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Singapore Maritime Week 2008, Singapore’s flagship maritime event driven by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), is expected to attract shipping delegates from around the world this week with a list of events which includes the 15th Singapore International Bunkering Conference (SIBCON).

This much-anticipated event has grown in size and significance since it started two years ago. What began as a week-long clustering of business activities has now developed into a comprehensive range of programmes which includes international conferences, seminars, and dialogues on topical issues; social activities for business networking; community events; and exhibitions for the general public.

"This year’s Singapore Maritime Week is expected to attract over 6,000 participants, up from 2,900 in 2006, and 4,500 in 2007,” said BG (NS) Tay Lim Heng, MPA’s Chief Executive.

“Involving movers and shakers of the international maritime community, it is reflective of the attraction and vibrancy of Singapore as an international maritime centre.”

Participants of Singapore Maritime Week 2008’s conferences and dialogues can look forward to serious discussions and lively dialogues on current issues facing the maritime community. The lineup revolves mainly around the theme of shipping and the maritime community’s environmental and social credentials.

The 15th Singapore International Bunkering Conference (SIBCON 2008, 15-17 October) will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss the environmental challenges faced by the marine fuel industry.

Themed “Powering Global Shipping – The Marine Fuels Challenge,” SIBCON 2008 is expected to draw over 800 participants, and will feature, as speakers, industry luminaries such as Isabella Loh, CEO, Shell Marine Products, and Michael Bandy, Chairman & CEO, Chemoil Energy Limited.

The conference will cover topics including challenges facing marine and fuel industries, and the ensuing responses to these challenges. It will be officiated by Guest-of-Honour Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Raymond Lim, who will deliver the keynote address.

As Singapore continues its growth as a major bunkering port, the MPA will be launching new industry growth and bunker quality assurance initiatives, the SS600 and BunkerNet.

"Both initiatives are part of our commitment to grow the bunker sector through an effective quality assurance system, and to leverage infocomm technology to further enhance operational efficiencies," the MPA said in a statement.

There will also be a Joint Oil Spill Exercise (JOSE 2008) led by MPA after the conference. In line with MPA’s strong commitment to the protection of the marine environment, JOSE 2008 will test and ensure the country’s effective and swift response to oil spill incidents.

The exercise, located at sea about 2.8 kilometres (or 1.5 nautical miles) from Raffles Lighthouse, will involve about 16 anti-pollution craft, including a dispersant spraying aircraft.

About 100 participants from MPA, Shell Eastern Petroleum Pte Ltd, Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Police Coast Guard (PCG), Agri-Food Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA), National Environment Agency (NEA), National Parks Board, oil spill response companies, and six oil terminals will be involved in this full-scale oil spill exercise.

"MPA, as the lead agency responding to marine incidents, makes committed efforts to protect the environment. This is of utmost importance as we continue to develop Singapore as a major shipping and petrochemical hub. Working with other agencies and the industry, MPA has also drawn up comprehensive contingency plans that are tested and validated through regular exercises," said the MPA.

"This helps to ensure our ability to respond effectively to oil and chemical spills from ships, should prevention fail. JOSE 2008 will demonstrate MPA's response to marine incidents, underpinned by close cooperation and effective partnerships with all stakeholders," the MPA added.

Also during Singapore Maritime Week, the 2nd Singapore Maritime Lecture on 16th October will feature International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Mr Efthimios E Mitropoulos sharing his insights on shipping and the issue of climate change.