This training will highlight the basic fundamentals of ship chartering and what needs to be known and understood for day to day operations in the chartering industry.

During this training, participants will:

1. be given a brief overview on sea transport and the various shipping markets today.
2. become familiar with common charter party terms and their methods of employment.
3. come to understand the standard charter parties and the rights and responsibilities of charterers.
4. be able to interpret a charter fixture

For registration or enquiries, please contact us @ 6275 0233 or click on the link above.

This annual intake will commence in July this year. Interested in knowing more about CPL can be found in the main page of CILT website (www.cilt.org.sg). Alternatively, please contact the Secretariat @ 6275 0233 for more information.

Business excellence using a total and holistically integrated approach is one of the proven practices to date. National Awards worldwide from the United States to Europe, Japan, Australia and here in Singapore have adopted its framework. This course will demonstrate how entire organizations can be mobilized and discuss new leadership styles that tap the collective intellectual capability of all employees. This course will be helpful to organizations looking to not only improve the quality of their products and standards of services, but also to achieve financial results, improve management style, increase their customer experience and employee satisfaction. For registration or enquiries, please contact us @ 6275 0233 or click on the link above.

The Project Management course will provide participants with the theory and core methodology needed to manage projects or effectively participate in project teams. Although Project Management software will not be specifically covered, it would give users of Project Management software a greater appreciation of the tracking and planning tools built into it. Interested please contact the Secretariat for more information: 6275 0233.

The ever popular programme of CILT, Supply Chain Professional Development Programme is into its next run. The next module will commence on 11 June 2008. The Programme is divided into Diploma and Advanced Diploma level. For registration or enquiries, please contact us @ 6275 0233 or click on the link above.

This e-learning course is ideal for logistics and supply chain professionals with no time to spare during regular working hours. Students simply need to login and access course materials at their own time and place.

The course will provide participants with an in-depth understanding of tools to keep “lean” and to identify opportunities for lean application. Participants will be sufficiently equipped to apply the tools to their work processes. The course will provide an in-depth and interactive learning experience via discussion, multi-media and simulation on:

1. Overview of Lean Principles and Key Concepts
2. Value of Lean with Waste elimination and Stages of Lean implementation through “Value, Flow, Pull and Perfection”
3. DISC Lean Project methodology
4. Lean Tools on:
5. Workplace Organisation (5S)
6. Visual Management
7. Value Stream Mapping
8. Standardized Work
9. Mistake Proofing (Poka Yoke)
10. Takt Time computation and application
11. Single-piece Flow
12. Workload Balancing
13. Changeover / Set-up Reduction
14. Pull concept and kanban application
15. Kaizen, where it fits and how to conduct one

For registration or enquiries, please contact us @ 6275 0233 or click on the link above.

Success in the Transportation & Logistics sector relies almost exclusively on efficient processes, keeping asset utilization and productivity high and costs low. If these become the predominant and passionate focus of the provider, everything else follows - customers are happy and loyal and profits sustainable. This course explores how companies can manage cost to improve efficiency and profitability. For registration or enquiries, please contact us @ 6275 0233 or click on the link above.

CILT is conducting a course on “Lean Awareness", an area to help companies thrive in a customer-orientated and competitive environment. The class will commence on 21 Jul 2008 at CILT office. Member who are interested, please register early to avoid disappointment. Course fee is priced at $400 for CILT members and $500 for public. Do register early to avoid disappointment!

The most common business drivers currently impacting the supply chain and logistics operations include increasing complexity, financial /cost pressure, speed and quality expectations as well as information technology and increasing use of technology.

Success in the Transportation & Logistics sector relies almost exclusively on efficient processes, keeping asset utilization and increasing use of technology. Success in the Transportation & Logistics sector relies almost exclusively on efficient processes, keeping asset utilization and productivity high and cost low. In short, high performance is key to success. If these become the predominant and passionate focus of the provider, everything else follows. Customers are happy and loyal and profits sustainable

In this course, we explore how to build robust performance management process and framework to improve efficiency and profitability.

For registration or enquiries, please contact us @ 6275 0233 or click on the link above.

With global competition growing ever more intensely and business operation costs rising, organizations will find it increasingly difficult to compete on price alone. It has become crucial for companies to satisfy their customers with quality products and services at a price that represents the best value in the market. This course will explore the major cost components that typically exist in organizations, provide skills for participants to identify, collect and analyse cost information and relate such data to possible solutions that can help improve their organizations’ competitiveness.

For registration or enquiries, please contact us @ 6275 0233 or click on the link above.

All courses listed below are entitled to SDF Approval subject to "Terms and Conditions" :
1. Project Management;
2. Lean Awareness;
3. Lean Tools for Six Sigma Practitioners;
4. Cost of Quality;
5. Achieving Business Excellence;
6. Performance Management in Transport & Logistics Industry and
7. Cost Management in Transport & Logistics Industry.

SDF Assistance varies from course to course, please contact SDF or CILT for details.

The upcoming Supply Chain Asia Forum 2008 will be held at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel from 8-10 July 2008. As a supporting organization, CILT members will be entitled to sign up at a special rate of $795 instead of the normal price of $995. Please contact the Secretariat to find out more. For those below 30, you can attend the forum at $195 only!

