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a maritime and port authority of singapore publication
diversity is
ISSUE 45
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making digitalisation easy cross-cultural internships navigating IMO 2020
ISSUE 45 PAGE 1
CONTENTS PAGE PAGE PAGE PAGE
O4 12 18 20
SHIP’S LOG FEATURE P O R T & S TA R B O A R D PERSONALITIES
news and happenings diversity is key IMO 2020 global caroline yang
at MPA sulphur limit: gina lee-wan
are we ready?
PAGE PAGE PAGE PAGE
24 26 29 32
MARITIME SERVICES TECHNOLOGY COMPANY SPOTLIGHT C O M M E N TA RY
a new chapter making cross-cultural stay agile to
of bunkering digitalisation easy internships: win the race
the MPA way
PAGE PAGE PAGE
34 38 40
C O M M U N I T Y TA L K CAREERS THE BACK PAGE
navigating the IMO 2020 harbouring a next-generation port
global sulphur limit lifelong dream at Tuas
publisher executive board executive editor publishing agent MANAGING DIRECTOR HEAD, CLIENT RELATIONSHIP
Quah Ley Hoon Caitlin Fua Christopher Tay Jessie Kek
Tan Beng Tee
Captain M Segar deputy editorial creative
Tan Hoe Soon executive editor
HEAD, EDITORIAL HEAD, CREATIVE
Sharon Tan
Chua Kim Beng Sean Lee
editor WWW.THINKFARM.SG EDITOR ART DIRECTOR
Cassandra Yue Dang Hui Ling Lee Lily
MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE Singapore Nautilus is published by ThinkFarm Pte Ltd (Registration No: 201226362G) for the
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). Copyright of the materials contained in this
magazine belongs to MPA. Views expressed may not necessarily be those of MPA or ThinkFarm Pte
460 Alexandra Road #19-00 PSA Building Singapore 119963 Ltd. All rights reserved. Enquiries should be directed to the Editor, Maritime and Port Authority of
Tel: +65 6375 1600 Fax: +65 6275 9247 Singapore, 460 Alexandra Road, #19-00 PSA Building, Singapore 119963. Tel: +65 6375 1600, Fax:
+65 6275 9247, E-mail: SN_feedback@mpa.gov.sg. All information is correct at time of printing.
www.mpa.gov.sg Printed in Singapore by Times Printers Pte Ltd (Registration No: 196700328H). ISSN 2010-1120.
Singapore Nautilus is the corporate publication of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. The magazine is available for download on the App Store and Google Play! Simply search for “SG Nautilus” or scan the QR code here. Download the app now!
ISSUE 45 PAGE 3
FOREWORD
women are What do Jason and the
Argonauts, 20,000 Leagues
Under the Sea, and The Rime
the Personality section, we chat
with Ms Caroline Yang, the first
female president of the Singapore
welcome
of the Ancient Mariner have in Shipping Association (page 20),
common? The seafarers in these and Mrs Gina Lee-Wan, the first
tales are all men. female maritime lawyer to win
While venturing out to sea the International Maritime Centre
While some top positions in Maritime in the past was dangerous and (Individual) Award (page 22). The
required bravery as well as Careers section finds out how a
Singapore are already occupied by brawn, many females are still female marine surveyor — the
women, the sector is continuously generally discriminated against only one in the Maritime and Port
working towards attracting more females even in modern times. Consider Authority of Singapore (MPA) —
the story of Ms Kate McCue. gained acceptance among her
to equalise the gender ratio In 2015, she became the first male colleagues (page 38), while
American woman to command a Ms Melissa Kee, Chief HR Officer
mega-class cruise ship. When she of Kuok (Singapore) Limited,
entered the industry, however, reveals in the Commentary
she could not get work as a section (page 32) what she looks
seafarer, and had to work her for in a candidate.
way up from the ship’s bar. I’d like to end with a quote
In line with the International from Ms Quah Ley Hoon, Chief
Maritime Organization’s theme Executive of MPA, who said,
of “Empowering Women in the “In Singapore, it is a deliberate
Maritime Industry”, this issue of policy to ensure that every
Singapore Nautilus takes a look Singaporean — regardless of
at the gender diversity issue gender, ethnicity, and financial
in Maritime Singapore (page background — has equal
12). While the article features a opportunities and access to key
handful of women in leading roles, resources.” This is testament
it also discusses what the sector is that Singapore as a nation
doing to increase gender diversity — not just MPA — is strongly
in the industry. supportive of diversity, including
Other sections feature gender diversity, in the vital
women of substance as well. In maritime sector.
CAITLIN FUA
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
ISSUE 45 PAGE 4
SHIP’S LOG NEWS
MPA AND WORLD MARITIME UNIVERSITY SIGN ENHANCED MOU
Having signed an enhanced Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on
April 5, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and World Maritime
University (WMU) will cooperate on global maritime leadership training and
capacity building for the international maritime community.
The agreement provides for cooperation between the two partners on
the education of maritime leaders, leadership development programmes, as
well as exchange of faculty members. Under the agreement, MPA Academy
(MPAA) will continue to host week-long field studies in Singapore for WMU
students taking Port Management. From 2019, MPAA will also host field
studies for WMU students specialising in Shipping Management and Logistics.
“MPA Academy and the WMU are close partners in the area of advancing
training in the maritime industry. We collaborate in many areas, including
the hosting of field studies for the students since 2004. This enhanced
Memorandum of Understanding with WMU reaffirms Singapore’s relentless
commitment and support to global maritime leadership training and IMO’s
agenda of training,” said Ms Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive, MPA.
MPA PARTNERS OUR SINGAPORE REEFS
TO CONSERVE MARINE ENVIRONMENT
To commemorate World Oceans Day on
June 8, the Maritime and Port Authority
of Singapore (MPA) and Our Singapore
Reefs (OSR) embarked on a three-year
collaboration to promote Singapore’s
marine biodiversity. Activities under this
partnership include underwater clean-
up activities and public outreach events.
The partnership got off to a
splashing start on June 9, with an
underwater clean-up exercise in the
waters around Lazarus Island involving
20 divers. Around 75kg of marine
debris was retrieved and sorted for
proper disposal. Data on the marine
debris collected was compiled and
reported to Project AWARE’s global
database under its flagship Dive Against
Debris® programme to support the
development and implementation
of policies to improve solid waste
management globally.
