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Former Director and shareholder of Wee Tiong (S) Pte Ltd pleads guilty to DPRK linked transactions

Between November 2016 and October 2017, Mr Tan falsified at least 20 invoices and submitted these invoices to UOB and OCBC, according to court documents obtained by bunkering publication Manifold Times.
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The former Director and shareholder of Wee Tiong (S) Pte Ltd (WTPL), also the Director of sister company Morgan Marcos Pte Ltd (MMPL), pleaded guilty over several Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) related transactions at the State Courts of Singapore on Monday (11 October).

Specifically, Tan Wee Beng faced 20 charges under section 477A of the Penal Code (Cap. 224) (PC) for falsifying invoices of two companies; he has pleaded guilty to seven proceeded charges and consented to have the remaining 13 charges taken into consideration.

Between November 2016 and October 2017, Mr Tan falsified at least 20 invoices and submitted these invoices to UOB and OCBC, according to court documents obtained by bunkering publication Manifold Times.

As at November 2016, the credit facilities granted by UOB to companies in the Wee Tiong group totalled about SGD 125 million; this included SGD 38.678 million, a USD 1 million credit line, foreign exchange facilities of SGD 5 million, as well as vessel and property term loans granted to WTPL.

MMPL maintained bank accounts with UOB, while WTPL maintained bank accounts with OCBC.

Mr Tan knew the information he was hiding was important and relevant to the banks, and could have resulted in the termination of WTPL’s lines of credit should the financial institutions find out about the its DPRK related dealings, stated court documents.

Transactions of sugar and other goods with DPRK-linked entities

From 2007 or 2008, Mr Tan started trading with Korea Heung Song Trading Co, Dandong Fuda Coal Trading Co Ltd, and Tongyuan Industrial Co Ltd which were amongst firms owned by Ri Nam Sok (Ri) from DPRK; payments for the goods relating to Ri were received into WTPL’s UOB bank account.

Further, from 2010, Mr Tan started trading with Korea Investment and Development Co and Qinglin Trading Co Ltd which were firms owned by DPRK national Jon Chol Ho; payments for the goods relating to Jon were received into MMPL’s UOB bank account.

UOB and OCBC started queries of deposits between 2016 and 2017

Mr Tan started receiving queries from UOB in November 2016, March 2017 and October 2017, and from OCBC in September 2017 concerning certain deposits of monies into WTPL and MMPL’s bank accounts.

Knowing the consequences should the banks find out of the DPRK related transactions, he sought the help of co-accused Bong Hui Ping who was working as a shipping manager at WTPL to conceal the illicit activities from UOB and OCBC.

Hui Ping assisted Mr Tan to prepare false invoices in the name of WTPL and MMPL by changing the names of the end buyers and in some cases, also the destination ports, of the false invoices to remove any references to Jon and Ri’s companies and DPRK ports.

Mr Tan signed and shared the false invoices with UOB and OCBC while lying the queried deposits were payments made for purchases of goods by companies other than Ri and Jon’s companies.

In total, Mr Tan falsified seven papers belonging to WTPL and MMPL to conceal from UOB and OCBC that WTPL had transacted with an entity linked to the DPRK.

OFAC action against Wee Tiong Group companies

Manifold Times in October 2018 reported the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designating marine fuels company WT Marine Pte Ltd, WTPL, and Mr Tan for laundering money in support of North Korea.

According to OFAC, in 2017 the JW JEWEL (IMO: 9402964) and NYMEX STAR (IMO: 9078191), both Singapore-flagged oil tankers operated and managed by WT Marine Pte Ltd, engaged in illicit economic activity that involves or supports the Government of North Korea.

In June 2020, Mr Tan was charged in Singapore for 20 alleged counts of forgery to cover his tracks from banks after having sold sugar to parties from North Korea from his company Wee Tiong Pte Ltd and its affiliated firm, Morgan Marcos.

Related: Singapore marine fuels firm WT Marine in OFAC sanctions blacklist
Related: Singaporean MD on FBI most wanted list charged with fraud over North Korean dealings

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 12 October, 2021

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Environment

Indonesia to expedite removal of sunken Malaysia-flagged tanker “Silver Sincere”

Vessel sank while carrying about 1,000 mt of waste oil on 12 January 2025; the wreck was discovered in March 2025 and was found to have drifted about 13 nautical miles from its original sinking site.

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July 20, 2026

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Indonesia to expedite removal of sunken Malaysia-flagged tanker “Silver Sincere”

Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs on Tuesday (14 July) held a cross-agency coordination meeting to expedite efforts in handling the Malaysian-flagged tanker Silver Sincere that sank off Bintan Regency, Riau Islands.

The vessel sank while carrying about 1,000 metric tonnes (mt) of waste oil on 12 January 2025. 

