General Discussion

• Singapore bunker players 'unhappy' with allegations
  Feedback on news: Long-standing dispute between Singapore suppliers and DNVPS surveyors remains deeply entrenched. (23^rd September 2008) Full Story
• Chris Fisher
  Bunker Claims International Ltd.
  GMT 08:38
  24th Sep 2008

  It is rather a shame that this sort of problem has developed. Over the last years the authorities in Singapore have done much to improve standards. The issue of differences between barge outturn and ship received figures is not just a Singapore issue. It happens in a large number of bunker ports. Sometimes it is simply due to poor measurement at the time of delivery, on the ship or barge or both. Other times it is due to what appears to be poor tank calibrations on the barge or ship. To maintain confidence in the important Singapore market perhaps the authority should introduce a new scheme of barge re-calibration and certification of all supply barges. The classification societies could be part of this. With new calibration certificates and proper surveys at the time of deliveries buyers would be able to rely on barge outturn figures in accordance with supplier's terms and conditions. IBIA has been working with industry expertise to develop very accurate measurement of bunker deliveries using a high tech meter.Developments to date are encouraging and although it is envisaged that such a metering system would be ideal for installing on barges, it could be used for barge re-calibration.
  Chris Fisher
  Vice Chairman IBIA
  Director of Bunker Claims International Ltd.