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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) issued a reminder to vessel owners on Tuesday that they should "take all necessary measures" to prevent the emission of excessive soot, ash, or dark smoke from engine exhaust and/or ancillary shipboard machineries during a ship's stay in port.

The MPA also highlighted Regulation 66 of its port regulations, which states: "No person may cause smoke, soot, ash or grit to be emitted from a vessel in such quantity or density as may, in the opinion of the Authority, be a nuisance."

"The MPA takes a serious view of vessels emitting excessive smoke as it can adversely affect the air quality in the atmosphere. MPA will take stern action against offenders," the port authority warned.

"Failure to comply with the said regulation is an offence for which offenders can be prosecuted in Court. If convicted, offenders may be fined up to $5,000," the MPA added.