“We are happy to work with the OSR
team to engage the wider community in
efforts to keep our waters clean. Marine
debris not only has a detrimental
impact on our marine ecosystem and
life, it is also potentially hazardous to
navigational safety in our busy port
waters,” commented Ms Quah Ley
Hoon, Chief Executive, MPA.
ISSUE 45 PAGE 5
SHIP’S LOG NEWS
MPA LAUNCHES MARITIME BUS
In conjunction with the Singapore
Bicentennial, the Maritime and Port
Authority of Singapore (MPA) and
key partners in the maritime industry
launched a travelling exhibition of
interactive content that showcases the
past, present and future of Singapore’s
maritime industry.
This travelling exhibition is manifested
in the form of a Maritime Bus to educate
Singaporeans about Singapore’s rich
maritime heritage and highlight the
contribution of the maritime industry and
its workforce to Singapore’s economy.
Launched on July 26 at Canberra
Secondary School, the Maritime Bus will
travel across Singapore till January 31,
2020, and is scheduled to visit 37 schools
and seven community spaces from
August 1, including community centres,
Jurong Regional Library and SAFRA clubs.
“The MPA Maritime Bus provides an
immersive experience, to help us appreciate
the past, understand the present, and
anticipate the future of Maritime Singapore.
Along the way, we hope to inspire younger
Singaporeans to join the exciting careers
in the maritime industry,” said Mr Khaw
Boon Wan, Coordinating Minister for
Infrastructure and Minister for Transport,
at the launch. “There is a world of exciting
TUAS TERMINAL PHASE 2 RECLAMATION COMMENCES career opportunities, both onshore and
The first caisson installation commencement ceremony at Tuas offshore, for you,” added Ms Quah Ley
Terminal Phase 2 on July 4 was witnessed by Dr Lam Pin Min, Senior Hoon, Chief Executive, MPA.
Minister of State for Transport and Health, who said, “The installation
of the first caisson for Phase 2 marks an important milestone in the
development of the next-generation port at Tuas. Tuas Terminal will
be digitalised and smart, and integrated with the wider supply chain
network. This will be key to maintaining our position as a leading
global hub port.”
When fully operational, the Next-Generation Port at Tuas will be able
to handle up to 65 million TEUs annually.
Phase 2 will see the use of innovative construction methods to boost
safety and productivity. For example, a slip form jack monitoring system
will be employed. This provides an unobstructed view of the hydraulic
system, enhancing the safety of workers through prompt rectifications
of the hydraulic system. The project team will also adopt modern
construction technology, such as an automated curing system, a water
circulation system that helps to control the quality of the base slab. In
addition, the use of artificial intelligence is being explored — one way
would be through facial recognition tools to detect security breaches at
entry and exit points.
ISSUE 45 PAGE 6
SHIP’S LOG NEWS
FIFTY-NINE PEOPLE RECEIVE MARITIME SCHOLARSHIPS
At the MaritimeONE Scholarship Awards Ceremony, held In his opening remarks, MPA Chairman, Mr Niam Chiang Meng,
on August 8, 59 promising young individuals received the emphasised that this is an exciting time to be working in Maritime
MaritimeONE scholarships and Tripartite Maritime Scholarships Singapore, as the industry is transitioning in three aspects. The
(TMSS). MaritimeONE scholars pursue diplomas and degrees first is technological advancements that the industry is embracing,
in institutes of higher learning either locally or overseas, while such as Internet of Things sensors, autonomous vessels, and
TMSS scholars pursue a Diploma in Marine Engineering or artificial intelligence-based predictive vessel monitoring. The
Nautical Studies at Singapore Polytechnic (Singapore Maritime second is the consolidation of the different container terminals
Academy) for a seafaring career. (Tanjong Pagar, Pasir Panjang, Keppel, and Brani) at Tuas. Tuas
The scholarships handed out were worth more than Terminal will incorporate higher levels of connectivity, efficiency, and
S$2.3 million in total, generously contributed by 25 intelligence to ensure Singapore’s continued relevance in the years
participating companies, unions and the Maritime and Port ahead. Finally, the sector is actively recruiting people with diverse
Authority of Singapore (MPA), including three that came on skills, ranging from engineering to emerging skillsets such as data
board this year: Fleet Ship Management, Swire Pacific Offshore, analytics, cybersecurity, and digital skills. There is thus a host of
and Asia Capital Reinsurance Group. career opportunities for people from myriad backgrounds.
DIGITALISATION IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY
On August 20, 300 post-secondary students gathered at
Singapore Management University for the sixth Singapore
Maritime Dialogue, themed “Maritime Singapore in the Age
of Digitalisation”.
They exchanged views on the digital revolution taking
place in the maritime industry with the panellists, comprising
Guest-of-Honour Dr Lam Pin Min, Senior Minister of State for
Transport and Health; Mr John Hahn, CEO and Co-Founder of
Ocean Freight Exchange; Mr Richard Koh, Chief Technology
Officer of Microsoft Singapore; and Ms Melissa Kee, Chief
Human Resources Officer of Kuok Singapore Ltd. just maritime-related faculties. “We are open to hiring people
Moderated by Mr Michael Phoon, Executive Director of the without prior industry experience, but who can work hard and
Singapore Shipping Association, the discussion touched on are agile; we will teach them about the maritime industry. You
two broad areas: how technology is transforming processes are in the best place in the world to try things out,” he advised.
in the shipping sector, and how to attract and retain talented Dr Lam reinforced the importance of digitalisation in the
people in the maritime industry. maritime sector in his closing speech. “The maritime industry
Mr Koh remarked that it was natural to resist change, needs to tap on digitalisation and innovation for new growth
especially when leaders do not explain their vision and opportunities. Besides encouraging maritime companies
aspiration clearly. “Leaders have to be the change driver. to embrace digital technology, we hope that students who
Having regular dialogue with employees and demonstrating are interested in digital and other technologies will consider
the clarity of vision from the leaders are important,” he said. joining the ranks of maritime professionals. In this way, the
As to the second area of discussion, Mr Hahn revealed that industry can ride on the next wave of growth enabled by digital
his company was looking to recruit young talents from not innovations,” he said.
ISSUE 45 PAGE 7
SHIP’S LOG NEWS
MPA CE ADDRESSES CHINA MARITIME FORUM
Ms Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive, Maritime and Port
Authority of Singapore (MPA), was invited to address the
China Maritime Forum (CMF) at the opening plenary. The
CMF and a parallel event, the Maritime Silk Road Port
International Cooperation Forum (MPF), took place on
July 11 and 12 in Ningbo, China, to commemorate China
Maritime Day, which falls on July 11.
