Business

Singapore bunkering sector faces manpower ‘talent gap’ for qualified bunker surveyors

Industry sources from the bunker surveying sector point to training processes, price war, and outdated policies as factors leading to current issue.

Published

7 years ago

December 2, 2019

Admin

Players within the Singapore bunkering sector are currently facing a ‘talent gap’ over the recruitment of sufficient qualified bunker surveyor staff due to a variety of reasons, learns Manifold Times.

Fully qualified Singapore bunker surveyors, which generally take between six to eight months to train, are required to obtain a license from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) via an accredited and licenced bunker surveying company.

Interested personnel are required to attend and pass a bunker surveying course from ST Engineering subsidiary STET Maritime Pte Ltd – the only entity approved by MPA for such training – before being able to apply for the appropriate licence.

It is believed the ST Engineering subsidiary conducts its bunker surveying course for newcomers about twice a year.*

“Bunker surveyor candidates have to go through a structured process to ensure only quality surveyors are able to operate at Singapore port which is good for quality control,” an industry veteran familiar with the bunker surveyor sector told Manifold Times.

“However, we need to streamline the process for the training of new bunker surveyors at Singapore and consider a review of training requirements and the institute for carrying this out.

“As we all know there is a memorandum from September 2017 to September 2018, that no new bunker surveyor licences will be issued for companies and individuals. From September 2018 to March 2019 there was only one course held by STET, whereas in 2019 there was only two courses held by STET in March and October 2019.

“The given reason for the low frequency in courses held is due to insufficient attendees for the courses; this also means even when a date is given for a course to start, it doesn’t confirm training will proceed.

“This scenario has caused planning issues for companies trying to groom new surveyors as firms have no choice but to keep them on the payroll until the next STET lesson which could be months away.

“Hopefully MPA can look into streamlining these external costs and requirements to make these lessons more frequently available throughout the year so surveying companies will be able to invest more in recruitment operations to boost our bunkering industry.

“In the end due to this lag, bunker surveying companies will just be poaching from the market."

Another active player in the bunker survey sector confirmed the lack of STET Maritime organised bunker surveying courses.

“They need a minimum amount of people to conduct the course, I called them up a few times and they couldn’t give me a fixed date for it,” he said while continuing “and that’s why I had to take surveyors from other surveying companies to remain in the market.”

The real cause of the lack of surveyors within the Singapore bunker market, however, has more to do regarding payment of bunker surveyor services rather than training of new personnel, believes a management level source from the bunker surveying sector.

“Most of the smaller bunker surveying companies are paying lesser at around SGD $3,750 to 4,250 for 15 ships which makes around $250-283 per vessel; these smaller firms also do not offer a 13th month bonus,” he explains.

“A surveyor will usually stay on board for around 15 hours. Now with the introduction of VLSFO a surveyor may have up to three bunker grades (i.e. HFO, MGO, VLSFO) to manage so the duration of jobs may last till around 24 hours or more.

“Hence, the majority of surveyors feel the risk of climbing up on board a ship is not worth it with the lower prices – leading to the lack of surveyors for certain bunker jobs.

“However, the situation is quite the opposite for bigger bunker survey firms which pay more for jobs such as approximately SGD 5,000 for around 12 to 15 ships.

“It is the bunker surveyors who suffer when their respective firms engage in a price war.”

The Association of Bunker Industry (Singapore), also known as ABIS, believes it is time for the authorities to revamp the bunker surveyor qualification process at the republic.

“I had highlighted to MPA that they need a review on the requirements for new surveyors. Now is the perfect time to do so as the Singapore marine fuels industry has progressed from manual tank gauging to utilising mass flowmeter (MFM) technology for bunkering,” said ABIS President Daniel Phua.

“A lot of these policies can be considered old and obsolete as they were developed in the early 2000’s.

“We need to set up a review committee to look into updating earlier policies to keep up with the market’s needs, and more importantly – to pave the way for the next generation of mariners in joining our vibrant bunkering sector.”

*A check by Manifold Times on the ST Engineering training calendar [here] showed one Bunker Surveying Course taking place during 14 to 15 October 2019 between the six-month period from July to December 2019.
Status of the training date for the Bunker Survey Course (Refresher) TR 48:2015 Bunker Mass Flow Metering in the similar calendar was “to be advised” between the similar six-month period in 2019.
The MPA Mandatory Course Schedule [here] states the minimum number of personnel required to start the Bunker Surveying Course is seven.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 2 December, 2019

Business

IBT Bunkering & Trading appoints Kevin Döhmen to lead Singapore expansion

Döhmen will lead the new Singapore office, with responsibility for managing and developing the operation and strengthening relationships with customers and partners.

Published

22 hours ago

August 13, 2026

Admin

IBT Bunkering & Trading appoints Kevin Döhmen to lead Singapore expansion

Hamburg-based marine fuels firm IBT Bunkering & Trading on Wednesday (12 August) said it has appointed Kevin Döhmen as Executive Vice President to lead the company’s new Singapore office.

Manifold Times previously reported the company announcing that it is opening its doors in Singapore and will be running a trading desk in the city-state after trading bunkers out of Hamburg since 1976.

