The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Monday (31 August) issued Port Marine Circular No. 9 of 2026 on steps for maritime companies to take for potential haze affecting Singapore:

BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN FOR HAZE

This circular supersedes Port Marine Circular No. 09 of 2023.

With reference to the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) joint media release issued on 9 August 2026, hotspots were observed in parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan, with prevailing winds potentially bringing smoke haze towards Singapore. The dry conditions may further increase the likelihood of haze affecting Singapore. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) encourages all maritime companies, especially those with workers performing outdoor work to maintain a business continuity plan for haze.

MPA advises all maritime companies to monitor the PSI level through the media and the NEA’s website (www.haze.gov.sg), keep at least a one-week supply of N95 masks for workers especially those who work outdoors, and observe the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) Haze guidelines and advisory for work which can be found on their website (www.mom.gov.sg/haze). The latter include guidelines to ensure that stocks of N95 masks are periodically inspected, remain serviceable, and not expired.

The visibility in the Singapore Strait and port waters could be significantly reduced in the event of haze. During periods of restricted visibility, shipmasters are advised to keep a proper lookout and navigate with caution. They are also advised to comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and in particular Rule No. 19, Rule No. 20 and Rule 35 concerning conduct of vessels in restricted visibility, exhibition of navigation lights and sound signals in restricted visibility, respectively.

In the interest of safety of navigation and life at sea, the Port Master may restrict the movement of harbour craft and pleasure craft in the port waters during reduced visibility conditions.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 31 August, 2026

Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore reaffirmed their shared commitment to keep the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) free, open and safe for international shipping at the 17th Co-operation Forum held in Singapore, according to a joint statement on Tuesday (25 August).

The statement was released by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Sea Transportation (DGST), Malaysia Marine Department (MMD) and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). 

The Littoral States affirmed the status of the SOMS as a Strait Used for International Navigation, where the right of transit passage applies, as enshrined in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and reflected in customary international law. They underscored the importance of respecting navigational rights and freedoms both in principle and practice.

The Littoral States also reaffirmed the important roles played by User States, international organisations, the maritime industry and other stakeholders in sharing responsibility for and contributing to the safety of navigation and environmental protection in the SOMS. 

At the 17th Co-operation Forum, the Littoral States and stakeholders will discuss proposals to further these efforts, including the safe introduction of new technologies and alternative fuels in the SOMS, and review ongoing technical projects to enhance navigational safety.

The Co-operative Mechanism established by Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore in 2007 provides the framework for this co-operation. It enables Littoral States to work together with User States and other stakeholders on navigational safety and environmental protection in the SOMS. Its establishment gave practical effect, for the first time, to Article 43 of UNCLOS.

The Littoral States also renewed their commitment to uphold the objective and founding principles of the Co-operative Mechanism.

The Littoral States further expressed their appreciation to stakeholders for their longstanding contributions to the Co-operative Mechanism and encouraged their continued support and participation.

More than 300 delegates from over 125 countries and organisations are expected to attend the two-day forum from 25 to 26 August 2026.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 25 August, 2026

Classification society ClassNK on Tuesday (18 August) said it has revised the safety requirements within its guidelines for ships using methanol, ethanol and hydrogen as marine fuels. 

In Part D of the guidelines, covering hydrogen-fuelled ships, the revision incorporates the Interim Guidelines for the Safety of Ships Using Hydrogen as Fuel (MSC.1/Circ.1701) issued by the IMO this year, and additionally introduces a hydrogen leak frequency table that can be used for the safety assessments required under the IMO guidelines. 

In Part A, covering methanol and ethanol-fuelled ships, new structural strength requirements for methanol/ethanol fuel tanks—which are not addressed in the IMO guidelines—have been established. 

“Through this revision, shipyards, designers, and shipowners can carry out design and safety assessments in line with the latest international standards, and by utilizing ClassNK’s own leak frequency estimates and the relevant requirements, they can proceed the development of alternative-fuelled ships in a more rationally,” ClassNK said in a statement. 

As the building of alternative-fuelled ships advances in response to the global challenge of reducing GHG emissions, ClassNK has comprehensively compiled the safety requirements for ships using methanol, ethanol, LPG, ammonia, and hydrogen—fuels regarded as promising alternatives—and has issued the guidelines. 

“Taking into account the risks that the use of alternative fuels poses to the environment, seafarers, and ships, the guidelines set out requirements for equipment, controls, and safety devices to minimize such risks,” it added. 

With the issuance of the IMO guidelines for hydrogen-fueled ships (MSC.1/Circ.1701), ClassNK said it has fully incorporated the IMO guidelines to make the guidelines more user-friendly for shipyards, designers, and shipowners, while also enhancing the requirements serving as design and assessment guidance for other alternative fuels. 

In the development of the IMO guidelines, now reflected in Part D, ClassNK participated as a member of the Japanese delegation to the IMO Sub-Committee CCC 11 and contributed to the discussions.

Note: The Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels (Edition 3.1)  can be viewed under “Guidelines” on My Page by registering as a user on the ClassNK website. 

Photo credit: Venti Views on Unsplash
Published: 20 August, 2026