With “21st-century Maritime Silk Road” as the theme
of CMF 2019, Ms Quah shared Singapore’s views on
how international collaboration on digital and physical
connectivity are important to bring about a more
prosperous and interconnected world. She cited the
Singapore-Chongqing Connectivity Initiative International
Land-Sea Transport Corridor and the electronic bill of lading LAUNCH OF MARITIME SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING GUIDE
trials conducted through Qinzhou port as good examples The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
of how Singapore advances our connectivity with the world. — together with its partners Global Compact Network
Ms Quah’s address marks the first time that Singapore was Singapore, Singapore Exchange (SGX), Institute of
invited to speak at the CMF main Forum. Singapore Chartered Accountants, Ernst & Young,
At MPF, Ms Quah also signed a Memorandum of KPMG Singapore, and PwC Singapore — launched the
Understanding (MOU) with the Waterborne Transport Maritime Sustainability Reporting Guide on August 19.
Research Institute (WTI), an agency under China’s Ministry This publication is the first sector-specific sustainability
of Transport; WTI was represented by its President, reporting guide since SGX introduced the requirement
Mr Fei Weijun. The MOU seeks to enhance information for sustainability reporting for listed companies. It will be
exchange, collaboration, and research and development useful for maritime companies, particularly those that
between the two agencies in areas such as smart port have yet to begin or are just beginning the sustainability
and smart shipping technology, maritime safety, and reporting journey in their organisation.
environmental protection. The publication consists of chapters covering areas
such as the definition of sustainability, the importance of
sustainability to the maritime industry, key sustainability
reporting principles, and the key steps to develop a
maritime sustainability report, taking MPA’s sustainability
reporting journey as case study. The guide also
showcases the positive experiences and learnings of
nine companies that had gone through the journey of
sustainability reporting.
An important event leading up to the release of the
report was a Roundtable Session involving the partners in
March. The session allowed key sustainability leaders to
discuss the contents of the co-developed guide; pertinent
points raised were then incorporated into the published
version of the guide.
“MPA is committed to partner maritime companies to
enhance our sustainability performance and further grow
Maritime Singapore. As an organisation, we know that MPA
will need to evolve to serve the needs of our customers
and build stronger partnership in the new world,
understand competition, and innovate to stay ahead. We
are heartened by the maritime community’s strong drive
towards innovation and technology adoption. We look
forward to continue the co-creation of a sustainable future
together for Singapore, for the region, and for the world,”
said Ms Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive, MPA.
ISSUE 45 PAGE 8
SHIP’S LOG HAPPENINGS
MPA CE VISITS INDONESIA’S DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF SEA TRANSPORTATION
MPA Chief Executive, Ms Quah Ley Hoon, called on Mr Agus Purnomo, Director-General, Directorate-General of Sea Transportation (DGST), Indonesia,
on April 29 at his office in Jakarta. Both noted the close bilateral relationship between the two agencies, and were keen to enhance co-operation at
regional and international bodies such as the Co-operative Mechanism, ASEAN, and the International Maritime Organization. Ms Quah also visited
Tanjung Priok Port, DGST Maritime Museum, and the New Priok Container Terminal 1, operated by PSA International.
JAPANESE MINISTER OF STATE VISITS MPA
On May 3, MPA Chief Executive, Ms Quah Ley Hoon, hosted a delegation led by Japan’s Minister of State for Ocean Policy, Mr Mitsuhiro Miyakoshi.
Both parties discussed mutual areas of opportunities and possible future collaborations.ISSUE 45 PAGE 9
SHIP’S LOG HAPPENINGS
MPA CE ADDRESSES NAUTICAL INSTITUTE SINGAPORE CONFERENCE 2019
MPA Chief Executive, Ms Quah Ley Hoon, addressed experienced maritime professionals at this conference, held on May 15, and touched on
new requirements, technology, and talent — three areas where she feels Singapore needs to be ahead of the curve and turn them into
unique opportunities.
MPA CELEBRATES ‘DAY OF THE SEAFARER 2019’
On June 25, MPA marked the ‘Day of the Seafarer’ by opening a new international drop-in centre at the Pasir Panjang Terminal Building 5. Doing the
honours were Captain M Segar, Assistant Chief Executive (Operations), MPA, and Mr S C Lim, Board Member, Mission to Seafarers Singapore (MtSS).
Managed by MtSS, the centre provides a wide range of facilities and services — such as free Wi-Fi, Internet-enabled computers, light refreshments
and dart boards — for around 20,000 visiting seafarers who call at Pasir Panjang Terminal each month.ISSUE 45 PAGE 10
SHIP’S LOG HAPPENINGS
SINGAPORE SHIPPING ASSOCIATION’S AGM
Photos: Singapore Shipping Association
At the association’s 23rd Annual General Meeting on June 26, Ms Caroline Yang,
Chief Executive of Hong Lam Marine, was elected as its President for the 2019/2021
term — the first female in that role since the founding of the association. Ms Yang
has more than 25 years of experience in the shipping industry. Read her profile on
page 20.
MPA OBSERVES WORLD HYDROGRAPHY DAY 2019
On June 28, in conjunction with World Hydrography Day on June 21, Dr Lam Pin Min, Senior Minister of State for Transport and Health, announced
the launch of GeoSpace-Sea initiative, a new National Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure (NMSDI) that will harness and integrate the latest
geospatial information from various sources of Singapore’s marine and coastal data. When fully developed, the multi-agency initiative will provide
comprehensive and consolidated geospatial data for port, marine and coastal planning, and environmental management in a timely and efficient
manner. MPA also hosted the East Asia Hydrographic Commission Working Committee meetings, where representatives from 10 Member States
discussed various ongoing hydrographic projects, including the development of a regional MSDI for the East Asia region.ISSUE 45 PAGE 11
SHIP’S LOG HAPPENINGS
MPA GOES ARTSY
Photos: The Arts Fission Company
In a unique pairing, MPA joined forces with Arts Fission to provide deeper insight into real-life situations involving the ocean. The product of
this inaugural partnership, “Hack Lab II: Imagine Ocean”, is a two-day communal creative event, facilitating cross-boundary communication
and collaboration among artists, seafarers, designers, academics, marine biologists, youths, and seniors. It was held at the Singapore Maritime
Gallery on June 15 and 16.
