Using Dispersants in Singapore Port Waters
Dispersants used in Singapore waters have to be tested in the approved testing facilities and meet the specifications as listed below. Approval will need to be sought from MPA for those tested dispersants which comply with the
specifications before they can be used in Singapore waters.
Under the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation) Regulations, no person shall use any dispersant which does not comply with the specifications set out below for the purpose of eliminating or reducing any oil pollution in the port waters.
The flash point of the dispersant shall not be less than 65°C (150°F) in accordance with the test prescribed by the Institute of Petroleum.
The dispersion capacity of the dispersant shall not be more than 1 part of dispersant to 1 part of marine fuel oil of viscosity not less than 300 seconds (Redwood 1) at 50°C (122°F) in accordance with test No. PSA/CD/II as specified by the Authority.
The biodegradability of the surface active agent shall not be less than 90°on the average of the results of the seventh and eighth day from the commencement of the test at 37°C (99°F) in accordance with test No. MPA/MV/III as specified by the Authority.
The toxicity of the dispersant using glass fish (Chanda gymnocephalus) as a standard test organism shall be as follows:
- The mixture of the dispersant and the standard marine fuel oil (MFO V1100/1200) in the ratio of 1:1 shall have a 96-hour LC 50 value of not less than 100 mg per litre as measured by the method of the Singapore Food Agency (formerly Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority).
The dispersant shall not contain aromatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated hydrocarbons in concentrations greater than:
- Total aromatic hydrocarbons - 3%
- Total chlorinated hydrocarbons - 0.05 mg per litre.
To
obtain approval for dispersants to be used in the port, a sample of
the product must be sent to an MPA appointed laboratory in Singapore
for testing.
Only those dispersants that have been found to comply with these specifications are allowed for use in the port waters. This is to ensure the safety of all port users and protection of the marine environment.
The list of approved dispersants can be found Dispersants Approved for Use in Singapore Waters.