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The 2011 edition of the Singapore International Maritime Awards (IMA) is now open for nominations. Organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the IMA recognizes individuals and companies for their outstanding contributions to Singapore's development as a premier global hub port and an international maritime centre.

Included in the list is the Bunker Award, which last year was presented to Global Energy Trading Pte. Ltd. for "its strong reputation as a safe, quality, reliable and well diversified bunker supplier".

According to data released by the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) for 2009, Global Energy was listed fourth in Singapore's top 20 bunker suppliers by volume last year. BP Singapore Pte Ltd. was named the leading supplier for the seventh year in a row, followed by fellow oil major ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. and SK Energy International Pte. Ltd.

The maritime community in Singapore is invited to nominate deserving candidates and companies for seven award categories: International Maritime Centre (IMC) Award (Corporate and Individual); Excellence in Training Development Award; Outstanding Maritime R&D and Technology Award; SRS Ship Owner of the Year Award; Bunker Award; Maritime Service Provider Award; and Offshore & Marine Engineering Award (refer to Annex A for list of awards).

The last IMA was held in April 2009 and highlights of the 2009 winners include:

* International Maritime Centre (IMC) Corporate Award: BW Group, for its strong support of Singapore's IMC through the significant expansion of its activities here.

* International Maritime Centre (IMC) Individual Award: Mr Choo Chiau Beng, Chief Executive Officer of Keppel Corporation and Chairman of Keppel Offshore & Marine, for his numerous contributions in developing Singapore as a leader in the offshore and marine industries.

* Excellence in Training Development Award: Nanyang Technological University, for the expansion and continuous enhancement of its various maritime-focused undergraduate and graduate courses.

* SRS Ship Owner of the Year Award: Ocean Tankers (Pte) Ltd, for its excellent Flag State and Port State Detention Records.

* Bunker Award: Global Energy Trading for its strong reputation as a safe, quality, reliable and well diversified bunker supplier.

* Maritime Service Provider Award: Standard Asia for its exceptional professional performance and contribution to the maritime sector.

* Offshore & Marine Engineering Award: Keppel Offshore & Marine for its leadership in the design and construction of rigs and FPSO conversion, and its strong maritime manpower development and R&D efforts.

Nomination forms and assessment criteria for the IMA 2011 are available at www.mpa.gov.sg, and nominations will close on 22 December 2010.

IMA 2011 is held in conjunction with the 6th Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) which will run from 10 - 15 April 2011.