The Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) on Monday (4 April) issued a statement to members addressing the recent issue of contaminated HSFO being supplied to several vessels at the Port of Singapore; the document has been reproduced in its entirety on Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times with permission from SSA:
Ref: SSA/040/22/EML
Date: 04 April 2022
Dear Member,
The Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) is aware of the recent cases of contaminated high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) bunkers delivered in the Port of Singapore.
It has been reported that the contaminated bunkers have affected a number of vessels for some shipowners/operators including few of our SSA Members. SSA understands that some vessels have experienced engine failure causing loss of power at high seas. This has also been widely reported by the fuel laboratories and P&I Clubs through their advisories. SSA has further taken note of the additional testing measures that have been undertaken by our Members currently, to detect the presence of the high level of chlorides, the cited cause of the engine failures.
SSA wishes to share with the Members that we have been actively engaging with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) since the onset when the first fuel quality dispute was lodged to the SSA.
MPA had immediately contacted the relevant bunker suppliers to take necessary steps to ensure that the relevant batch of fuel was no longer supplied. Further investigations are currently on-going.
MPA takes quality assurance seriously and is investigating the cause of the alleged bunker fuel contamination. As MPA is still concluding their investigations, we would like to assure Members that SSA will continue to engage MPA on the issue and how this can be mitigated in the future. SSA is committed to ensure that Singapore remains the world’s premier bunkering port.
Members who wish to share their concerns/challenges with regards to fuel quality issues in Singapore, may write in to the undersigned at siti@ssa.org.sg. All information shared will be on a privileged and confidential basis.
Photo credit: Singapore Shipping Association
Published: 5 April, 2022
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