---

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has announced that it will be implementing two new bunker licensing initiatives from October 1st 2010.

Introduced under the heading "Initiatives to enhance the bunker licensing regime", the MPA said that it will be issuing two types of bunkering licenses, namely Bunker Supplier and the Bunker Craft Operator licenses. All bunkering licenses will be subject to annual renewals costing S$150 per licence per year.

Single Renewal Process for Bunker Supplier and Bunker Craft Operator

The MPA said that it will realign the renewal dates for both types of bunkering licences "to facilitate the licensee’s renewal efforts".

Eligible companies may submit their renewal request for both licences through a single process via the MPA's Marinet website (marinet.mpa.gov.sg) and the licensing fee amount will be reduced from S$300 to S$200 for both bunkering licences.

During the transition period, the MPA will allow the extension of the licensing period and waiver the licensing fee, for either one of the bunkering licences, to align to a common renewal date.

Introduction of Longer Licensing Period

The MPA will institute a longer licensing period of not more than 3 years to bunker suppliers that have a minimum paid up capital of $1million and achieve bunker sales of at least 600,000 tonnes per annum.

The licensing period for bunker suppliers will be aligned to the validity of the Quality Management for Bunker Supply Chain (QMBS) certification.

For Bunker Craft Operators, they will need to operate a fully double hulled bunker tanker fleet to qualify for the longer licensing period of not more than 3 years.

Please contact the MPA directly on +65 6325 2470 for any further details regarding the new licensing initiatives.