Business
Gard issues alert on custom fines for alleged inaccuracies in customs declarations at Argentine ports
Gard says guidance by marine surveyor firm Simonsen advises Masters and officers to be particularly attentive when declaring goods such as bunkers and other ‘oils’ such as lube oil and hydraulic oil.

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2 months agoon
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Maritime protection and indemnity (P&I) club Gard on Tuesday (4 July) published an alert on ship operators getting fined for alleged inaccuracies when filing customs declarations at Argentine ports and provides guidance on how to avoid such fines when calling at the ports:
Ship operators continue to be fined for alleged inaccuracies when filing customs declarations at Argentine ports. The accuracy of the figures declared is crucial as reported overage, or duplication of items, could be just as expensive as a “shortage”.
For more than a decade there has been a persistent issue of ships incurring fines at Argentina’s ports.
The Argentine Customs Authorities are known for paying close attention to the details in each ship’s custom declarations and stores lists - and for imposing strict penalties for any discrepancies identified, as permitted under its Customs Code. And now, in July 2023, our correspondent Sigvart G.J. Simonsen & Cia. S.R.L reports that claims related to custom fines are once again on the rise in Argentina.
In an effort to enhance uniformity in the application of customs regulations in the country, Argentine Customs Authorities issued General Resolution 4317 on 10 October 2018. The Resolution approved a set of forms to be used by vessels declaring any stores on board upon arrival at an Argentine port. We list below individual links to the forms:
- 1645 – Ship’s store declaration
- 1646 – Deck store list
- 1647 – Engine room store list
- 1648 – Crew effect declaration
Although these forms provide some uniformity, there are items in the lists which may still be unclear. One example is in form OM 1647 (Engine Store List), where the form refers to “other oils”. However, it does not clarify if quantities of lube oil in the sump tank should be declared or not or if the volume of lube oil should be measured with the engines running or not.
It is therefore important that ship operators continue to remind their Masters of ships calling Argentinean ports to be particularly vigilant and attentive when filling in the customs declaration and ship’s stores list, also when using the forms from 2018. We also recommend contacting the ship’s local agent well before arrival to ascertain the customs and immigration regulations in force in Argentina at that given time and the documentation required.
Guidance for Masters
The Guidance for Masters - Key Points when Declaring Store Lists Before the Argentinian Customs House by Simonsen provides a summary of its recommendations on how to avoid fines when calling at Argentine ports. The guidance provides helpful advice based on the correspondent’s extensive case experience and we recommend that ship operators forward a copy of this to all ships likely to call at Argentine ports. Furthermore, while the guidance stresses the importance of declaring accurate figures for all consumables onboard, including avoiding duplication of items, it advises Masters and officers to be particularly attentive when declaring goods such as:
- paints, thinners, and other chemicals
- bunkers and other “oils” such as lube oil and hydraulic oil
- electronic appliances, including crews’ personal effects
- cigarettes and alcohol
- spare parts, including engine and deck inventories
In case of any doubt, e.g. if requested to sign an unfamiliar document or language and cultural differences make communication difficult, ask for the agent’s and/or the P&I correspondent's assistance.
Photo credit: CHUTTERSNAP from Unsplash
Published: 1 August, 2023
Events
Singapore: PS Energy Group unveils new brand identity and moves to a new office
The group including its inland and marine bunkering units PS Energy Pte Ltd and CNC Petroleum Pte Ltd has underwent rebranding and moved to JTC Summit.

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5 hours agoon
October 4, 2023By
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Last mile fuel distribution company PS Energy Group, including its inland and coastal and marine bunkering units, PS Energy Pte Ltd and CNC Petroleum Pte Ltd, has introduced a fresh brand identity learns Manifold Times.
The firm has unveiled its new company logos and branding that reflects its remarkable transformation as a company.
“Over the past few months, we have been working hard to create a new visual identity that truly captures the essence of who we are as a company which we hope will resonate, inspire trust, and build meaningful connections with our customers,” Sean Chua, Managing Director told Singapore-based bunkering publication Manifold Times.
“Our new logo embodies the core values and aspirations that have guided us throughout our journey, while incorporating elements that represent our vision and direction for the future. With its circular shape, the new logo depicts an entity in motion and embodies PS Energy Group’s agility, focus on innovation, and accessibility.”
The firm’s updated branding encompasses a comprehensive visual identity system that is now being integrated across all its assets and communication channels, including its inland and marine fleet, website, and social media platforms.

Besides the new brand identity, the Group has recently moved to a new and improved office space at the JTC Summit in Singapore. The firm said its team spent considerable time and effort in searching for the perfect location that aligned with its vision and values of providing the best service possible to its clients.

