Singapore Tough on Bunker Suppliers

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has fined JL Petroleum for supplying marine fuel in the world’s largest bunkering hub without a valid license. JL Petroleum plead guilty to charges of supplying marine fuel on 14 occasions in June 2013. Additionally, the company used Bunker Delivery Notes belonging to licensed supplier Excel Petroleum Enterprise for its deliveries.

The MPA canceled Excel Petroleum’s license on January 15, 2014 for its involvement in the case.The MPA did not disclose the amount JL Petroleum was fined. Bunkering licenses are required under item 64(b) of the MPA’s regulations and JL Petroleum was fined under regulation 78(b).

MPA said, in a statement, it has a zero-tolerance policy towards bunkering malpractice. In February, it suspended the licenses of Singapore-based Tankoil Marine Services and Hong Fatt Oil Trading for discrepancies and wrongful declarations in their bunker tanker records.

Singapore handles about 42.4 million metric tons of bunkers each year and there are currently 59 licensed bunker suppliers in the port.