The Singapore Standard Code of Practice for Bunkering by bunker barges and tankers (SS600) sets out the best practice for documentation and equipment requirements and, verification procedures during a bunkering operation, according to a BIMCO report.

Covering pre-delivery, actual delivery and post-delivery checks and documentation, the SS 600 was developed for the benefit of the ship bunkering industry in Singapore comprising ship owners, operators, charterers, bunker suppliers, bunker tanker operators and surveyors.

All bunkering operations carried out by bunker tankers to ships in the port of Singapore must adhere to the SS600 covering pre-delivery, actual delivery and post-delivery checks and documentation.

BIMCO said by carrying out the bunker delivery process in accordance with the requirements contained in this SS 600, the likelihood of a bunkering dispute should be minimized.

In Singapore, all bunker suppliers and bunker craft operators are licensed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

They are required to comply with the SS600 as a licensing requirement. Ship owners, operators and charterers should advise their officers to follow the procedures and requirements as stipulated in the SS 600 when their vessels call at Singapore for bunkering.