Singapore | December 1, 2025 – The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has issued Shipping Circular No. 11 of 2025, announcing significant amendments to the Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) Regulations. Effective January 1, 2026, these regulations introduce mandatory fuel safety requirements to ensure global compliance with flashpoint standards.
The new rules give legal effect to IMO Resolution MSC.520(106), focusing on the accountability of oil fuel suppliers and the safety of ships receiving bunkers in Singapore.
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Strict New Flashpoint Requirements
Under the amended regulations, the process for supplying oil fuel will require enhanced documentation to verify safety. The circular mandates two primary changes to the bunkering process:
- Signed Supplier Declaration: Before bunkering, the oil fuel supplier’s representative must provide a signed and certified declaration that the fuel oil supplied is in conformity with the relevant SOLAS regulations regarding flashpoint.
- Flashpoint Details on the BDN: The Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) must now explicitly contain flashpoint details for the oil fuel delivered to the vessel.
Enforcement and IMO Reporting
The MPA has established a framework for dealing with non-compliant fuel. The circular introduces requirements for:
- Mandatory Reporting: The IMO must be informed of all confirmed cases where oil fuel suppliers have failed to meet the specified flashpoint requirements.
- Enforcement Action: Formal actions will be taken against any oil fuel suppliers found to be delivering non-compliant fuel to vessels.
Broader Safety and Environmental Mandates
In addition to fuel safety, the circular outlines several other amendments entering into force on January 1, 2026:
- PFOS Prohibition: The use or storage of firefighting foams containing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is now prohibited to minimize environmental impact.
- Equipment Mandates: All containerships and bulk carriers of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards must now carry electronic inclinometers.
- Lifting & Anchoring: Lifting appliances and anchor handling winches must now be designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with specific SOLAS requirements.
- Lost Containers: New reporting requirements have been introduced for freight containers lost at sea to improve maritime safety and environmental protection.
Compliance Deadlines
The shipping community is advised that these regulations will be strictly enforced starting January 1, 2026. Shipowners, managers, and masters are encouraged to review their internal checklists to ensure all pre-bunkering declarations and BDN formats are updated to include the necessary flashpoint data.
About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
Established in 1996, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), develop Singapore as a global hub port and international maritime centre while safeguarding the nation’s strategic maritime interests. MPA serves as the maritime regulator, port planner, and international maritime representative, driving Singapore’s digitalisation and decarbonisation agenda. Working closely with industry, academia, and other government agencies, MPA enhances safety, security, environmental protection, and manpower development to sustain Singapore’s maritime growth.
Source: MPA Singapore