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Singapore-based Sing Fuels loses bunker claim against owner of ‘Lila Shanghai’

Sing Fuels claiming over total 1,049.29 metric tonnes of 380 centistokes bunker fuel delivered to bulk carrier Lila Shanghai at Port Elizabeth, South Africa in July 2019, according to court documents.
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Editor’s note: A Sing Fuels representative has confirmed the company is aware of the court order and is currently evaluating its options, including a potential appeal, with legal representatives.

Singapore-based energy trading company Sing Fuels Pte Ltd (Plaintiff) has lost a bunker claim of USD 532,000 (exact: USD 532,312.48) against Autumn Harvest, the owner of 2011 built 43,692 GT bulk carrier Lila Shanghai (Defendant), at a U.S. Court on 19 April 2021 due to no maritime lien established.

“The Court finds that there is no privity of contract between the Defendant owner of the Vessel and the Plaintiff. Specifically, the subcharterer, MedMar Inc., did not have actual, apparent, or presumed authority to hold the Defendant liable for the bunker fuel,” it stated in a judgement seen by Manifold Times.

Sing Fuels was claiming over a total 1,049.29 metric tonnes (mt) of 380 centistokes (cSt) bunker fuel delivered to the vessel at Port Elizabeth, South Africa; it was delivered in two bunker stems of 595.888 mt on 10 July 2019, and 459.038 mt on 12 July 2019.

The bunker stem to the vessel was placed with Costas Mylonakis, a fuel broker at Windrose Marine.

Documents showed Autumn Harvest chartering out the Lila Shanghai to Bostomar Bulk Shipping Pte Ltd, which in turn subchartered the vessel out to MedMar Inc., between the period of 25 April 2019 to 31 December 2019.

A default of MedMar in October 2019 prompted Sing Fuels to track the vessel from October 2019 when it was still at South Africa, to India, and then to the United Kingdom and various others ports before its arrival to the United States in April 2020 where it was eventually arrested.

In summary, the Judgement of the U.S. Court was based on the following findings:

Charter Party Contract

The U.S. Court, which analysed the charter party contract, found MedMar not having actual authority to order necessary supplies that would create a maritime lien on the Lila Shanghai.

Notably, Clause 9 of the charter party contract states “[i]n no event shall Charterers procure, or permit to be procured, for the Vessel, any supplies/services on the credit of the Vessel of her Owners.”

“Therefore, the Court find that the charter party agreement between Defendant and Bostomar, Inc. explicitly states that, while Bostomar could subcharter the Vessel to MedMar Inc., the subcharterer (MedMar Inc.) could not procure any supplies, including fuel, on the credit of the Vessel or the Defendant,” explains the Judge.

No Authority to Create Maritime Lien

Upon establishing Autumn Harvest not authorising MedMar any rights to create a maritime lien on the vessel, the Judge moved on to find out if Mylonakis was indeed an agent of MedMar.

“Mylonakis later revealed that he never had any direct communications with MedMar Inc. regarding these fuel bunkers […] Mylonakis revealed he was only dealing with M.A.C. Shipping and he believed they were the same entity as MedMar Inc,” found the Judge.

Records further showed a “tenous relationship” between Mylonakis and MedMar; not enough to establish a direction relationship to the vessel enough to establish a lien.

“Accordingly, in this case, the Court concludes that Mr. Mylonakis did not have presumed authority to bind the Vessel to the provisions of the Bunker Confirmation. Thus, there is no presumed authority to establish a maritime lien.”

Plaintiff Barred by Laches

Overall, the U.S. Judge believed Sing Fuels had multiple opportunities to take earlier legal action but waited more than nine months after the maritime lien arose (between July 2019 to April 2020) to do so; which was unfair to Autumn Harvest.

“The evidence shows that Sing Fuels does not have a satisfactory excuse for the delay in bringing the cause of action,” he stated.

“First, Sing Fuels was not diligent in investigating MedMar Inc. before finalizing the contract with Mr. Mylonakis for the bunker fuel,” he further wrote, explaining of Sing Fuels not confirming if M.A.C. Shipping was indeed the same company as MedMar.

“Second, during the inquiry period, Sing Fuels investigated MedMar and determined that they had low assets but still decided to extend a $1.6 million credit line. Sing Fuels also provided MedMar with 60 pays to pay the amount owed after the fuel was delivered to the vessel.

“Third, Sing Fuels in its own Terms and Conditions recognizes a six-month limitation to bring claims is fair.”

“Overall, based on principles of equity, the Court finds that the six-month statute of limitations appropriately applies in this case. Thus, Defendant is entitled to a presumption that they have been prejudiced by the delay.”

 

Photo credit: Bill Oxford on Unsplash
Published: 10 May, 2021

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Mass Flowmeter

Hong Kong backs MFM adoption with voluntary scheme to boost bunkering competitiveness

Hong Kong’s Marine Department launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems on their bunker vessels.
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Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) on Wednesday (3 June) launched 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. 

Details of the bunker vessels successfully included in the List will be published on a dedicated page on the MD’s website for reference by shipping companies and relevant stakeholders.

Participation in the Scheme is voluntary. In addition to receiving recognition from the MD, participating bunker operators will benefit from enhanced corporate image and competitiveness through the adoption of MFM systems, thereby boosting customers’ confidence and helping to create new business opportunities.

