Business

BP Singapore bunker trial: DPP proposes 92-month imprisonment sentence for guilty parties

‘The total amount of gratification involved is the highest ever in a local corruption case and there was a sustained period of offending,’ said CPIB DPP at the State Courts of Singapore.

Published

6 years ago

September 7, 2020

Admin

Editor: The following article was edited on Wednesday (9 September) for further accuracy with additional input from the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Singapore bunker publication Manifold Times was present at the BP Singapore bunker trial on Monday (7 September). The following report represents a summarised extract of the morning’s hearing:

The BP Singapore bunker trial continued on Monday (7 September) morning at the State Courts of Singapore where District Judge Ong Chin Rhu heard recommendations for sentencing from the prosecution and defence counsels.

Judge Ong has earlier found the Executive Director of Pacific Prime Trading (PPT), Koh Seng Lee, and former Regional Marine Manager of BP Singapore, Clarence Chang each guilty of 20 charges under Section 6(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Cap 241., otherwise known as the Prevention of Corruption Act which is the primary anti-corruption law in Singapore.

DPP Jiang Ke-Yue and DPP Loh Hui-min recommended a 92-month imprisonment sentence for both Koh and Chang under a new sentencing framework for corruption offences.

Additionally, the Prosecution recommended that Chang be ordered to pay a total penalty of SGD 6.2 million (exact: SGD 6,220,095) under Section 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), comprising the total bribe amount received of approximately SGD 6.4 million less SGD 182,500 returned to Koh.

The Prosecution noted that this case involves the highest amount of bribes received by a single person in the context of private sector corruption.

Chelva Retnam Rajah, Partner of Tan Rajah & Cheah, who represents Koh suggested 32 months imprisonment for his client.

Rajah noted BP Singapore did not suffer any monetary losses while PPT was a trading partner and continued using Koh’s services for a period of time after Chang left the company.

“There was no loss to BP. There was a gain to BP for 11 years they were the highest (sic) suppliers traders in the Singapore market,” he told the court.

“That was due to the fact they were able to have this system whereby they sold to Mr Koh at a price and bought it back from him.

“He [Koh] was able to manage his trading risk by his own […] as an oil trader. The prices at which Mr Koh bought from BP was not set by either him […] they were set by a separate group within BP. It was these prices that were offered to Mr Koh.

“There was a suggestion from the prosecution the prices offered were the ‘best prices’. Our response is the ‘best prices’ are prices set by the price setting group.”

Melanie Ho, Deputy Head of Specialist & Private Client Disputes Practice at WongPartnership, who represents Chang said 30 to 35 months imprisonment should be the appropriate sentence.

“What the prosecution tries to persuade is just because there are bribe monies involve there must be some compromises made,” she said.

“It doesn’t.

“There are such cases where the taker can continue to do the best for its principal despite the bribe monies. All that is done is Mr Koh making payments on the belief that our client [Chang] will be doing something for him. The something is not proven; there is no evidence and there is no case on it.”

She further notes there was no abuse of position and Chang did the best job for his principle.

“The fact that BP continued this business model with PPT still being the primary trading counterparty over four years after they knew PPT was being involved with CPIB investigations clearly shows the relationship and business model would not have affected BP,” she noted.

“In fact, it must have benefited BP, otherwise why would they continue?”

The Prosecution, in their response to submissions from the defence counsels, said they had adduced evidence of actual detriment suffered by BP through: (a) over concentration of business in a single counterparty, and (b) netting arrangements were implemented in a manner that favoured PPT over BP.

In addition, the Prosecution also stated that the case involved an insider in BP who was cultivated to favour a single supplier, a form of corruption which Chief Justice Menon had (in another case) described as ‘egregious’.

Judge Ong directed further submissions on the issue of enforcement of the penalty order, including the appropriate default imprisonment term should the penalty remain unpaid; the matter has been fixed for further mention in early November.

Editorial coverage by Manifold Times regarding earlier court sessions of the BP Singapore bunker bribery trial are organised in descending chronological order (latest to earliest) below:

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 7 September, 2020

Mass Flowmeter

MFM-equipped CPN barge first listed under Hong Kong quality bunker scheme

Chimbusco Pan Nation’s bunker barge “Zhong Ran 23” has become the first vessel in Hong Kong listed on Marine Department’s official List of Quality Bunker Vessels, under a newly-launched scheme.

Published

3 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Admin

MFM-equipped CPN barge first listed under Hong Kong quality bunker scheme

Hong Kong-based marine fuel supplier Chimbusco Pan Nation (CPN) on Tuesday (16 June) announced that its bunker barge Zhong Ran 23 has become the first vessel in Hong Kong listed on the Marine Department’s official List of Quality Bunker Vessels.

The list under the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme launched on 3 June.

“The Scheme is a voluntary initiative designed to raise the standard of bunkering accuracy, transparency, and service quality in Hong Kong,” CPN said in a social media post.

“To be listed, a bunker vessel must have its Mass Flow Meter (MFM) system independently certified under ISO 22192, the international benchmark for mass flow metering in bunkering operations.”

CPN added it has operated the MFM system across our fleet of fuel oil barges since 2015.

Manifold Times previously reported Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) launching the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems (MFM systems) on their bunker vessels.

MD said the scheme aims to enhance Hong Kong’s bunkering service quality and the competitiveness of Hong Kong ports, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre and a major bunkering port.

