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Falling on deaf ears?

Falling on deaf ears?
While we applaud the efforts of the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) to keep calm in the world’s largest bunkering port after the dramatic collapse of OW Bunker one cannot help but wonder if at least some of its efforts are falling on deaf ears.

It was heartening to hear that SSA say there are no reports disruption to bunker supply and operations.

SSA president Patrick Phoon said in a statement, “The bunkering industry here is a well-regulated one. While I urge my members to seek professional and legal advice as necessary, I also hope that those affected by this event would remain calm and not resort to knee-jerk reactions which may rock the stability and reputation of Singapore’s bunkering industry.

“My association will be working closely with MPA to ensure that there would not be any unnecessary disruption in bunker supply and operations here.”

Well certainly some of his association’s members have been consulting their lawyers, and much more. The first reported case of filing against OW Bunker, was by Hin Leong Trading, an ordinary member of SSA, pursuing a $1.3m claim, and getting the vessel Laguna arrested as a result.

Coincidentally long time SSA council member Aloysius Seow, cco of Hin Leong subsidiary Ocean Tankers, chairs the association’s services committee, which also includes the bunkering sub-committee.