12TH MARITIME SAFETY MANAGEMENT COURSE
Held between July 29 and August 2, the 12th Maritime Safety Management Course saw 22 participants from various countries eager to learn about
the maritime practices of Singapore and Japan. In addition to classroom presentations and activities, participants visited the Port Operations
Control Centre and embarked on the Singapore Maritime Trail. The course was organised under the auspices of the Japan-Singapore Partnership
Programme for the 21st Century.ISSUE 45 PAGE 12
FEATURE
Globally, there is an upward trend in the number female seafarers work in the cruise industry. With
of female leaders in both the government and “Empowering Women in the Maritime Community” as
private sectors. IMO’s theme for World Maritime Day 2019, it aims to
In Singapore, the nation’s highest job is held raise awareness of the importance of gender equality,
by President Mdm Halimah Yacob, while our and highlight the important contributions of women to
Cabinet boasts three female Ministers. Some of our the maritime sector across the globe. IMO is working
homegrown MNCs too have female leaders, such with various maritime stakeholders to create an
as Singtel’s Group Chief Executive Ms Chua Sock environment where women are identified and selected
Koong. Overseas, they include New Zealand’s for career development opportunities in maritime
Prime Minister Ms Jacinda Ardern and Germany’s administrations, ports, and maritime training institutes.
Chancellor Ms Angela Merkel. Having more women in the workplace benefits
The Grant Thornton’s Women in Business Report organisations. The maritime community would be
2019 revealed that women comprised 29% of senior missing out on a huge talent pool if it fails to properly
management globally, 5% more than the previous year. empower women in the workplace, said IMO Secretary-
For its survey, the global professional services provider General Mr Kitack Lim. “Empowering women isn’t just
interviewed business leaders in 35 countries and an idea or a concept,” he asserts. “It is a necessity
found that 87% of enterprises globally have at least that requires strong, positive action to address
one woman in senior management; within Southeast deep-seated structural, institutional, and cultural
Asia, this was 94%, putting the region in the lead. barriers. Gender-diverse teams are more productive
However, according to the International Maritime than male-dominated teams, and gender-diverse
Organization (IMO), women today represent only workplaces promote better job satisfaction, employee
2% of the world’s 1.2 million seafarers, and 94% of engagement, and retention.”
diversity is key
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
and International Maritime Organization are
working on increasing diversity in the sector,
reports Sol E SolomonISSUE 45 PAGE 13
FEATURE
FEMALE LEADERS At Cargill, Ms Lim’s
Within Maritime Singapore, women are already role is to lead the ocean
present across various levels. They include Maritime transportation business n
oo
yH
h Le
and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) Chief Executive across Asia-Pacific, setting the APAC Ms Qua
Ms Quah Ley Hoon; Cargill Ocean Transportation strategy. She oversees talent development across
Asia-Pacific (APAC) Lead Ms Lim Ying Ying; Ms Irene the region and ensures correct resourcing for
Ng Yu Si, Executive Electrical Engineer, PSA; and current business needs, while positioning the
Ms Fion Yap, Technical Executive, Aids to Navigation business for sustainable growth in the future.
Department, Hydrographic Division, MPA. Ms Lim is determined to build an inclusive and
With so few seafaring jobs and only one-third of diverse workforce, in line with the company’s
onshore positions in the maritime sector occupied sustainability priorities. “Statistically, companies
by women, there is definitely scope for these figures that embrace this outperform their peers,” she
to increase, advises Ms Quah. Citing World Health declares. Irrespective of gender, certain character
Organization’s statistics that there are 100 females traits are necessary to be successful in any industry.
for every 106 males, she observes, “If we remove These include positivity, composure, agility, risk-
women from the equation, we stand to lose half taking, assertiveness, curiosity, focus, and the desire
our talent pool and, with that, a vast untapped pool to strive for success, explains Ms Lim. “If more women
of ideas and potential. Women can bring to the join our industry, I strongly believe that we will see
table their points of view, alternative approaches to a refreshing and more balanced way of looking at
challenges and issues, and diverse problem-solving things, notably the way we manage crises.”
strategies based on their unique experiences.”
Concurring with this view, Ms Yap points out, “Both
genders have their strengths and weaknesses in HAVING BOTH MALE AND
any kind of situation. Having both male and female
individuals in the industry will balance each other’s FEMALE INDIVIDUALS IN THE
strengths and weaknesses, such that one gender’s
strength can compensate for the other’s weakness.” INDUSTRY WILL BALANCE
Ms Yap’s job requires her to maintain five vessels that
her division uses to carry out hydrographic surveys, EACH OTHER’S STRENGTHS
deploy buoys, and check lights on beacons, buoys,
and lighthouses. To get these vessels operationally AND WEAKNESSES, SUCH THAT
ready for any kind of deployment, she works with the
crew to ensure their safety on board, collaborating ONE GENDER’S STRENGTH
with partners such as shipyards that carry out
maintenance work on the vessels. She is as hands- CAN COMPENSATE FOR THE
on as any of the guys, and is occasionally involved in
deploying buoys in Singapore’s waters. OTHER’S WEAKNESS.ISSUE 45 PAGE 14
FEATURE
It is true that, in the past, some maritime roles
were performed only by men due to physical
attributes — such as physical strength — needed to
perform the task, observes Ms Quah. For example,
crane operators had to climb up a long ladder to
enter the crane cabin, where toilet facilities were
not available. “Today, with automation, crane
operators are working in an air-conditioned room
and can manage up to five cranes at one time. With
such job automation and a redesign in job scope,
both men and women can meet the job demands,”
she assures.
OVERCOMING BIAS
Some of these ladies have had to overcome gender
bias in different ways.
For Ms Ng, it was choosing to study engineering,
often seen as a male-dominated course. The
graduate of Electrical & Electronics Engineering
from Nanyang Technological University and
Aerospace Electronics from Singapore Polytechnic
(SP) has an innate sense of curiosity and has always
Ms
Lim
been intrigued by how things work. Engineering
Ying Y
ing
LEVELLING THE FIELD
All the ladies mentioned in this article agree that
WHEN YOU GAIN EXPERTISE
most people in Singapore accept gender equality. It
is Singapore’s deliberate policy to ensure that every
AND ARE PROFESSIONAL,
Singaporean — regardless of gender, ethnicity, and
financial background — has equal opportunities
PEOPLE WILL BE CONVINCED
and access to key resources, such as education,
healthcare, and a roof over their head. Female
OF YOUR CAPABILITIES,
literacy here is high at 95.9% (98.9% for males), and
the female labour force participation rate is 60.2%
REGARDLESS OF GENDER.
(75.6% for males), notes Ms Quah.
