Asia/Pacific News
Singapore Sees Rise in Bunker Tanker Arrests
Bunker tanker arrests have risen in Singapore in the wake of OW Bunker’s collapse as bunker sellers seek to enforce claims for unpaid deliveries, Tradewinds reports.
Phillips66 International Trading seized six ships over the weekend, including the 5,600 deadweight tonne (dwt) Star Quest, 5,700 dwt Nepamora, and 4,000 dwt Petro Asia owned by United Maritime, as well as HW Shipping’s 3,900 dwt Luna, New Maritime’s 3,900 dwt Zmaga and Oceanlink’s 5,200 dwt Arowana Milan.
Court documents suggest the seizures relate to cargo owner’s claims.
Hin Leong Trading (Hin Leong) is also understood to have made similar claims against the 2,800 dwt bunker tanker Laguna, arrested last week.
The arrests represent only seven of the 219 Singapore licensed bunker tankers listed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), according to the report.
It has been suggested by some local players that disruption to bunker supply could result if those with claims for unpaid bills continue to arrest tankers at the port.
Last week the MPA and the Singapore Shipping Association said there has been no disruption to bunker supply at the port.
