MPA: No Licence Renewal for Singapore’s Two Bunker Suppliers

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will not be renewing the bunker supplier licences of Panoil Petroleum Pte Ltd and Universal Energy Pte Ltd when they expire on 31 August 2017. The bunker craft operator licence of Universal Energy Pte Ltd will also not be renewed. Both companies will no longer be allowed to operate as a bunker supplier and bunker craft operator in the Port of Singapore.

Panoil Petroleum Pte Ltd made unauthorised alterations on the pipelines of their bunker tankers and has accumulated demerit points[1] for non-compliances to the bunkering procedures.

Separately, Universal Energy Pte Ltd accumulated demerit points for delivery of bunkers that were severely aerated as well as stoppages during bunkering operations.

With the demerit points accumulated, Panoil Petroleum Pte Ltd and Universal Energy Pte Ltd have failed to be accredited under the Accreditation Scheme for Bunker Suppliers. This is a key requirement for the renewal of bunker licences under the terms and conditions of the licences.

MPA reminds all licensed bunker suppliers and bunker craft operators to adhere strictly to the terms and conditions of their bunker licences. MPA will take firm action against any licensee who has acted in contravention of their licences.

[1] Jointly developed by MPA and the Singapore Shipping Association and implemented on 1 June 2003, the demerit points system is part of the Accreditation Scheme for Bunker Suppliers. The Scheme aims to recognise good bunker suppliers and deter malpractice in the industry. Annual renewal of the bunkering licence is subject to bunker suppliers achieving the accreditation qualifications.

Reference: mpa.gov.sg