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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has announced that it will be extending the application of ISO 8217:2005 for marine fuels supplied within the port of Singapore for another 20 months, until 30th June 2012.

In a statement, the MPA said it had reached its decision after close consultation with the shipping and bunkering industry.

"The extension would allow the shipping and bunkering industry sufficient time to make the necessary adjustments for compliance with the latest edition of ISO 8217," the MPA said.

Currently, the Singapore Standard Code of Practice for Bunkering or SS 600 requires all bunker suppliers to supply marine fuel of a quality which conform to or are better than the ISO 8217 (latest edition), unless otherwise agreed with the buyer.

The ISO 8217 specifies the requirements for marine fuels supplied on a world-wide basis via custody transfer for consumption onboard ships. It also takes into the account of international requirements such as the SOLAS Convention and MARPOL in respect of the allowable limits or contents in flash point and sulphur, respectively.

In June 2010, the International Standards Organisation (ISO) published the 4th edition of ISO 8217 to replace the 3rd edition (ISO 8217:2005). The latest edition (ISO 8217:2010) reflects several important and significant changes which include the following:

a. Category rationalisations of both distillate and residual marine fuels.

b. Amendments to the ‘General requirements’ on harmful materials or substance which may render the fuel unacceptable for use onboard ships.

c. New fuel characteristics such as hydrogen sulphide, acid number, stability (oxidation) and lubricity added to the test reporting requirements.

From 1st July 2012, all bunker suppliers in Singapore will be required to comply with the ISO 8217:2010 for bunker specifications. This is also in line with the date for test reporting of hydrogen sulphide to take effect under the provision of the new standard. An addendum will also be added to the SS600:2008 to reflect this change.

Commenting on supply agreements based on ISO 8217:2010 before 1st July 2012, the MPA said: "Shipowners/buyers and sellers who are ready to embark on the new ISO 8217 are encouraged to adopt the standard based on prior written agreement with respect to the bunker specifications. Shipowners/buyers are strongly advised to enter into detailed specifications in their contract with bunker suppliers. Failure to do so may prejudice any subsequent claims in the event of a dispute."

For further enquiries about the implementation of ISO 8217:2010, please contact the MPA on the following telehpone numbers below.

Tel. +65 6325 2594
Tel. +65 6325 2459