New Mandate by the Maritime and Port Authority
Singapore is currently leading the charge in promoting the use of eco-friendly fuel alternatives in the maritime industry. Just last month, the island nation witnessed an outstanding 43,000 metric tons (mt) of biofuel blend supply operations. Such an achievement is due to a new directive set by the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). It demands bunker suppliers and licensed bunker craft operators operating in Singapore to provide evidence of the environmental sustainability of their biofuel blends.
This mandatory policy requires suppliers to issue a ‘proof of sustainability’ document from an approved scheme alongside the bunker delivery note when dealing with biofuel blends. The MPA made this stipulation known in a circular released on Monday.
The Chain of Responsibility Imposed by MPA
Upon supplying biofuel blends, copies of the proof of sustainability should also be provided to both the MPA and the receiving vessel. Fortifying the importance of this new protocol, the MPA has asserted it will perform impromptu checks on suppliers. The purpose of these random audits is to maintain the highest standard of eco-responsibility within the sector.
The sustainability certification schemas approved for use are those prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization. These high standards ensure that only the most environmentally friendly blends will be utilized in operation.
Interim Period Measures and Future Hopes
It’s worth noting that the rules imposed by MPA are described as interim. This suggests they are placeholder measures, put in place until a more comprehensive method can be developed. The ultimate goal? Calculating a fuel’s Emission Conversion Factor (ECF), indicating the emissions correlated with the guidelines provided by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Life Cycle Assessment.
This new direction has already shown individual merits, with the supply of biofuel blends witnessing a significant surge. The month saw a supply of 43,000 mt, which strongly contrasts with the considerably lower number of 19,800 mt a year before.
Ultimately, this environmentally-driven mandate by the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore represents a significant step towards a greener future for international shipping. This shift encourages responsibility and diligence within the maritime sector, always keeping an ever-watchful eye on the health of our planet and its inhabitants.
