Business

Taiwan’s efforts to apply 0.5% sulphur cap at commercial ports prove effective

Taiwan first started implementing the sulphur cap in 2018 and even offered a subsidy to those who wish to switch to compliant fuel; SOx emissions have since reduced by 40%.

Published

6 years ago

March 23, 2020

Admin

The Maritime and Port Bureau (MPB) of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) in February stated Taiwan’s seven international commercial ports implemented 0.5% sulphur control measures on January 1, 2019 for vessels that sail international routes – a year ahead of IMO 2020.

These measurements have significantly loweredair pollution in port areas; reducing sulphur dioxide (SOx) emission by 6,454.83 metric tonnes (40.38%) and PM2.5 pollutants (particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter) by 287.48 metric tonnes (22.32%) when compared to 2018.

The MBP stated for ocean carriers to become accustomed to the new sulphur regulations, it first implemented incentive measures at the Port of Kaohsiung on February 1, 2018 and expanded the measures to seven international ports on July 23, 2018.

A green subsidy for vessels using low sulphur fuel was implemented towards the end of 2018, and the MBP reported a total of 2,097 applications were submitted in 2018 with incentives reaching NT$34,535,000 (USD 1,135,366).

In order to ensure a smooth transition for vessels sailing on international routes to use low sulphur fuel oil, MPB partnered with China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation to provide compliant fuel at international commercial ports in 2019.

The MPB stated all of its flag state and port state inspectors have also received the same training as member states of the Tokyo MoU to verify visiting vessels use low sulfur fuel oil.

In 2019, a total of 988 vessels were inspected and 25 violations were found, including not using compliant fuel, missing fuel slip or record, incomplete procedures, and incorrect equipment operation.

The MBP notes that of 114 domestic vessels sailing on international routes, 97 vessels have switched to compliant fuel and 17 vessels have installed scrubbers to comply with regulations.

However, it states the effects of open-loop scrubber on water are still being discussed extensively by relevant authorities.

The MPB indicated that it will continue to monitor the latest developments worldwide and resolutions of the IMO for any developments.

It also stated it will closely monitor the water quality in harbours, amend domestic maritime regulations and environmental protection laws in a timely manner to protect citizens’ rights.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Bureau Taiwan
Published: 23 March, 2020

Legal

Singapore withdraws remaining 127 charges against Hin Leong founder OK Lim

Lim Oon Kuin, also known as OK Lim, was issued a stern warning and a district court granted him a discharge amounting to an acquittal for these charges on 17 July.

Published

19 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Admin

Founder of collapsed oil trader Hin Leong Trading, Lim Oon Kuin, also known as OK Lim, has had the remaining 127 charges against him withdrawn, according to The Straits Times on Monday (20 July).

OK Lim was issued a stern warning and a district court granted him a discharge amounting to an acquittal for these charges, including those for cheating, on 17 July. The discharge means Lim cannot be prosecuted again for the same offences.

Lim, 84, is currently serving a 13½-year prison sentence after the High Court reduced his original 17½-year jail term in March 2026. He was convicted in 2024 on two cheating charges and one count of abetting forgery in a case prosecutors described as one of Singapore’s most serious trade finance frauds.

Lim was convicted in May 2024 of two charges of cheating the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) and one count of abetting forgery that proceeded to trial out of a total of 130 criminal charges.

He was first charged in court on 14 August 2020, and was subsequently handed further charges in court on 25 September 2020, 30 April 2021 and 24 June 2021 for his role in perpetuating fraud on various financial institutions.

A total of 130 charges were eventually brought against him for cheating and forgery-related offences.

Photo credit: Sora Shimazaki
Published: 21 July, 2026

Winding up

Singapore: Coastal Logistics Pte Ltd to be wound up voluntarily

Coastal Logistics was reportedly affiliated with troubled Singapore bunker player Coastal Oil (Singapore) Pte Ltd.

Published

19 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Admin

Several resolutions for Coastal Logistics Pte Ltd were made during an extraordinary general meeting held on 14 July, according to a notice in the Government Gazette on Friday (4 July).

The following resolutions were duly passed during the meeting:

As Special Resolution

That it has been proved to the satisfaction of the meeting that the Company cannot by reason of its liabilities continue its business and accordingly the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section 160(1)(b) of the Insolvency, Restructuring and Dissolution Act 2018 (No. 40 of 2018);

As Ordinary Resolutions

that Mr. Wong Pheng Cheong Martin and Ms. Koay May Yee, both care of FTI Consulting (Singapore) Pte Ltd, One Raffles Quay, #27-10 South Tower, Singapore 048583 be appointed as the joint and several Liquidators of the Company for the purpose of such winding up; and
that the Liquidators be at liberty to open, maintain and operate any bank account(s) or account(s) for monies received by them as Liquidators with such bank(s) as they deem fit; and
that a Committee of Inspection will not be formed.

Manifold Times previously reported Nicholas James Gronow, director of Heng Tong Fuels & Shipping and Coastal Logistics, filed statutory declarations for both companies stating the firms cannot continue their businesses due to liabilities.

Both companies were reportedly affiliated with troubled Singapore bunker player Coastal Oil (Singapore) Pte Ltd.

In 2019, several vessels owned by both firms entered the sale & purchase (S&P) market in Singapore.

Photo credit: Drew Beamer
Published: 21 July, 2026

LNG Bunkering

PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

Published

19 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Admin

PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post.

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024.

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026