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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has today issued a reminder to bunker players regarding the Singapore Standard Code of Practice for Bunkering (SS 600:2008) and the Singapore Standard Specification for Quality Management for Bunker Supply Chain (SS 524:2006).

From 1 Jan 2013, the MPA requires all bunker deliveries and bunker surveys in the Port of Singapore to adhere to SS 600 and its amendments. An original copy of the SS 600 and its amendments shall be made available on board every bunker tanker for reference by the parties concerned.

In a statement, the MPA said: "The amendments adopted the latest edition of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 82171 and its test reporting requirements as a benchmark. The amendments also tighten the quality of bunker deliveries and aligned the two standards to ensure their relevance in today’s evolving business environment. Details of amendments to both SS 600 and SS 524 are shown in Annex 1 and 2 of this Port Marine Circular, respectively."

"Bunker suppliers shall liaise with their certification body accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) for quality management system (QMS) to certify their compliance with SS 524 and its amendments in the next annual surveillance or re-certification audit, whichever is earlier.

"Shipowners / bunker buyers, charterers, operators and shipping agents are strongly urged to adhere to the requirements and procedures of SS 600 when their vessels call at Singapore for bunkering."

Should you have any queries, please contact the MPA at +65 6375 1950 / 1961 or at msd@mpa.gov.sg.