Glencore Singapore Pte. Ltd. is back in Singapore’s list of licensed bunker suppliers after a two-month suspension.
The list on Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) website was updated as of 18 October with Glencore being listed again.
Manifold Times had previously reported MPA saying it will suspend Glencore’s Bunkering Licence (Bunker Supplier) for two months with effect from 18 August 2022.
MPA had also asked Glencore to improve its internal procedures to ensure that prompt action is taken in future when it becomes aware of, or reasonably suspects, any irregularity in fuel quality.
In the detailed statement by MPA, it found between 21 and 23 March 2022, the fuel oil testing laboratory engaged by Glencore reported results showing that the samples taken from the parcels of fuel oil Glencore purchased, contained concentrations of COCs that ranged from approximately 2,000 ppm to 15,000 ppm. COCs are not commonly present in bunker fuel, especially at such elevated levels.
MPA’s investigation found that despite this, Glencore continued to supply bunkers blended with the fuel purchased that was contaminated with high levels of COC to vessels in the Port of Singapore from 22 March 2022 to 1 April 2022.
By doing so, Glencore contravened the terms and conditions of its Bunkering Licence (Bunker Supplier) in failing to ensure that no bunkers supplied by it were contaminated. Glencore was given the opportunity to comment on these findings before MPA finalised its conclusions.
A total of 24 vessels were supplied with the affected fuel by Glencore from 22 March to 1 April 2022, and at least 3 vessels have reported issues with their fuel pumps and engines.
Related: MPA completes investigations into bunker fuel contamination; temporary suspends Glencore’s Bunkering Licence
Related: MPA investigation traces contaminated bunker fuel back to source at Port of Khor Fakkan
Related: MPA: Glencore and PetroChina supplied contaminated bunkers to about 200 ships in the Port of Singapore
Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 27 October, 2022
