The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore ("MPA") releases its revised guidelines on 22 March 2023 in PMC 06 of 2023, superseding its previous circular from 2019, on the topic of preventing pollution from bunkering operations within its jurisdiction.
MPA reminds vessels and bunker tanker operators that most pollution incidents involving bunkering operations occur due to operational lapses and could be prevented if precautions are taken by the involved parties.
It contains a general guideline and checklists for involved parties to keep in mind and refer to, in order to ensure that bunkering operations do not result in an occurrence of a pollution incident:
MPA's Guidelines to be observed for Bunkering Operations:
MPA's Checklist Guide for Bunker Tanker and Vessel:
Vessels and bunker tanker operators are reminded that they may be liable of a pollution offence under Section 7 of the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act if they are found to have caused such an incident from occurring either through their actions or inactions during bunkering operations.
PMC 06 of 23 may be found here.