And companies that support gender diversity will
attract and retain talented women. Initially, Ms Ng
faced scepticism from some male colleagues, but she
chose to challenge their mindset positively by working
hard to learn as much as she could, and sharing that
knowledge with her team. Her outgoing nature also
helped to alleviate their concerns as she took time to
engage with them while staying open-minded. “Today,
we understand one another and are friends outside
of our workplace. I think the most important thing is to
stay positive, be patient, and learn continuously. When
you gain expertise and are professional, people will be
convinced of your capabilities, regardless of gender.”ISSUE 45 PAGE 15
FEATURE
equipped her with the relevant knowledge and
skills to understand new technologies. “As a female
leader, gender is not an issue for me as long as I am
competent and professional in the way I conduct
myself,” she states.
Ms Yap originally had ambitions to pursue a
career in media. It was her father who recognised
that she was not suitable for that sector, and
convinced her to plunge into an industry in
which he knew she would thrive. With a Diploma
in Marine Engineering from SP, this Republic
of Singapore Navy scholar’s first job was as an
engineer on board a navy frigate. “Although I
didn’t choose this career myself, it has so far been
rather enjoyable, and I do not regret heeding my
father’s advice,” she shares. “This career is also
more interesting as it is does not keep me desk-
bound — there is a good balance of being in the
office and out at sea.” Furthermore, she gets to
visit places such as Raffles Lighthouse, which is
not usually accessible to the public. “It is also nice
to know that I play a part in keeping Singapore
waters safe for mariners.”
Ms Fio
n Yap
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
Many women may shy away from seeking jobs
in the maritime industry simply because it is
still a male-dominated industry, says Ms Lim. “I OVER THE LAST FOUR TO
encourage them to think otherwise. Over the
last four to five years, many shipping companies FIVE YEARS, MANY SHIPPING
have started to make a conscientious effort to
balance the gender numbers in their workforce. COMPANIES HAVE STARTED TO
Empowering women in the maritime community
is the way to go, and women who choose to MAKE A CONSCIENTIOUS EFFORT
join the industry now will reap the early fruits
and opportunities.” TO BALANCE THE GENDER
Cargill’s ocean transportation office in
Singapore has strong female representation NUMBERS IN THEIR WORKFORCE.
in commercial roles, comprising 30–35% of its
commercial team. “This is above the maritime EMPOWERING WOMEN IN THE
industry norm and shows encouraging progress,
although there is still plenty of room for MARITIME COMMUNITY IS THE
improvement,” Ms Lim reveals.
MPA’s mission is to develop and promote WAY TO GO, AND WOMEN WHO
Singapore as a premier global hub port and an
international maritime centre, and to advance CHOOSE TO JOIN THE INDUSTRY
and safeguard Singapore’s strategic maritime
interests; one of the strategies is to attract talent. NOW WILL REAP THE EARLY
Maritime Singapore “is walking the talk”, with the
nation’s maritime industry association, union, and FRUITS AND OPPORTUNITIES.ISSUE 45 PAGE 16
FEATURE
maritime administration headed by women, Ms Quah Employment and Employability Institute, and partner
discloses. “Looking within my organisation, women companies pledged S$8.88 million to extend funding
make up more than half of the senior management for the Certificate of Competency Class 5 (Special
team. This was already the case even before I joined Limit) programmes until 2021. These programmes
the team early this year.” She adds that the maritime aim to build up a pool of Singaporeans to become
sector in Singapore is filled with myriad opportunities navigation or engineering officers serving on board
and job options — onshore, offshore, engineering, ships operating in the immediate region. As these
logistics, legal, finance, info-technology, and more. “The jobs involve shorter voyages, officers can spend more
industry is theirs for the taking, and I welcome women time with their families. “As a working mother with
to join me on this exhilarating journey.” three children, I understand the need for mothers to
Various new schemes are in place to attract spend time with their children, supporting them and
talent into the maritime industry, regardless of being there for them as they grow up, while carving a
whether they are women or men. In April, MPA, the career for themselves,” Ms Quah says.
WE NEED TO APPRECIATE
THE COMPLEXITY OF HUMAN
INTERACTIONS AND MANAGE HOW
PERCEPTIONS ARE FORMED. I
BELIEVE THIS IS KEY TO FORMING
STRONG PARTNERSHIPS AND
SUCCESS FOR ALL.ISSUE 45 PAGE 17
FEATURE
Separately, the Earn and Learn Programme
(ELP) is a work-study programme that offers fresh
graduates from polytechnics and the Institutes of
Technical Education a head start in careers related
to their field of study. The ELP (Maritime) offers
roles that women can consider, such as shipowning,
operating and broking; port operations officer;
seafaring deck officer; and seafaring marine engineer.
Options are also available for working adults
hoping to make a career switch into the maritime
sector. The Professional Conversion Programme
provides skills training to professionals, managers,
executives, and technicians, after which they can
move to new roles and sectors with favourable
growth and development prospects. Ms Quah, who
studied economics and psychology and joined MPA
in November 2018, shares, “Formal education has
provided me with a framework to analyse and solve
g
problems. My knowledge, coupled with my past eN
Ir en
working experience, has given me a greater insight Ms
into how people think and feel, and to have a greater
appreciation of the obstacles and challenges that
women face, which are sometimes very different [read more about her on page 20], Chief Executive of
from the issues men face.” Hong Lam Marine and recently appointed President of
Ms Quah sees herself as only one out of the the Singapore Shipping Association — the first female
many women working in the maritime industry. president in the Association’s 34-year history.
“Others have blazed a trail before me in the maritime “It is important to approach group dynamics and
industry.” She cites Mrs Mary Seet-Cheng, IMO success beyond the binary terms of man and woman,”
Goodwill Ambassador for Singapore appointed advises Ms Quah. “Instead, we need to appreciate the
by MPA; Mrs Gina Lee-Wan [read more about her complexity of human interactions and manage how
on page 22], Co-Head of the Maritime & Aviation perceptions are formed. I believe this is key to forming
Practice at Allen & Gledhill; and Ms Caroline Yang strong partnerships and success for all.”ISSUE 45 PAGE 18
P O R T & S TA R B O A R D
IMO 2020 global sulphur
limit: are we ready?
