No significant changes in vessel arrivals; Singapore has adequate marine fuel, says MPA

[SINGAPORE] The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) on Friday (Mar 13) said there have been no significant changes to vessel arrival schedules in the Port of Singapore.

The regulator was responding to queries from The Business Times on whether it was taking any pre-emptive actions on possible congestion, marine fuel shortages or other problems as a result of the ongoing Gulf conflict.

It also said that Singapore’s bunker supply comes from “several sources” and that there is enough supply to meet demand.

Bunker is fuel for ships, including heavy fuel oil derived from crude oil and liquefied natural gas – which are facing supply constraints as a result of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

MPA added that it is monitoring developments with the industry and relevant government agencies.

Asia bunker premiums have reached record highs in anticipation of tighter supplies triggered by the war in the Middle East, with some ships struggling to refuel.

Industry observers said that Asia’s key transhipment hubs, including Singapore and Malaysia’s Tanjung Pelepas and Port Klang, could become bottlenecks as Middle East-bound vessels and containers pile up.

On Tuesday, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the country would take several measures to protect port operations following shipping disruptions stemming from the war.