Singapore Fines Bunker Firm Over Illegal Supply

JL Petroleum Pte Ltd has been fined after pleading guilty in court last week for supplying bunkers in the Port of Singapore without a valid license, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said Wednesday.

The special bunker supplier license is required under regulation 64(b) of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Port) Regulations. The company was fined under regulation 78(b) of the Port Regulations.

MPA had brought charges against JL Petroleum for supplying bunkers on 14 occasions between June 2 and June 25, 2013. JL Petroleum also used the Bunker Delivery Notes belonging to Excel Petroleum Enterprise Pte Ltd for the deliveries.

MPA had cancelled Excel Petroleum Enterprise’s bunker supplier license on January 15, 2014 for the company’s involvement in the case, as its actions had breached the terms and conditions of the license, the MPA said.

Singapore is home to one of the world’s largest bunker markets and each supplier is required to obtain the special bunker license issued by the MPA that assures the quality of supplies and services to all parties within the supply chain, as well as delivery operations.

“All bunker suppliers operating in the Port of Singapore must be licensed by MPA, and all licensees must adhere strictly to the terms and conditions of the license,” the MPA said in a statement Monday. “Any licensee found to have contravened any terms and conditions will have his license suspended or cancelled. MPA adopts a zero tolerance approach towards bunkering malpractices and will not hesitate to take action against any unlicensed entity operating in the Port of Singapore.”

According to the MPA website, there are currently 59 licensed bunker suppliers in Singapore, down from around 63 suppliers in 2014.

The MPA did not say how much JL Petroleum was fined over the illegal supply. 

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up