Adaline Teo reveals how the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has been stepping
up efforts to help ease the transition for all stakeholders to meet the International
Maritime Organization’s 0.50% sulphur limit, effective January 1, 2020
Captain Daknashamoorthy Ganasen, Senior Director MPA has been working very closely
(Operations & Marine Services), Maritime and Port with 11 other ports through an LNG
Authority of Singapore (MPA), elaborates how MPA has bunkering port focus group to collectively
been working on two fronts to get everything in place: share expertise, exchange best practices,
1. Ensuring fuel availability to instil confidence; and and harmonise bunkering procedures for LNG
2. Preparing Singapore’s port as well as the thousands bunkering. This will create greater confidence for the
of ships under the Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS). uptake of LNG bunkering globally. Ship operators and
MPA has also taken steps to level the playing field, managers can obtain the list of bunker suppliers and
where bunker tankers have conducted all bunker the range of compliant fuels that they can supply from
deliveries to ocean-going vessels through MPA- 2020 from MPA’s website.
approved mass flow meters from July 1. “Looking Together with the Singapore Shipping Association
ahead to the future, we are also preparing ourselves (SSA), MPA has published two technical guidebooks
to be an LNG bunker-ready port with various incentive on complying with IMO 2020, one for Singapore-
schemes in place to encourage the uptake of LNG registered ships and the other for ships calling at the
bunkering in Singapore,” says Capt Daknashamoorthy. Port of Singapore.ISSUE 45 PAGE 19
P O R T & S TA R B O A R D
ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY LAUNCH OF TECHNICAL GUIDES
MPA has also been actively engaging the shipping At the seminar, MPA launched the
community to address concerns, share best second edition of its two technical
practices, and discuss implementation issues through guidebooks. The booklets build on the
workshops and seminars. first edition, published in November
The MPA-SSA Seminar on 2020 Global Sulphur 2018, and contain useful information
Limit held on June 13 was one such session. It on port State control, handling of
attracted some 250 members of the shipping non-compliant fuels, guidelines for on-
community. At the seminar, speakers addressed board sampling, and enforcement for
concerns such as the availability, quality and price of ships calling at the Port of Singapore.
compliant fuels, the enforcement of regulations, as A separate guide for the bunkering
well as other pertinent topics. industry detailing best practices for
Mr Michael Phoon, Executive Director of SSA, urges fuel oil suppliers was launched at the
shipowners to get on board quickly and not to leave MPA Bunker Forum on October 8.
everything till the last minute to ensure there is time “The seminar is an important platform for
to address issues that may arise from the switch. us to address the industry concerns on the
His advice is supported by Mr Nick Potter, General tightened environmental regulations. We
Manager, Shipping & Maritime, Asia Pacific Middle hope the guides will provide guidance to
East at Shell Trading. both Singapore-registered ships and ships
“The switch from high-sulphur to low-sulphur fuels calling at our port on how they can comply
will need careful monitoring on board vessels, as with the regulations,” explains Ms Quah Ley
low-sulphur fuels require different handling from the Hoon, Chief Executive of MPA.
current fuels used; greater attention needs to be paid MPA held an IMO 2020 Port State Control (PSC)
to the compatibility and stability of the new fuels,” workshop in August, which brought together like-
Mr Potter advises. He adds that fuel suppliers minded PSC authorities to share best practices
need time to work with ship engineers to help the and enforcement approach, and delved into
engineers gain experience in handling the fuels; these implementation issues. The best practices and
suppliers could also develop operation handling lessons learnt from this workshop among the PSC
procedures and guidelines with their customers. authorities were shared with the industry to assist
Mr Denzal Hargreaves, Regional Production & in their preparation during the 2019 SRS Forum,
QHSE Manager; Regional Chief Surveyor; Maritime which took place in November.
– Region South East Asia, Pacific & India, DNV GL,
emphasises that there is sufficient guidance to allow
the industry “to be prepared and be ready”, which
means ship operators should act quickly so that they
have time to do a proper risk assessment based on
what they have selected. For a start, they could look THE SEMINAR IS AN IMPORTANT
into developing a Ship Implementation Plan to get
an overview of their fleet and plan their compliance PLATFORM FOR US TO ADDRESS THE
procedures. Ship operators can download DNV GL’s
checklist application from their website and customise INDUSTRY CONCERNS ON THE TIGHTENED
it for their fleet needs.
From a shipowner’s perspective, Mr Kapil Berry, ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS.
General Manager, Head of Regulations & Compliance
at the BW Group, shares how the company is WE HOPE THE GUIDES WILL PROVIDE
preparing their vessels for compliance and upcoming
challenges. With the deadline looming, he notes that GUIDANCE TO BOTH SINGAPORE-
manpower and resources channelled towards getting
ships ready by 2020 will be stretched thin, and advises REGISTERED SHIPS AND SHIPS CALLING
shipowners to remember to make post-installation
preparations. “Commissioning engineers are in short AT OUR PORT ON HOW THEY CAN COMPLY
supply, so book one early or your completed ship will
just be sitting around.” WITH THE REGULATIONS.ISSUE 45 PAGE 20
PERSONALITY
woman
in charge
Ms Caroline Yang, newly elected President of the Singapore Shipping
Association, shares her plans for the association with Patricia AngISSUE 45 PAGE 21
PERSONALITY
WITH ALMOST 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE SHIPPING Women bring unique and
INDUSTRY, WHAT SUSTAINS YOU IN THIS SECTOR? complementary skill sets to the
In Hong Lam Marine, I was given opportunities in maritime industry. The roles of women
the areas of legal and finance, safety, business, and and their capacity to contribute —
operations. This has led me to develop a passion for whether it is shore- or sea-based —
this industry. My terms as a council member of the are starting to be recognised.
Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) have provided
me with a macro-level view of how the shipping
industry has an impact on jobs in Singapore. women in the maritime industry. This is both a timely
reminder for all of us to foster an environment that
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU HAVE FACED IN grooms women to positions of leadership, and to
YOUR CAREER? create an increased awareness of gender equality. The
After the financial crisis in late 2008, the company Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association
went through a particularly bad year, when we faced has also made great strides in representing women in
many arduous operational challenges coupled with the shipping community since 1998.
fewer business deals. I clearly remember coming out
of a very difficult meeting one day when it dawned on YOU ARE THE FIRST-EVER FEMALE PRESIDENT OF SSA IN
me that I had 85 office staff and 650 crew and their THE ASSOCIATION’S 34-YEAR HISTORY. HOW DO YOU FEEL
families who depended on my team and me for their ABOUT THIS APPOINTMENT?