According to authorities, the ship sank within Indonesian waters. After several surveys, the wreck was finally discovered in March 2025 and it was found to have shifted approximately 13 nautical miles from the initial sinking location.

The meeting was aimed to align cross-ministerial and institutional measures to expedite the handling of the Silver Sincere wreck while minimising risks to shipping safety, the marine environment, and national interests.

Deputy for Coordination of State Defense and National Unity Purwito Hadi Wardhono emphasised that the handling of the impact of the Silver Sincere sinking was the first case to be comprehensively coordinated, serving as a model for handling foreign vessels sinking within Indonesian jurisdiction.

Through this cross-sectoral coordination, the government will establish a clear and measurable framework that can serve as a reference for resolving similar cases in the future, while minimising state losses due to environmental pollution, damage to underwater ecosystems and infrastructure, and disruption to shipping lanes.

“The most important thing is to immediately stop and prevent the negative impacts of this ship sinking,” Purwito said.

“Therefore, a coordinating role is crucial, as maritime security governance involves various ministries and institutions with varying authorities, allowing for faster, more integrated, and more effective response,” he said. 

He added that the Silver Sincere was a Malaysian-flagged vessel that sank within Indonesian jurisdiction, and therefore, all handling processes must comply with the provisions of Indonesian laws and regulations.

In the meeting, Prof. Eko Ganis Sukoharsono, representing the SAE Energy Consulting Team, presented the results of an analysis based on 14 observation periods using Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite imagery. 

The analysis results showed strong indications of a waste oil spill that has resulted in marine pollution, damage to the seabed due to shifting shipwrecks, disruption of coastal ecosystems and fishing grounds, and potentially threatening the livelihoods of fishing communities around the Riau Islands. 

Purwito added these findings further emphasise the importance of accelerating the removal of the shipwrecks to prevent widespread environmental impacts, maintain shipping safety, and avoid the potential for greater state losses.

The meeting brought together representatives of related ministries and institutions including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Ministry of Environment, Attorney General’s Office.  

Related: MPA: Malaysia-registered tanker “Silver Sincere” sinks off Pedra Branca

 

Photo credit: MarineTraffic / Julian T
Published: 20 July, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

Singapore: FueLNG achieves 800th LNG bunkering operation milestone

Bunker tanker “FUELNG Venosa” delivered LNG marine fuel to bulk carrier “MV Ubuntu Humanity” at Eastern Bunkering A Anchorage (AEBA) on 11 July.

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Singapore: FueLNG completes 800th LNG bunkering operation

Singapore’s licensed LNG bunker supplier FueLNG on Friday (17 July) announced the successful completion of its 800th LNG bunkering operation in the republic.

The company said bunker tanker FUELNG Venosa delivered LNG marine fuel to bulk carrier MV Ubuntu Humanity at Eastern Bunkering A Anchorage (AEBA) on 11 July. 

“This achievement is more than just a number,” FueLNG said.

“It reflects the trust our customers place in us, the dedication of our operations team, the professionalism of our marine partners, and our unwavering commitment to safe, efficient, and reliable bunker deliveries.” 

Manifold Times previously reported FueLNG completing its 500th LNG ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operation.

Related: Singapore: FueLNG achieves milestone of 500th STS LNG bunkering operation

 

Photo credit: FueLNG
Published: 20 July, 2026

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Methanol

Western Baltic Engineering unveils green methanol bunkering vessel design for Klaipėda

Designed for flexible operations in shallow waters and local bunkering routes, the concept features an 800-metric-tonne green methanol capacity and the potential to supply up to 250,000 mt annually.

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July 20, 2026

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Western Baltic Engineering unveils green methanol bunkering vessel design for Klaipėda

Ship design and engineering service provider Western Baltic Engineering on Thursday (16 July) showcased its latest concept design for a green methanol bunkering vessel, developed for the operational needs of the Port of Klaipėda.

Designed for flexible operations in shallow waters and local bunkering routes, the concept features an 800-metric-tonne green methanol capacity and the potential to supply up to 250,000 metric tonnes (mt) annually. 

“It is Western Baltic Engineering’s first concept dedicated exclusively to green methanol bunkering, expanding our portfolio of alternative-fuel vessel solutions,” the company said in a social media post.

“Building on our experience in methanol-ready vessel design, it reflects our continued focus on enabling the industry’s transition to cleaner fuels.”

“As the maritime sector evolves, engineering companies have a responsibility not only to respond to market needs but also to anticipate future challenges,” said Marius Arkusauskas, Director at Western Baltic Engineering.

“By exploring emerging technologies and alternative fuel applications, we help our partners prepare for the next generation of maritime operations while contributing to a more sustainable future.”

 

Photo credit: Western Baltic Engineering
Published: 20 July, 2026

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