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Top Singapore owners ready for IMO 2020, but still many questions and concernsTop Singapore owners ready for IMO 2020, but still many questions and concerns

A number of Singapore’s top shipowners are ready for the transition to IMO 2020 low sulphur fuel with BW Group, Maersk Tankers, Pacific Carriers Ltd, AET, and Pacific International Lines (PIL) all named at an industry seminar on Thursday.

Marcus Hand, Editor

June 13, 2019

2 Min Read
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Speaking at a Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Singapore Shipping Association seminar on IMO 2020, Quah Ley Hoon, chief executive of the MPA said: “I am pleased to say that a few companies have shared with us that they are ready for the transition – BW Group, Maersk Tankers, Pacific Carriers Ltd, AET and PIL, have indicated that they are ready for IMO 2020.”

However, a completely full ballroom with an audience (pictured below), that had a large number of questions after two and half hours of presentations suggested that many owners and managers still have work to do, and concerns that need to be addressed, in regards to IMO 2020.

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In terms of enforcing IMO 2020 regulations Quah said the MPA would be inspecting Singapore and foreign-registered ships calling Singapore. “Ships will be selected for inspection based on a risk matrix, which takes into account the compliance option of the vessel and whether a Fuel Oil Non-Availability Report (FONAR) has been submitted,” she said.

“Our inspectors will also be equipped with portable sulphur test kits for onsite fuel testing of in-use fuel. If necessary, we may send the fuel oil sample to the laboratory for detailed fuel oil analysis.”

On reports that the Singapore could levy fines of up SGD10,000 and jail terms of up to two years on shipowners and Master for non-compliance Goh Chung Hun, director (shipping) for MPA said that these were corrected, however, to the opportunity clarify that such penalities were not something new to IMO 2020.

Goh said that the punative measures were part of Singapore legislation passed in 2005 for Marpol Annex VI and were “not written just two months ago for IMO 2020”.

He also added for non-compliance, “In most cases you can end up with a port state control deficiency or detention.”

“But it’s not say it won’t end up in a fine.”

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About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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