The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has obtained the ISO 9002 Certification for its Bunkering Services from SGS Yarsley International Certification Services Limited in July 1998. The MPA's Bunkering Services Unit, comes under the Marine Services Department.

The ISO certification for Bunkering Services, which aims to upkeep bunkering services' standards in the port, covers:

1. licensing of bunker suppliers and bunker craft operators,

2. the implementation of the Singapore Standard for bunkering *(SS CP60:1996) and

3. the implementation of the Standards for Port Limits bunker tankers.

All bunker suppliers and bunker craft operators are required to obtain a licence from the MPA before they are allowed to conduct bunker supply business in the port. Minimum requirements for suppliers and operators are set through licensing. For example, a bunker supplier must have a minimum paid-up capital of $100,000 and it is mandatory for bunker suppliers and craft operators to comply with the Singapore Standard for bunkering (SS CP 60) while delivering bunkers to vessels in the port.

The implementation of the SS CP 60 by the MPA upholds the service level of all licensed suppliers and operators. It has helped to minimize bunker disputes in the port and is widely accepted by the bunkering industry. The SS CP 60 is used as a benchmark to review any bunker dispute that arises. Any non-compliance with the Standard by bunker suppliers or craft operators will be investigated and follow-up action will be taken by the MPA.

The "Standards for Port Limits Bunker Tankers" also set minimum standards for local bunker tankers. Every bunker tanker used in port waters for bunker delivery is categorised into Category 'A' or Category 'B' according to the Standards. The MPA monitors bunker tankers' compliance with the Standards closely and this has helped to maintain the operational capabilities of bunker tankers, thereby improving bunkering efficiency in the port.

The achievement of the ISO 9002 Certification is in line with MPA's efforts to continually strive for quality excellence in developing and maintaining the Port of Singapore as the world's premier bunkering port. It formalises and reinforces the high bunkering standards provided to the shipping community and demonstrates MPA's commitment towards regulating and improving the standards of the bunkering industry in Singapore.

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*SS CP 60 refers to Singapore Standard, Code of Practice For Bunkering By Bunker Barges / Tankers published by Singapore Productivity and Standards Board.

End of Statement.