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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has issued a notice to the shipping and harbour craft community regarding air pollution created by vessels in the port of Singapore.

In the circular the MPA states that it has recently observed that vessels have been emitting excessive smoke and polluting the air in the port. The notice refers ship masters to Regulation 66 of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Port) Regulations 1997, which states that:

“No person shall cause smoke, soot, ash, grit or oil to be emitted from a vessel in such quantity or density as may, in the opinion of the Authority, be a nuisance or an annoyance”.

The port marine notice says the MPA "takes a serious view of vessels emitting excessive smoke as this can affect adversely the air quality in the atmosphere". It also warns members of the shipping community that it will continue to take enforcement action against masters, agents and owners of vessels that do not comply with the Regulation.

The circular then reminds ship masters that they are "requested to cooperate and take immediate actions to prevent excessive emissions of soot, ash, or black smoke while their vessels are in port".

For any enquiries regarding this notice, please contact the MPA Marine Safety Control Centre on +65 6325 2488 or +65 6325 2489.