The company said Kevin Döhmen will lead the new Singapore office, with theresponsibility for managing and developing the operation and strengthening relationships with customers and partners.

IBT said the Singapore office represents an important first step in strengthening its presence in Asia.

“At the same time, we are actively exploring further opportunities to expand our activities and establish new partnerships in this key maritime hub,” the company said.

Döhmen said: “Singapore is the heartbeat of global bunkering. Bringing IBT’s Hamburg roots — 50 years of them — onto the ground in this hub is a real privilege, and I couldn’t be more ready for it.”

IBT said it will maintain the service approach established through its Hamburg operations while building its activities in Singapore.

The company described the move as bringing together its Hamburg roots and Singapore presence through a global bunker network.

Photo credit: IBT Bunkering & Trading
Published: 13 August, 2026

Bunker Alerts

Low flashpoint found in Indonesia bunker fuels, alerts Maritec-Naias

Firm tested eight bunker samples representing LSMDO and B40 fuel grade from vessels that took fuel oil /bunkered in Indonesia ports, which indicated flashpoints as low as 39.5°C.

Published

22 hours ago

August 13, 2026

Admin

Bunker fuel testing and marine surveying business Maritec-Naias on Wednesday (12 August) issued an alert regarding bunker samples from vessels that took fuel oil/bunkered in Indonesia showing flashpoints as low as 39.5°C:

During the period of 21 July to 04 August 2026, Maritec-Naias tested eight bunker samples representing Low Sulfur Marine Distillate Oil (LSMDO) and B40 fuel grade from vessels that took fuel oil /bunkered in Indonesia ports, which indicated Flashpoints as low as 39.5°C.

All eight fuel samples tested were sourced from a single supplier.

Regulatory Implications:

Based on the results of the eight samples tested, the fuels do not comply with the minimum flashpoint requirement of 60 °C set by SOLAS and ISO 8217.

As per SOLAS requirements, the minimum flashpoint of any fuel carried in the tanks of a ship should be not less than 60 °C (with exception of fuel for lifeboats, which can be grade DMX with a flash point min of 43 °C).

ISO 4259 interpretation for tested flashpoint temperature is not taken into consideration here as the safety of onboard crew and vessel is of higher precedence.

Since 01 May 2024, it has been a MARPOL Annex VI requirement that the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) includes either the actual flashpoint of a fuel as supplied or a declaration that its flashpoint has been determined as being at or above 70°C.

From 1 January 2026, SOLAS amendments clarified that the flashpoint requirement applies to fuels, which were specifically intended to have a flashpoint not less than 60°C as required under SOLAS II‑2/2.1.1 These amendments now align with MARPOL by requiring flashpoint details to be recorded on the BDN. Additionally, prior to bunkering, suppliers must provide the ship’s representative with a signed declaration confirming that the fuel meets the SOLAS flashpoint standard.

MARITEC-NAIAS RECOMMENDATIONS

When ordering fuels from Indonesia it is advised to insist on getting the actual flash point values from the supplier. If your vessel has bunkered a low flashpoint fuel it is prudent to observe/implement the precautions below:

Flame screens on tank vents should be maintained in good condition and there should be no sources of ignition in the vicinity of the vents. This will assist in safe natural ventilation of volatile components in the fuel.
No Smoking, no naked flame and no hot work must be allowed at any areas near to tank air vents.
Send additional tank(s) samples upon arrival in port to check the fuel properties and flash point results especially if there has been co-mingling of fuels in bunker tanks
If the vessel is out at sea, it may be possible to obtain dispensation from your Flag State Administration up to the next arrival port.
Put the supplier on notice promptly and notify your P&I club.

Photo credit: Shaah Shahidh on Unsplash
Published: 13 August, 2026

Methanol

China: Xiamen issues safety guidelines for methanol bunkering operations

New guidelines establish safety requirements across the full methanol bunkering process, supporting the expansion of green marine fuel supplies at Xiamen Port.

Published

22 hours ago

August 13, 2026

Admin

Xiamen Free Trade Zone on Monday (10 August) said its Administrative Committee recently jointly issued the Safety Guidelines for Marine Methanol Fuel Bunkering in Xiamen Waters with Xiamen Port Authority and Xiamen Maritime Safety Administration, establishing a framework for methanol bunkering operations in the port.

The guidelines are the first safety operating standard in Fujian province specifically covering marine methanol fuel bunkering. They apply to methanol bunkering operations conducted by bunker vessels in Xiamen waters and set out safety requirements covering the entire operation, from preparation through completion.

The guidelines specify requirements for bunkering companies, equipment and materials used on bunker vessels, hose inspection intervals, personnel certification and personal protective equipment.

They also require operators to conduct dedicated risk assessments and prepare emergency response plans before operations begin. During bunkering, operators must maintain continuous monitoring and comply with specified weather restrictions. After completion, pipelines must undergo procedures including purging and inerting.

Xiamen Port has previously carried out ship-to-ship bunkering of biofuels and LNG. The new guidelines provide a regulatory framework and operational basis for methanol bunkering and are intended to support the safe and orderly conduct of such operations.

The move is also expected to help Xiamen Port expand its market and bunkering capacity for green marine fuels.

Photo credit: Woo Winter on Unsplash
Published: 13 August, 2026