PORT MARINE CIRCULAR
NO. 12 OF 2024
01 November 2024

          This circular serves to inform the maritime industry that the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will mandate the use of SS 648: 2024 for the custody transfer of bunker deliveries to ocean-going ships in the Port of Singapore from 1 April 2025. Consequently, the use of SS 648: 2019 will cease from 1 April 2025. 

2        Published by the Singapore Standards Council in October 2024, the SS 648: 2024 serves as the latest version of the SS 648 and is the result of a joint review of the previous version (SS648: 2019) by the MPA, Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), as well as representatives from bunker suppliers/craft operators, bunker buyers, testing and surveying companies, oil majors, equipment vendors, relevant government agencies and industry experts to meet the changing needs of the bunkering industry. 

3        The SS 648: 2024 is divided into 2 parts for ease of operational use. Part 1 covers pre-approval processes such as meter selection, acceptance tests, etc.; while Part 2 covers post-approval processes such as health, safety and environment requirements, metrological requirements, system integrity requirements and metering procedures. Other key changes include:  

1. Updating of the acceptance test to include single tanker meter-in meter-out as an additional option for approval of Mass Flow Metering (MFM) system;
2. Considerations after a software update or upgrade to provide better clarity;
3. Biofuels in the coverage of the standard;
4. Use of data logger and edge device with enhanced requirements for data security, data integrity and data transmission requirements;
5. Replacing minimum measured quantity (MMQ) with new table on minimum bunker quantity (MBQ) for better clarity;
6. Updates of the sampling requirements with new information from SS 600:2022 Code of practice for bunkering by bunker tankers using tank gauging;
7. New content on digital documentation to be cross referenced to new Specification for Digital Bunkering Supply Chain Documentation; and
8. Reorganisation of the content of bunker claims procedures and dispute resolution

Training Requirements for Cargo Officers and Bunker Surveyors 

4        The MPA has worked with SSA and IBIA to develop a refresher course on the new requirements of the SS 648: 2024, which is expected to commence from January 2025. All in-service bunker cargo officers and bunker surveyors are required to complete this refresher course (conducted by SSA and IBIA) by 1 April 2025. Bunker cargo officers and bunker surveyors that have not attained the necessary certification will not be allowed to conduct bunkering operations in the Port of Singapore.

5        For further information on the courses, please contact SSA and IBIA as follows: 

6        Queries relating to this circular can be directed to bsd@mpa.gov.sg.