Singapore is one of the busiest bunkering ports in the world. It has two main ports, namely Jurong Island and Singapore Harbor that cater to hundreds of vessels daily. Oil bunkering in Singapore is a highly regulated industry with many well-established oil hubs. Bunkering operations setup by reputable oil suppliers provide fuel to the ocean going yachts, fishing boats, research vessels, cargo ships, and cruise ships. The quality of bunker service is managed by the MPA or Maritime Port Authority of Singapore.
The operations carried out by bunkering tankers should comply with the standard code of practice specified by this authority.
What is the sampling procedure for oil bunkering?
Every tanker should ensure that it carries out the bunker code sampling procedures that include:
- Inspection of sampling instruments for cleanliness
- Sampling should begin simultaneously with bunkering activities
- A drip sample should be consistently taken during the operation
- The seals of sampling container and its needle valve should not be tampered with after bunkering.
- The sample labels should be carefully checked
- Ensure that a cargo officer carefully inspects the entire process including recording of the seal number
It is worthwhile to buy bunker fuel from a trusted supplier complying with all these regulations laid down by the MPA in Singapore. Also, consider several other factors that include:
Fuel Brands
Depending on the fuel requirement of your ship’s engine, you should choose the right brand of fuel. You need to select a brand that offers the right composition and properties in the fuel.
Certifications:
When looking for oil bunkering in Singapore, select a supplier holding certifications from reputable organizations. Suppliers should be certified for supplying different marine fuel types. The certifications are usually given to companies having the best bunker fuel facilities to serve the varied needs of customers.
Fuel Types:
The maritime industry needs different varieties of fuel to make sure vessels can operate smoothly. Some companies are capable of supplying a comprehensive range of marine fuels along with marine gas oil, intermediate fuel oil, unleaded gasoline, automotive diesel fuel, anhydrous ammonia, and kerosene at the ports of Singapore.
Fuel Quality:
As per global maritime regulations, it is important to choose the best quality of fuel for reducing carbon emissions. You should check if the bunkering oil is free from inorganic acids. The sulfur content of this fuel should not exceed the global limits specified in this regard. This limit is 3.5% for most of the regions and 1% for some selected areas.
One final factor to consider would be to check the pricing of the fuel and technical support offered by the supplier during emergencies.