Motorola and Y3 Technologies have formed a strategic alliance that will enable logistics and supply chain management customers to enhance operational efficiencies through best practices in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). The agreement leverages Motorola’s strengths in developing innovative RFID technologies and products and Y3 Technologies’ pioneering experience in designing and implementing advanced supply chain solutions and applications.

Business benefits for customers may include enhanced data accuracy and higher productivity with up to 30% savings in manpower and reductions in stock take lead times and material handling of around 40%. Under the agreement, Y3 Technologies becomes a Motorola Premier Business Partner, enabling the joint development of tailor made solutions for customers throughout Asia.

John Cunningham, Director of Enterprise Wireless and RFID for Motorola in Asia Pacific said, “Y3 Technologies has been the pioneer in providing customized RFID solutions to its SCM customers. We are therefore excited about the plans that we have with Y3 Technologies to implement the first production RFID enabled supply chain for the YCH Group across Asia Pacific”.
The Motorola-Y3 Technologies relationship has evolved from a vendor-client relationship to a partnership since 2004, in which Y3 Technologies is one of Motorola’s key collaborators and feedback channels, enabling the continuous enhancement of RFID-related communication technologies.

“Y3 Technologies is focused on tailoring complex processes that can be seamlessly integrated with customer backend systems. This greatly helps our customers differentiate their business with a competitive advantage in their respective markets.” said Mr. James Loo Wai Kheong, Chief Operating Officer of Y3 Technologies.

Y3 Technologies implemented the first production level RFID warehouse management project for YCH Group which streamlined operations and improved supply chain visibility in its bonded warehouse. Recently, YCH Group also announced it was building the first RFID-enabled warehouse in the Lingang Logistics Park in Shanghai China, using Y3 Technologies to deploy the solution with Motorola RFID readers and Wi-Fi infrastructure.

Dr Robert Yap, Chairman and CEO, YCH Group said, “RFID is an enabling technology for the logistics industry - only with RFID is true integration of the physical flow and information flow possible. Today, many of our MNC customers know that in order for us to create a true real-time supply chain for them, we will need to implement innovative RFID solutions to facilitate real-time tracking and visibility for their end-to-end supply chain needs.”

With the approval of Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, DHL has recently launched its international initiative "Discover Logistics". The goal is to inspire as many potential employees to discover and become excited about the rapidly growing logistics industry.

A central component of this global action is the simulation "DHL Fast Forward", through which Deutsche Post World Net would like to win over as many young talents as possible for a career in logistics. The players begin to compete against each other over the Internet and show their management skills, by developing a virtual logistics company from the national provider level into a global player. Already from the beginning there has been large interest: Just two weeks after the start, there were more than 2,500 applicants from over 90 countries. The majority of them come from Germany and the USA, but also from India and China, two of the most important and emerging key markets for the global logistics industry. It is still possible to register for the first world-wide logistics business simulation by July 8, 2008 under www.dhl-discoverlogistics.com.

"DHL Fast Forward" is run in three levels: In round one, the participants develop a virtual logistics service provider to the national market leader. In phase two, which starts August 6, the 500 best players will play against each other in mixed international teams. An important aspect here is to develop the market leadership of the enterprise internationally as well. The world-wide ten best teams will reach the final round. From these teams, the winner of "DHL Fast Forward" will be identified in January 2009 live in the Bonn Corporate Headquarters of the Deutsche Post World Net. Their results are evaluated by a top-class jury from the worlds of business, science and media.

Menlo Worldwide Logistics, the 3PL subsidiary of US-based Con-way Inc has relocated its regional headquarters, Menlo Worldwide Asia Pacific Pte Ltd from the Airport Logistics Park of Singapore (ALPS) to Jurong Industrial Estate.

The move is aimed at centralizing its regional management team, sales and administrative support operations for Singapore and the South Asia region at the larger Boon Lay facility, which the company obtained last year with the acquisition of Cougar Holdings Pte Ltd.

Menlo continues to operate extensive warehousing, inventory management and distribution facilities for its customers at ALPS as well as other locations in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

According to Todd Johnson, VP of International Operations,“After a comprehensive review and careful consideration, we determined the relocation of our former office in ALPS to our existing office in Boon Lay was in the best long-term interest of our customers and employees”.

Key industry players in the field of air navigation services last month to for the 3rd Asia Pacific Regional Air Navigation Service Providers` (ANSP) Conference. Jointly organised by the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) and IATA, and hosted by CAAS, the conference was themed "Building Air Navigation Service Capability in the Asia Pacific.

This conference provided a platform to exchange and share views on key issues, such as the readiness of Asia Pacific ANSP to meet continued air traffic growth and the challenges in building ANSP capability in the region. According to Mr Lim Kim Choon, Director-General & CEO of CAAS, Asia Pacific is expected to top the chart as the single, largest aviation market by 2010, serving over 27% of all travel. Hence, it is “timely to focus on the building blocks of ANS capabilities and not lose sight of the pivotal role of ANS providers in the provision of sustainable aviation development and growth."

