Singapore. File Image. Image Credit: Ship & Bunker.

• MPA circular reminds shipping, harbour craft, and pleasure craft communities of duty to file accurate port call information
• False data on vessel identity, registration, ownership, cargoes, and trading history singled out
• Owners and agents told to check certificates of registry against GISIS before filing
• Port users reminded of UN sanctions compliance and suspicious transaction reporting duties

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has warned that it will take enforcement action against anyone who files false or misleading vessel information to secure a port call or clearance at the world's largest bunkering port.

In Port Marine Circular No. 10 of 2026, dated September 2, port master Capt Chong Jia Chyuan reminded the shipping, harbour craft, and pleasure craft communities of their obligation to ensure that everything submitted in connection with port calls and port clearance is accurate.

"The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore will not condone persons wilfully furnishing false information or deliberately using false, misleading, or unverifiable information, including those relating to vessel identity, registration, ownership, cargoes, trading history, to facilitate, conceal, or legitimise illicit activities," the circular said.

"Appropriate enforcement action, in accordance with the law, will be taken against those engaged in such fraudulent or dishonest conduct."

Vessel owners and their appointed port agents should, at a minimum, verify the legitimacy of a vessel's registration through the IMO's Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) database before submitting documents such as the certificate of registry and statutory trading certificates to the port master, it said.

The circular also reminded port users that Singapore implements all United Nations Security Council sanctions in its domestic law, and that anyone who knows or has reasonable grounds to suspect that a vessel or other property may be connected to criminal conduct must file a report with the Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office.

Failure to file such a report may itself be a criminal offence, the MPA said.

The circular gives no indication of what prompted the reminder, and does not cite any specific case.

Port users were asked to bring the circular to the attention of all relevant personnel and to ensure strict compliance.