MPA revokes licence of bunker operator and supplier

SINGAPORE - With effect from Sept 1, Northwest Resources Pte Ltd no longer has bunker supplier and bunker craft operator licences, said the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) in a statement on Friday. 

The port authority had revoked the company's licence due to "disclosed breaches by Northwest Resources Pte Ltd of the terms and conditions of their bunker supplier and bunker craft operator licences". 

"MPA has therefore decided to cancel both their licences," the authority said.

"With the cancellation of both their bunker licences, Northwest Resources Pte Ltd will no longer be allowed to operate as bunker supplier and bunker craft operator in the Port of Singapore," it added.

MPA's cancellation of Northwest Resources Pte Ltd's bunker licences follows the conviction of one of the company's Directors for bunkering-related corruption offences.

Leong Kok Kheong, a Director of Northwest Resources Pte Ltd, was charged with 50 counts of bunkering-related offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The offences were committed in May and June 2008. Leong was convicted on April 29, 2014 after he pleaded guilty to 15 charges. He was sentenced to a total of 21 weeks imprisonment and fined a total of $375,000.

The port authority reminds all licensed bunker suppliers and bunker craft operators to adhere strictly to the terms and conditions of their bunker licences. MPA does not condone illegal practices in the bunkering industry, and will take firm action against any bunker supplier or bunker craft operator who has acted in contravention of their bunker licences, including suspending or cancelling their bunker licences, as appropriate.

maryanns@sph.com.sg