s) as they deem fit; and
that a Committee of Inspection will not be formed.

Manifold Times previously reported Nicholas James Gronow, director of Heng Tong Fuels & Shipping and Coastal Logistics, filed statutory declarations for both companies stating the firms cannot continue their businesses due to liabilities.

Both companies were reportedly affiliated with troubled Singapore bunker player Coastal Oil (Singapore) Pte Ltd.

In 2019, several vessels owned by both firms entered the sale & purchase (S&P) market in Singapore.

Photo credit: Drew Beamer
Published: 21 July, 2026

LNG Bunkering

PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

Published

6 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Admin

PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post.

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024.

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026