livelihoods. This meant I could not give up or walk away I am gratified to have earned the trust of our members
from the challenges that we were facing. I am glad we and be elected as a council member, and also have
survived that daunting period. the strong support from our council members to be
elected as their President. While I am proud to be
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FACED BY THE SHIPPING the first female President of SSA, I am by no means
INDUSTRY TODAY? the only female leader in Maritime Singapore. I am
The changes facing the maritime industry have grateful to pioneering female leaders such as Ms Tan
quickened in pace in recent years, alongside rapid Beng Tee, Assistant Chief Executive (Development) at
technological advancements in artificial intelligence, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA);
machine learning, robotics, and big data. Buzzwords in Mrs Gina Lee-Wan [read her profile on page 22],
the shipping industry are ‘digital’, ‘green’, ‘sustainable’, who co-heads the maritime and aviation practice at
and ‘autonomous’. We need to keep an open mind and international law firm Allen & Gledhill; Mrs Mary Seet
stay nimble so that we can seize opportunities when Cheng, who is Singapore’s IMO Goodwill Ambassador;
presented. With the advancement of digitalisation and Ms Mary Liew, President of the Singapore Maritime
and analytics, ship managers can potentially be Officers’ Union. My female contemporaries include
equipped with more information to make better Ms Lisa Teo of PIL, Ms Katie Men of Iseaco Investment,
decisions from planning to operations that reduce and Ms Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive, MPA.
a ship’s environmental footprint while increasing
efficiency. This presents a win-win situation. The WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR SSA AS PRESIDENT?
shipping community wants to be consulted and guided I have two immediate priorities in the next two years.
robustly, with a balance between increasing regulatory The first is to strengthen SSA’s position as the voice
requirements and cost. and champion of the maritime community. We must
not let up our engagement with our members because
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT WOMEN WORKING IN THE they want a say in SSA’s direction. It is only when we
MARITIME INDUSTRY, SOMETHING TRADITIONALLY SEEN AS have a realistic perspective of the challenges and
A MAN’S WORLD? trends facing the maritime industry that we can truly
Women bring unique and complementary skill sets be an effective voice for them. My second priority is to
to the maritime industry. The roles of women and strengthen SSA’s partnership with our stakeholders.
their capacity to contribute — whether it is shore- MPA is committed to advancing Singapore’s position as
or sea-based — are starting to be recognised. The a global hub port and leading international maritime
International Maritime Organization (IMO) has centre, while SSA is closely consulted on issues that
designated the theme “Empowering Women in the have an impact on the industry. We want to grow the
Maritime Community” to highlight the contribution of already close partnership between MPA and SSA.ISSUE 45 PAGE 22
PERSONALITY
winning a
better deal
together
Mrs Gina Lee-Wan, the first female maritime
lawyer to be conferred the International
Maritime Centre (Individual) Award, has
propelled Maritime Singapore forward as an
international arbitration centre. Jon White
discovers how she inspires solidarity through
collaborative leadership
LLOYD’S LIST HAS NAMED YOU ONE OF THE TOP 10
MARITIME LAWYERS IN THE WORLD. WHY DID YOU
CHOOSE TO SPECIALISE IN MARITIME LAW?
As an island state, we have water all around us
and, geographically, we are very well connected.
I reasoned that if there was one industry that has
to endure, it would be shipping. We may be a small
island, but we can think big thoughts and there are
no limits as to how far we can go.
WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR MOST MEMORABLE
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MARITIME INDUSTRY?
It all started when I gave my views — very strong
ones — at a consultation on the Singapore Ship Sale
Form (SSF) organised by the Singapore Maritime
Foundation (SMF). Thereafter, SMF started copying
me in emails to its Board when discussing the SSF.
I thought they were being inclusive; to my surprise,ISSUE 45 PAGE 23
PERSONALITY
I was given a seat on the Board and, together, we saw
the form through.
Three years after the launch of the 2011 SSF,
the Baltic and International Maritime Council
We embrace women for the diversity
(BIMCO) and SMF were invited by the Association
of views because it does make a
of Ship Brokers and Agents (USA) Inc. (ASBA) to
difference. With the passage of time,
participate in the drafting of a revision to the New
we have entered a new era in shipping,
York Produce Exchange Charter Party (NYPE) 1993,
where there is greater collegiality.
which was then the most-used Time Charter Party
form in the world. The revised NYPE 2015 is the first
international shipping form that is a collective effort
spanning the globe involving ASBA, BIMCO and SMF
that incorporates Singapore as one of the three
official seats of arbitration, alongside New York City as a female, I shouldn’t be in the shipping industry.
and London. This is a milestone for Singapore as a I served a demand on his client quite unexpectedly,
global maritime arbitration centre. We saw this foray and this signalled to the client that his lawyer had
as the Singapore shipping industry’s contribution dropped the ball. We should never allow ourselves
towards nation building and pushed for the form to to be bullied. Having said this, I am a firm believer
be launched in 2015 to coincide with Singapore’s that women should not expect special treatment.
50th birthday. A woman who tries to move ahead by playing the
Another instance of thought leadership was the female card is not going to get very far.
launch of the Singapore War Risks Mutual in 2015.
We championed this at the Singapore Shipping OVER THE YEARS, HAVE YOU OBSERVED ANY
Association (SSA) to insure Singapore vessels against CHANGES IN HOW WOMEN IN THE MARITIME
inter alia war risks and to broaden and deepen our COMMUNITY ARE EMPOWERED?
footprint in the insurance space. From a few ships Thirty years ago, there were very few women in the
when the mutual was launched, we have almost 800 maritime industry. Today, women hold leadership
ships today. positions. For instance, Ms Sabrina Chao is Chairman
of the Hong Kong Shipping Association; the current
HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO ACCOMPLISH SO MUCH, Scandinavian ambassadors to Singapore are all
SO QUICKLY? female; Ms Lisa Teo and Ms Katie Men have chaired
In Singapore, we are able to galvanise people to the Young Executives Group of SSA; and the current
effect change. There were times we took on a Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of
collaborative, industry-wide approach in pushing Singapore, Ms Quah Ley Hoon, is female.
for change. For instance, with IMO 2020, it became Though you will always find the odd belligerent
mandatory for ships to install ballast water treatment male who believes that women should be kept in
systems. As Hitachi had previously filed patents for the kitchen, we have proven ourselves with tangible
their system, shipowners would have had to pay results. We embrace women for the diversity of views
royalties to use them. In challenging the patents, SSA because it does make a difference. With the passage
worked with the Association of Singapore Marine of time, we have entered a new era in shipping,
Industries and formed a steering group together where there is greater collegiality.