“The move represents a significant milestone in our company's journey and marks a new chapter of growth and opportunity. Our new office brings a host of exciting features and amenities that will undoubtedly elevate the overall experience for everyone involved,” according to Sean.
“From spacious workstations and ergonomic furniture to cutting-edge technology and collaborative spaces, we have designed the new office with both functionality and comfort in mind. We believe that this new workspace will foster even greater creativity, productivity, and collaboration among our team members, enabling us to deliver exceptional results and exceed the expectations of our clients.”
PS Energy Group’s new address is as follows:
8 Jurong Town Hall Road
#24-01 The JTC Summit
Singapore 609434
Related: Interview: PS Energy Group gears up for 2023 with sustainable bunker fuel products and digital transformation
Related: CNC Petroleum provides alternative bunker fuel to coastal and marine market with MGO B20
Related: Singapore: PS Energy Group acquires ISCC cert for biodiesel products
Photo credit: PS Energy Group
Published: 4 October, 2023
Business
Malaysia: Straits Energy proposes to list oil bunkering and shipping segment on Nasdaq
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the firm announced its intention to spin-off its oil bunkering and shipping related services segment for listing on NASDAQ stock exchange via a public offering.

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5 hours agoon
October 4, 2023By
Admin
Malaysia-listed Straits Energy Resources Berhad on Monday (2 October) announced the company’s intention to spin-off its oil bunkering and shipping related services segment for listing on NASDAQ stock exchange in the United States by way of a registered public offering.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the firm said it intends to undertake a reorganisation of some of its subsidiaries involved in the oil bunkering and shipping related services segment, for the purpose of forming a separate listing group or Spin-Off Group suitable for the listing on NASDAQ.
“It is envisaged that these subsidiaries to be comprised in the Spin-off Group will continue to remain as
subsidiaries of Straits upon the completion of the Proposed Listing,” the company said.
Straits Energy added it will make a detailed announcement in relation to the proposed listing in due course, once the board of directors has finalised and approved the terms and structure of the exercise.
It said the listing would enable the Spin-Off Group to gain recognition and corporate stature through the listing status of its own on NASDAQ.
The company added the listing would further enhance its corporate reputation and profile which will be conducive in expanding its customer base whilst allowing the Spin-Off Group to expand and establish its global presence.
The proposed listing would also enable the Spin-Off Group to gain access to the capital market in the United States for capital raising and to provide the Spin-Off Group with financial flexibility for future expansion and growth.
It will also unlock shareholders' value in the oil bunkering and shipping related services and provide transparent valuation benchmark for the same on NASDAQ, it added.
Manifold Times previously reported marine fuel logistics firm CBL International Limited (CBL International), an ultimate holding company of Banle International Group Ltd (BVI), a 38%-associate company of Straits Energy Resources Bhd announced it would be listed on Nasdaq.
Later, Manifold Times did an exclusive interview with Banle Group who shared insights on the successful listing of CBL International Limited, its listing vehicle, on the Nasdaq Capital Market
Related: Malaysia: Straits Energy associate CBL International to be listed on Nasdaq
Related: Exclusive: Banle Group sets sights on expanding bunker supply network with successful IPO on Nasdaq
Photo credit: Straits Energy Resources Berhad
Published: 4 October, 2023
Employment
VPS announces new appointments for key positions
Andrew Morton has been appointed to the role of Managing Director AMEA while Captain Rahul Choudhuri has been appointed to the newly created role of President Strategic Partnerships.

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5 hours agoon
October 4, 2023By
Admin
Marine fuels testing company VPS on Tuesday (3 October) announced the appointment of Andrew Morton to the role of Managing Director AMEA (Asia, Middle East and Africa).
In this role, Andrew will apply his experience and knowledge to lead the delivery of VPS services to these important and growing regions. He joins VPS having spent the last 17 years working in the oil and gas industry, most recently with TotalEnergies in various positions and countries.
These included technical, commercial, management, mergers and acquisitions and most recently the New Energies space, including renewable energy, biogas and fuels, hydrogen and LNG. He has a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry and started his career in research and development in the lubricants industry for Fuchs.
Dr. Malcolm Cooper, VPS CEO, stated “We are delighted to welcome Andrew on board as our MD AMEA. His background and experience will be helpful in supporting our customers in these important Regions, particularly in the rapidly developing decarbonisation space.”
Andrew Morton, said: “I am delighted to join VPS and the team and take over the role of Managing Director - Asia, Middle East and Africa. It is a privilege to join the global market leader and to manage a zone where the maritime industry is growing. I look forward to working with the various companies and associations across the industry to help them with their decarbonisation journey.”
VPS also announced that Captain Rahul Choudhuri has been appointed to the newly created role of President Strategic Partnerships. In this role, Rahul will use his network to enhance and further develop relationships with customers and operators from across the shipping ecosystem to help VPS support their decarbonisation journey.
Dr. Malcolm Cooper, VPS CEO, stated “Captain Rahul is well-known across the Maritime sector and he has been the figurehead for VPS Asia and the Middle East for many years. He has been instrumental in many developments within VPS and across the shipping industry, making significant contributions to developments through a wide range of Committees and organisations.”
“His new role will enable him to focus more on our external relationships, which are of growing importance as we aim to support the shipping sector on it’s decarbonisation journey. We in VPS are very proud of Rahul’s achievements to date and we know there will be more to come.”
Rahul, said: “I am looking forward to this new opportunity. This role will allow me to use my experience and close relationships to strengthen, build and develop the industry partnerships needed to deliver new decarbonisation solutions offered by VPS. My work with industry associations allows a greater professional engagement with stakeholders to take the industry forward in challenging times”.
Photo credit: VPS
Published: 4 October, 2023

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