Singapore tightens bunkering rules as new world standards introduced

THE Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and SPRING Singapore's Technical Committee for Bunkering have amended the Standard Code of Practice for bunkering SS 600:2008 and the Standard Specification for Quality Management for bunker supply chains (QMBS), the SS 524:2006.

The amendments adopted the latest edition of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 82171 and its test reporting requirements as a benchmark. The amendments also tighten the quality of bunker deliveries and aligned the two standards to ensure their relevance in today's evolving business environment, a statement from the MPA said.

From January 1, 2013, the MPA will require all bunker deliveries and bunker surveys in the Port of Singapore to adhere to SS 600 and its amendments. An original copy of the SS 600 and its amendments shall be made available on board every bunker tanker for reference by the parties concerned.

Bunker suppliers shall liaise with their certification body accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) for quality management system (QMS) to certify their compliance with SS 524 and its amendments in the next annual surveillance or re-certification audit, whichever is earlier.

Shipowners, bunker buyers, charterers, operators and shipping agents are strongly urged to adhere to the requirements and procedures of SS 600 when their vessels call at Singapore for bunkering.