with our shipyards and shipowners. They were
supported by SMF on this. We pooled our expertise WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NEW
and resources, shared the costs, and eventually MARITIME PLAYERS?
succeeded: two of the patents were revoked, and the Though we are going digital, making it Shipping 4.0,
last one was withdrawn. the fundamentals remain the same. It is like being
a violinist in an orchestra — you are not playing a
HAS BEING A WOMAN IN A MALE-DOMINATED violin solo, but as part of an entire symphony. Your
ENVIRONMENT PUT YOU AT A DISADVANTAGE? orchestra will only perform optimally if everyone
Things were different 30 years ago, when women has that buy-in and performs as one. Being in the
were sometimes discriminated against. I recall a maritime industry is also being part of a team, and we
lawyer who was so full of himself that he thought that, need to row as one.ISSUE 45 PAGE 24
MARITIME SERVICES
Sinanju Tankers Holdings Pte Ltd made headlines “We believe this knowledge will hold us in good
earlier this year when it entered a ship management stead as we prepare for our upcoming role as the
collaboration agreement with Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines operator of Singapore’s largest LNG bunkering vessel.
to manage one of the two liquefied natural gas (LNG) Our aim is to be the first learner and expertise builder,
bunker tankers in Singapore. Sinanju will be among and contribute towards a vibrant bunkering scene and
the first to provide ship-to-ship LNG bunker deliveries safeguard Singapore’s status as the top bunkering
when the bunkering vessel is delivered in 2021. hub,” Ms Yeong says. “It is through the hands-on
Sinanju — the 2017 recipient of the Singapore experience of operating the vessel that we would learn
International Maritime Awards – Bunker Award, and to appreciate the nature and properties of LNG, and
the 2019 Lloyd’s List Asia Pacific Award winner for the impact of LNG on the performance, maintenance,
Excellence in Bunker Supply — is the first to own,
operate, and manage Singapore’s first dual fuel-
powered conventional bunker tanker, which uses LNG
and marine gas oil. Marine Vicky will arrive in Singapore
in Q1 2020, marking Sinanju’s foray into the LNG marine
fuels sector. Besides on-the-job training, all relevant
staff and crew will attend a course on LNG bunkering
at the Singapore Maritime Academy, whose curriculum
development Sinanju had contributed towards.
a new chapter of bunkering
As Singapore bunker tanker owner and operator
Sinanju Tankers Holdings enters the LNG bunkering
business, Ms Celeste Yeong, its Assistant
General Manager and Head of Crewing, Technical
and Marine, shares with Darien Choong some
challenges and areas for developmentISSUE 45 PAGE 25
MARITIME SERVICES
and operational scheduling of our bunker tanker. Most Sinanju recently signed a Memorandum of
of all, we want to gain experience in operating and Understanding with homegrown maritime solutions
handling LNG safely and at higher safety standards.” firm Claritecs to test-bed its award-winning web-based
platform BunkerMaestro, which taps on MarineTraffic
SETTING NEW STANDARDS and data from MPA’s Maritime Data Hub to optimise the
Sinanju has come a long way since it started business in scheduling of its tanks and bunker tanker fleet.
1992, and has made significant contributions to Maritime
Singapore. It has gained a reputation of being steadfast TRANSITION TO A DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT
in carrying out its operations with integrity, reliability, and In recent years, many sectors have begun digitalising
safety. As Ms Yeong assures, Sinanju is committed to their operations. However, the bunkering business has
raising Singapore’s bunkering standards and supporting lagged behind in this respect. “The bunkering industry
the efforts of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is probably among the least advanced in terms of
(MPA) in transforming global bunkering procedures. digitalisation. We are still using manually filled forms,
As an established bunker tanker owner, manager and Excel spreadsheets to schedule bunker operations, and a
operator in the Port of Singapore, Sinanju’s commitment high dependence on phone calls and WhatsApp to check
towards promoting the country as a leading bunkering information,” Ms Yeong discloses.
hub is underlined by its active participation in bunkering- However, the advent of MFM has kick-started the
related committees and research projects. “Being an digitalisation trend, and Sinanju plans to leverage the
advocate of industry standards, we have been active data collected for management reporting, trend analysis,
workgroup members who developed SS648:2019 Code bunker fleet scheduling, and eBDNs, with a link to internal
of Practice for Bunker Mass Flow Metering and TR56:2017 invoicing systems.
Technical Reference for LNG Bunkering. Our General The future of marine bunkering is more than improving
Manager, Mr Desmond Chong, is also the Chairman of fleet efficiencies. Sinanju Tankers is working closely with
the National Mirror Committee for ISO22192 Standard: MPA in developing a roadmap through drivers such as
Bunkering of Marine Fuel using the Coriolis Mass Flow digitalisation, innovation, transparency, and productivity
Meter System,” shares Ms Yeong. for the bunkering sector. Ms Yeong sees a need to
Sinanju’s bunker tankers have frequently been used continuously look for innovative technologies and be
to test-bed single mass flow meters (MFM) prepared for future challenges. “For instance, we intend
for marine fuel oil and dual MFM for distillates. to roll out BunkerMaestro, eBDNs, and e-seals in the near
The company has also conducted trials on electronic future,” she says.
bunker delivery notes (eBDNs) and e-seals for
bunker pipelines, just to name a few, she adds.
BUNKER OPERATORS MAY CHOOSE TO CARRY TWO
OPTIMISING THE REFUELLING PROCESS
Ms Yeong comments that many bunker operators OR THREE TYPES OF FUELS IN THE SAME VESSEL
have been operating on a solely-heavy-fuels or solely-
marine-gas-oils business model. This allows a bunker TO MEET THE ORDERS OF CUSTOMERS, AND THIS
tanker to refuel up to three ocean-going vessels before
needing to refill at the terminal. BECOMES A CHALLENGE TO ENSURE OPTIMISED
However, this method may no longer be optimal once
the International Maritime Organization’s stricter emissions OPERATIONAL SCHEDULING AND OPTIMAL USE OF
standard is enforced from January 1, 2020. Bunker
operators are thus searching for cleaner alternatives to ITS CARGO TANKS AT THE SAME TIME.
high-sulphur fuel oil to power their vessels. Ms Yeong
notes that shipowners are likely to carry a combination
of fuels on their vessels, including ultra-low sulphur fuels
and blends. “Bunker operators may choose to carry two or
three types of fuels in the same vessel to meet the orders
of customers, and this becomes a challenge to ensure
optimised operational scheduling and optimal use of its
cargo tanks at the same time,” she explains.You can also read