Under the Scheme, bunker operators of traditional maritime fuel and biodiesel that install and use MFM systems on their bunker vessels, with the MFM systems inspected and certified by an accredited body in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 22192 Standard or equivalent requirements, can apply to the MD for inclusion in the scheme’s “List of Quality Bunker Vessels”, provided they meet the relevant technical and operational requirements.

Photo credit: Chimbusco Pan Nation
Published: 17 June, 2026

Financial Result

Bunker Holding exceeds FY2025/26 forecast despite geopolitical headwinds

Bunker Holding delivered a gross profit of USD 424 million and a profit before tax of USD 73 million, exceeding the Group’s expectations for the year.

Published

3 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Admin

Bunker Holding on Tuesday (16 June) said it delivered a strong performance in the financial year 2025/2026 despite continued uncertainty across global markets.

The year was shaped by geopolitical developments, evolving trade flows, periods of heightened market volatility, and strong competition.

These conditions were further amplified by developments in the Middle East, which added complexity across global energy markets and shipping routes.

In response, Bunker Holding focused on getting closer to customers and understanding the different challenges faced across shipping segments. This enabled faster decision-making, greater agility under pressure, and allowed the Group to respond effectively while continuing to support customers reliably.

Against this backdrop, Bunker Holding delivered a gross profit of USD 424 million and a profit before tax of USD 73 million, exceeding the Group’s expectations for the year. Equity increased to USD 342 million.

Revenue amounted to USD 13.1 billion, a decrease of 4% compared to the previous year. The decline primarily reflected lower average oil prices during the financial year, despite periods of heightened market volatility and stronger pricing towards the end of the period.

“This year, we have taken important steps to strengthen Bunker Holding for the future. We have simplified parts of the organisation, brought teams closer together, and made the changes needed to make us more focused and efficient. Our markets remained challenging and unpredictable, but I am pleased with both the result we have delivered and the progress we have made,” said Peder Møller, CEO of Bunker Holding.

Looking ahead to 2026/27, Bunker Holding anticipates intense market competition alongside continued investments in low- and zero-carbon fuel projects and partnerships.

Changes to the Board of Directors

Bunker Holding said the company is strengthening its Board of Directors with the appointment of several new members and a new Chairman of the Board.

Nina Østergaard, CEO and co-owner of USTC, will assume the role of Chairman of the Board, while Henrik Andersen, Group President and CEO of Vestas Wind Systems A/S, will join as Vice Chairman. Tina Revsbech, CEO of Maersk Tankers, and Kenneth Steengaard, Chairman of the Board of Global Risk Management, will join the Board as new members.

At the same time, current Chairman Klaus Nyborg and Board member Peter Frederiksen will step down from the Board.

Nina Østergaard, incoming Chairman of the Board, said: “I am excited to take on the role as Chairman of Bunker Holding at an important time in the company’s development. Bunker Holding has a strong market position, a clear strategic direction, and significant opportunities ahead. I am also pleased to welcome Henrik Andersen, Tina Revsbech, and Kenneth Steengaard to the Board. They each bring valuable experience and perspectives, and I am particularly pleased that we have attracted such strong international profiles as Henrik and Tina, whose leadership experience from Vestas and Maersk Tankers will further strengthen the Board and support the company’s continued development.”

The addition of Kenneth Steengaard moves Bunker Holding closer to its sister-company Global Risk Management and adds important insight into risk management.

Bunker Holding founder and co-owner Torben Østergaard-Nielsen thanked the departing Board members for their contributions to the company.

Photo credit: Bunker Holding
Published: 17 June, 2026

Business

Oilmar establishes Board of Directors amid international expansion

Three directors are Chief Executive Officer Yusif Mammadov, Chief Finance Officer Nain Shafi, and Legal, Credit and Compliance Head Taira Shikhiyeva.

Published

3 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Admin

Oilmar formalises Board of Directors amid international expansion

UAE-based marine fuel and petroleum products trader Oilmar on Tuesday (16 June) announced the formal establishment of its Board of Directors, marking an important milestone in the company’s evolution.

The three directors are Chief Executive Officer Yusif Mammadov, Chief Finance Officer Nain Shafi, and Legal, Credit and Compliance Head Taira Shikhiyeva.

The formation of the Board was first communicated during Oilmar’s Q1 2026 Townhall as part of a wider governance enhancement initiative and has now been formally implemented.

The Board has been established to provide strategic direction, oversee risk management and governance matters, and support the company’s continued growth across its global operations.

“At inception, the Board comprises three Directors with extensive international experience across the energy, maritime, shipping, and commodity trading sectors. Together, they bring a wealth of industry knowledge and strategic expertise to support the company’s continued growth and development,” the company said.

“The Board is expected to be further strengthened through the appointment of additional Executive and Non-Executive Directors as the company continues to expand its international footprint.”

As part of the enhanced governance framework, strategic direction, risk appetite, and key business objectives will be determined at Board level, while regional management teams will remain responsible for execution within their respective markets. This structure strengthens accountability, promotes effective decision-making, and supports the Company’s long-term growth and succession objectives.

CEO Yusif Mammadov, said: “The establishment of the Board marks the next stage in Oilmar’s development as a global energy and marine fuels business. It creates a governance framework that will support our future growth, strengthen oversight across the organisation, and ensure that our strategic decisions are guided by long-term value creation and responsible risk management.”

Photo credit: Oilmar
Published: 17 June, 2026