Singapore | October 30, 2025 – The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has released Port Marine Circular No. 13 of 2025, outlining stringent new guidelines aimed at preventing marine pollution during bunkering operations. Effective immediately, this circular supersedes the previous directive (No. 06 of 2023) and reinforces Singapore’s “zero tolerance” stance toward operational lapses in the world’s largest bunkering hub.
The updated guidelines arrive as a reminder to bunker suppliers, craft operators, and the wider shipping community that most oil spills are preventable through rigorous adherence to safety protocols.
Strict Penalties for Non-Compliance
Under Section 7 of the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act, the MPA has reiterated the heavy legal consequences for oil discharges. If a spill occurs in Singapore waters:
- Liability: The Master, owner, and agent of the ship are each held liable.
- Fines: Convictions carry a minimum fine of $1,000 and a maximum of $1 million.
- Imprisonment: Responsible parties may face up to two years in prison.
Key Operational Requirements (Annex A)
The circular mandates a comprehensive suite of preventive measures that must be observed by both the supplying bunker tanker and the receiving vessel. Key highlights include:
- Supervision: Bunkering must be overseen by a responsible officer (typically Marine Engineering Officers), while a deck officer must specifically supervise mooring line tension throughout the process.
- Communication & Shutdown: Both vessels must agree on a primary communication line and an emergency signal. If communication fails, operations must be suspended immediately. Emergency shut-down procedures and pumping rates (starting, maximum, and topping-up) must be pre-agreed.
- Physical Safeguards: All scuppers must be plugged, drip trays of adequate size must be positioned, and unused connections must be securely blanked off.
- Personnel Readiness: Sufficient crew must be available to handle emergencies, including the potential need to use the main engine for immediate unmooring.
Mandatory Documentation
The MPA has introduced updated Annexes to ensure data transparency:
- Annex B: A mandatory bunkering checklist to be completed by both parties.
- Annex C (Part 1): The receiving vessel must gauge all fuel tanks prior to bunkering and declare the Remaining on Board (ROB), signed by both the Master and Chief Engineer.
Incident Response Protocols
In the event of an incident or spill, the MPA dictates an immediate “stop-work” order:
- Stop Operations: All bunkering must cease immediately.
- Mitigation: Spill cleanup measures must be initiated instantly.
- Reporting: Notify the Marine Safety Control Centre (VHF Ch 07 or Tel: 6325-2488) without delay.
- Reporting Deadline: The Master of the receiving vessel must submit a post-incident report (Annex C, Part 2) and the bunker metering ticket to the MPA within one hour of the incident.
“Preventive measures are not exhaustive, the master and crew remain fully responsible for preventing spills, including those arising from causes not explicitly listed in the checklist.”
Contact Information for Industry Stakeholders
For queries regarding the new circular, the MPA has designated the following contact: MPA Marine Safety Control Centre: +65 6325 2488 | pms@mpa.gov.sg
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