Business
MPA cautions Singapore-registered ships while operating off Coast of West Africa
MPA strongly recommends the ships to take necessary precautions to ensure safety and security when operating in the region following piracy and hijacking incidents.

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2 months agoon
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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (3 August) issued Shipping Circular No 9 of 2023 which outlines its precautions to Singapore-registered shipowners, managers and masters on ongoing security concerns for ships operating off the coast of West Africa, including the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) due to piracy and hijacking incidents:
ADVISORY FOR SINGAPORE-REGISTERED SHIPS OPERATING OFF THE COAST OF WEST AFRICA INCLUDING THE GULF OF GUINEA
This shipping circular supersedes Shipping Circular No. 6 of 2018.
There have been ongoing security concerns for ships operating off the coast of West Africa, including the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) due to piracy and hijacking incidents. While piracy attacks typically occur within 200 nautical miles from the Coast, two recent pirate attacks in November 2022 and April 2023 respectively were found to have occurred more than 200 nautical miles from the coast of Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. Piracy thus continues to pose a threat and the modus operandi are constantly evolving.
To counter this threat, MPA strongly recommends that Singapore-registered ships take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and security when operating in the region:
- maintain vigilance and proper lookout, taking into account the evolving trends and the perpetrators’ modus operandi;
- review their Ship Security Assessment and Ship Security Plan including regular planned testing of Ship Security Alert System and security drills;
- register with the Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade – Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG) when entering and transiting the voluntary reporting area as per the UKHO chart Q6114 and SHOM chart 8801CSD. The MDAT-GoG can be contacted by phone at +33 2 9822 8888 or by email to [email protected] or via website https://gog- mdat.org/home ;
- report all pirate and hijacking activities promptly, including both actual and attempted attacks, as well as suspicious sightings, to the Singapore Registry of Ships 24/7 hotline at +65 6225 5777 and email [email protected], local authorities and the MDAT-GoG;
- implement the guidelines contained in the Best Management Practices West Africa , published by industry organisations and supported by government and military organisations to help mariners detect, deter and delay external threats, when operating in the region.
Any queries relating to this circular should be directed to the Singapore Ship Registry at [email protected].
Manifold Times previously reported MPA confirming Singaporean-registered oil tanker Success 9 was boarded by pirates on 10 April.
The tanker was boarded by unidentified persons at about 300 nautical miles off the Abidjan Coast, Cote d’lvoire at about 10 pm (Singapore time).
Later, Manifold Times reported Success 9 was located off the coast of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire and all crew members including a Singaporean crew were safe and in good health.
Related: Breaking: Singapore-registered oil tanker “Success 9” located, crew safe
Related: MPA: Owner of tanker “Success 9” still unable to establish communications with vessel
Related: Pirates board Singapore-registered tanker “Success 9”, Singaporean on board
Related: Pirates board Monjasa oil tanker “Monjasa Reformer” in Gulf of Guinea
Related: Pirates abandon “Monjasa Reformer”, portion of crew returns to safety
Related: Kidnapped crew of oil tanker “Monjasa Reformer” recovered safely
Related: IFC Shipping Advisory: Sea theft incident along Westbound Lane TSS, Singapore Strait
Related: SMW 2023: Discussion held on emerging trends of piracy and sea robbery in Asia
Related: IMB records lowest level of Q1 piracy since 1993 in 2023 report
Related: IFC publishes key observations from sea robbery incident reports
Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 3 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.

Published
4 hours agoon
October 4, 2023By
Admin
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.

Published
4 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.

Published
4 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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