The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), in collaboration with Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), has published the second edition of two technical guides on the impending 0.5 per cent fuel oil global sulphur limit by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This was shared by Ms Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive of MPA, at the MPA-SSA Seminar on IMO 2020 Global Sulphur Limit today. 

2    The two guides, for Singapore-registered ships and ships calling at the Port of Singapore respectively, build on the first editions which were launched in November last year. The guides contain details on Singapore’s implementation plan for the IMO 2020 global sulphur limit as well as the outcome of the recent IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee 74th meeting (MEPC 74). For example, guidance for port State control, handling of non-compliant fuel, guidelines for onboard sampling and enforcement for ships calling at Singapore Port. Both guides are available on the MPA website.

3    Other than the guides, MPA has been working closely with the industry to ensure compliant and cleaner fuels are available in Singapore. MPA has published a list of licensed bunker suppliers on its website to provide information to ship owners when they bunker in Singapore. A separate guide that will detail best practices for fuel oil suppliers will also be published by the third quarter of 2019.

Industry engagement

4    The MPA-SSA Seminar is one of several engagement sessions that MPA and SSA have been organising to prepare the industry for the requirements under the IMO 2020 regulations.

5    A wide range of topics such as fuel availability and quality, pricing of compliant fuel, and enforcement in the Port of Singapore was discussed at the seminar, which was attended by about 250 participants.

6    Ms Quah said, “The seminar is an important platform for us to address the industry concerns on the tightened environmental regulations. We hope the guides will provide guidance to both Singapore-registered ships and ships calling at our port on how they can comply with the regulations.” 

7    “The shipping industry is committed to comply with the 2020 Sulphur Limit Regulation coming into force on 1 January 2020, even though there exist some uncertainties on this. Through this seminar, we hope to address the shipping communities’ concerns, as well as encourage all to make the necessary preparations for its implementation as we navigate the future together,” said Mr Michael Phoon, Executive Director of SSA.

Ms Quah Ley Hoon, CE MPA, giving her opening address at the MPA-SSA Seminar on IMO 2020 Global Sulphur Limit.

About 250 participants attended the MPA-SSA Seminar on IMO 2020 Global Sulphur Limit.

Speakers and moderators at the MPA-SSA Seminar on IMO 2020 Global Sulphur Limit.