Aug 5--THE Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has revoked the bunker supplier and bunker craft operator licences of AC Oil Pte Ltd from July 29, reports GAC Hot Port News.

　　"AC Oil Pte Ltd is no longer allowed to operate as a bunker supplier or bunker craft operator in the Port of Singapore," said the MPA statement.

　　As part of MPA regulatory efforts to ensure the safety, reliability and quality of bunker supplies in Singapore, checks were conducted on AC Oil in May and June, said the report.

　　Inquiries revealed discrepancies and wrongful declarations in the records kept on board their bunker tankers. "There were also separate incidences of bunker transfers between bunker tankers that were conducted without approval," said the MPA.

　　Despite being licensed to carry only marine gas oil, a Class C petroleum product, the bunker tankers operated by AC Oil were found to have carried Class B petroleum, a more easily flammable grade (with a lower flash point) as compared to marine gas oil.

　　"AC Oil's contraventions increased the safety risks to their own tankers, the crew on-boards, and other port users. MPA has revoked AC Oil's licences as they had breached the terms and conditions of their bunker supplier and bunker craft operator licences," said the authorities.

　　MPA reminded all licensed bunker suppliers and bunker craft operators to adhere strictly to the terms and conditions of their bunker licences.

　　"MPA will take firm action against any licensee who has acted in contravention of their licences, including suspending or revoking their bunker licences, as appropriate," said the official statement.

Source:shippingazette