Asia/Pacific News
MPA in "Final Stages" of Safe Passage Guide for Singapore
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) held the first of several planned dialogue sessions on navigation safety in the Singapore Strait and port waters following three collisions in recent weeks, MPA reports.
More than 100 ship owners, managers, charterers, shipping agents, and other interested parties attended the session, which covered interim safety measures and reminders for ships' crews on safe navigation practices.
The industry representatives offered suggestions for improvements to safety, which will be considered in further dialogues.
MPA said it is also "in the final stages" of developing a safety guide to the Stratis of Malacca and Singapore in cooperation with Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO).
MPA said earlier this week that it is investigating possible systemic issues involved in the three collisions, which spilled bunker fuel into Singapore waters, while also engaging in outreach to the shipping community around safety issues.
Andrew Tan, chief executive of MPA said he is "gravely concerned" about the recent incidents.