 A spokesman for the MD, said: “As an international maritime centre supported by our country, Hong Kong has a strategic location adjacent to major international fairways. Coupled with years of development in marine fuel bunkering, Hong Kong possesses rich experience and talent in the field. For many years, Hong Kong has consistently ranked as the seventh-largest bunkering port globally, the second-largest in our country, and the largest in the Greater Bay Area, providing reliable and competitive fuel bunkering services to ocean-going vessels from around the world. 

“As the international shipping industry has an increasing demand for accuracy and transparency in bunkering services, service quality and measurement precision in bunkering operations have become important indicators of a bunkering port’s competitiveness. The Scheme will enhance bunkering accuracy and transparency, further enhancing the quality of Hong Kong’s bunkering services.

The spokesman added that comprehensive port services are one of Hong Kong’s key advantages as an international maritime centre.

“We will also mandate the use of MFM systems on all methanol bunker vessels this year to ensure that Hong Kong continues to provide high-quality bunkering services in the era of green maritime fuels.” 

Note: The application form for the Scheme can be found on the MD’s website. Interested bunker operators can download the application form from the website or contact the MD’s Green Maritime Fuel Team via email ([email protected]) for details.

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Alternative Fuels

MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency.
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MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (3 June) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company to strengthen collaboration in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, innovation, and manpower development. 

The MoU was signed on 25 May 2026 by Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, and Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC.

The MoU underscores the shared commitment of MPA and MSC to foster a sustainable, digital, and future-ready maritime sector, while enhancing MSC’s operational and business activities in Singapore. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of MSC establishing its Asia Regional Office and local office in Singapore.

Under the MoU, MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency and operational performance.

MPA and MSC will also collaborate on maritime digitalisation initiatives to improve operational efficiency, including streamlining vessel arrivals and port operations. 

On manpower development, MSC will support internship and scholarship opportunities through Singapore Maritime Foundation’s Maritime Outreach Network (MaritimeONE) platform, an industry-led tripartite partnership comprising industry, government and institutes of higher learning that aims to raise awareness of the maritime industry and attract quality talent into the maritime sector.

Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “This partnership reflects the strong collaboration between MPA and MSC in driving sustainability and digitalisation in the maritime sector. By working together on decarbonisation, operational efficiency and talent development, we aim to strengthen Maritime Singapore’s position as a trusted and future-ready global maritime hub.”

Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC, said: “Singapore is a strategically important hub for MSC and a key gateway to the broader Asia region. As we mark 30 years in Singapore, this MOU reinforces our long-term commitment to strengthening our presence here. MSC and Singapore are closely aligned on the priorities shaping the future of global shipping, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to drive the continued growth and resilience of the maritime industry.”

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Emissions reporting

StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

Cooperation combines StormGeo’s expertise in operational vessel and emissions data with OceanScore’s expertise in emissions compliance workflows across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and UK ETS requirements.
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June 4, 2026

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StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

Weather intelligence and decision support solutions provider StormGeo and Hamburg-based technology platform OceanScore on Wednesday (3 June) said they have deepened their ongoing cooperation through the signing of a collaboration agreement during Posidonia 2026 in Athens on 2 June.

The cooperation combines StormGeo’s expertise in operational vessel and emissions data with OceanScore’s expertise in emissions compliance workflows across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and upcoming UK ETS requirements.

Together, the companies aim to help shipping companies seamlessly navigate increasing regulatory complexity more efficiently — from emissions reporting and data validation to compliance exposure management, pooling and financial settlement.

As emissions regulation becomes an increasingly important part of commercial shipping operations, the need for reliable operational data and streamlined compliance processes continues to grow. The cooperation between StormGeo and OceanScore is designed to support shipping companies with more connected, transparent and actionable processes across operational and commercial teams.

“From the outside, companies like StormGeo and OceanScore may sometimes be perceived as competitors because both operate around emissions and compliance workflows,” said Albrecht Grell, Managing Director at OceanScore. 

“But in reality, the industry increasingly needs both perspectives working together: trusted operational emissions data on one side and commercial compliance execution on the other. Our cooperation reflects that shipping companies are no longer looking for isolated solutions — they need connected processes, automated across different systems and reliable decision-making throughout the full compliance chain.”

By connecting validated operational emissions data with commercial compliance management, the cooperation supports workflows across:

  • emissions reporting and validation 
  • compliance management across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and upcoming UK ETS requirements
  • exposure visibility and cost transparency
  • pooling, settlement and financial processes 

The cooperation also aims to improve commercial transparency and coordination across operational and commercial stakeholders.

“StormGeo plays a central role in helping shipping companies turn operational vessel and emissions data into trusted, decision-ready insights,” said Espen Martinsen, Chief Commercial Officer at StormGeo. 

“As emissions regulations become more complex, this data is essential for transparent and efficient compliance management. By working with OceanScore, we can help customers connect StormGeo’s validated operational data with commercial compliance processes, creating a more integrated and practical approach to emissions management.”

The signing ceremony took place at the StormGeo booth during Posidonia 2026 in Athens and was attended by representatives from both companies.

Both companies expect the cooperation to continue evolving alongside upcoming regulatory developments, including FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS, the upcoming UK ETS and future emissions-related frameworks affecting global shipping.

 

Photo credit: StormGeo
Published: 4 June, 2026

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