---

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has announced that the 2013 edition of the Singapore International Maritime Awards (IMA) is now open for nominations.

The biennial awards serve to recognize individuals and companies for their outstanding contributions to Singapore’s development as a premier global hub port and an International Maritime Centre.

The IMA will feature seven award categories that are open for nominations. The award categories are:

* International Maritime Centre (IMC) Award Awarded to the individual or company that has contributed significantly towards the development of Singapore as an International Maritime Centre.

* Excellence in Training Development Award
Awarded to the organisation or institute of higher learning that has demonstrated commitment and excellence in training and development

* Outstanding Maritime R&D and Technology Award
Awarded to the company or research institution for outstanding innovation in the application or research and development of technology for the maritime industry

* SRS Ship Owner of the Year Award
Awarded to the outstanding owner of quality Singaporeregistered ships

* Bunker Award
Awarded to the outstanding bunker supplier or bunker tanker operator that has demonstrated commitment to quality standards, quantity assurances and customer satisfaction. Last year, Singapore-based supplier Sentek Marine & Trading Pte Ltd. was presented with the Bunker Award.

* Maritime Service Provider Award
Awarded to the maritime service provider that has demonstrated exceptional professional performance and contribution to Singapore’s maritime industry

* Offshore & Marine Engineering Award
Awarded to the company that has contributed significantly towards the development of Offshore & Marine Engineering sector.

The new SRS Green Ship of the Year Award will be introduced at IMA 2013. This award is a closed category and it will not be open for nominations.

The closing date for the submission of entries is 8 January 2013.

The winner for each of the award categories will be selected by a judging panel comprising key MPA and industry representatives. Winners will be notified by the MPA and will receive their awards at the biennial Singapore International Maritime Awards gala dinner to be held on 11 April 2013.

Any queries on the awards can be directed by email to imc@mpa.gov.sg. Any queries specifically relating to the SRS Ship Owner of the Year Award and SRS Green Ship of the Year Award can be directed to the Singapore Registry of Ships dedicated contact via email: marine@mpa.gov.sg and telephone: (65) 6375 1932.