Changi Airport officially opened its multi-media entertainment zone – the Entertainment Deck - today. The one-stop integrated entertainment zone is located on the third level of Terminal 2`s Departure Transit Mall. It features a free LAN gaming room, Xbox® 360 and Playstation® 3 game consoles, cosy music corners, a free movie theatre and even a comics and games collectibles shop.

Passengers who are into online and computer gaming will find this a great place to hang out. Music lovers too, can relax at the music booths to enjoy jazz, bossa nova or lounge tracks from the music system. The comics and games collectibles shop retails manga (Japanese comics), graphic novels, gaming manuals and fantasy books, among other offerings.

The convergence of popular multi-media facilities into one dedicated area for passengers is part of CAAS` efforts to constantly review and upgrade facilities to enhance the “Changi Experience”

At the sidelines of the conference, CANSO officially opened its new Asia Pacific Office in Singapore. Located at the SAA, the Asia Pacific Office is the 2nd CANSO Regional Office apart from the other European Regional Office in Belgium. The location of the Asia Pacific Office in Singapore enhances Singapore`s position as an aviation hub.

CAAS has seconded Mr Chiang Hai Eng, Director of the Changi Airport Advisory Group, as CANSO`s first Director of Asia Pacific Affairs. Mr Chiang, who has vast experience in matters related to air navigation services, will be tasked with the role of leading CANSO`s new Asia Pacific Office and working with ANSPs in the region to respond to the challenges facing air traffic management.

A six month trial to bring foldable bicycles on trains and buses

As part of the initiatives by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to meet the transport needs of diverse groups of people, and in recognition of the rising trend of people cycling for sports and recreation, in the neighbourhood, or to key transport nodes, SMRT and SBST launched a six month trial to allow foldable bicycles on board trains and public buses during off-peak hours.

During the trial period from 24 May to 24 November 2008, foldable bicycles will be permitted on MRT / LRT trains every weekday during off-peak hours, and all day on weekedays and Public Holidays. Foldable bicycles will also be permitted on SBST and SMRT buses until 24 Aug 2008 all day on weekends and public holidays.
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Mr Jeremy Yap, LTA’s Group Director for Vehicle and Transit Licensing encouraged cyclists and commuters to be considerate and make way for one another so that our public transport system can serve diverse travel needs even better. He added that "Commuters are already able to take foldable prams on board buses and carry luggage on board trains, such as when travelling to and from Changi Airport. We are trying to see if the same can be done for foldable bicycles. This trial will be able to help us seek the views from all stakeholders – cyclists, commuters, and operators.”

SBST / SMRT station staff and bus drivers may disallow a cyclist to board a bus or enter the RTS system if the cyclist is unable to comply with the guidelines or if the actual situation within an MRT/LRT station, bus interchange/terminal or on board a train/bus does not permit foldable bicycles to be admitted safely and without inconveniencing other commuters.

Mr Gan Juay Kiat, Chief Operating Officer, SBS Transit Ltd, said, “In supporting this trial, we hope to help a new group of commuters to use public transport as they pursue healthy and fun living. It is a move that is in line with SBS Transit`s green charter in supporting healthy and green living. We hope that through this trial, all commuters will learn to be more accommodating and share the limited space available on board buses and trains with one another.”

Some commuters welcomed the move with open arms. Ms Lim Kim Kee, an Accounts Assistant, said, “I use the foldable bicycle to exercise and get to different places of interest. I hope to see more commuters welcoming us onto the trains and buses. We will also practise extra care and consideration to other commuters. At the end of the day, we are all happy commuters using the public transport system.”

The LTA and operators will monitor the trial closely and take in feedback from commuters during the course of the trial, to determine if foldable bicycles can be brought onto buses and trains without affecting normal operations or inconveniencing other commuters.

To attract more foreign visitors to Singapore, the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) operating hours was shortened during the recent June holidays, so that drivers of foreign-registered cars and motorcycles need not pay any VEP fees for the day if they drove into Singapore after 12 noon and leave by 2.00 am the following day on weekdays.

About the VEP scheme: It was introduced to regulate the entry of foreign-registered cars and motorcycles into Singapore. All foreign-registered cars and motorcycles are required to pay the daily VEP fees for each day the vehicles are kept or used in Singapore. For normal weekdays outside Singapore`s June and December school holidays, VEP fees are charged from 2am to 5pm daily, except on weekends and Singapore Public Holidays. During this period, there would be no VEP fee charged if the vehicles drive into Singapore after 5pm on a weekday and leave before 2am the following day. VEP fees are not chargeable on Saturdays, Sundays and Singapore Public Holidays.

Drivers of foreign-registered cars and motorcycles can drive into Singapore for a maximum of 10 days per calendar year without having to pay the VEP fees. The existing VEP fee is S$20 a day for cars and S$4 a day for motorcycles. The normal toll charges for foreign-registered vehicles will also apply.

For more information, please refer to the LTA website at www.lta.gov.sg.

Motorists and pedestrians alike will benefit from a series of new initiatives to enhance road safety, as outlined in the recently unveiled Land Transport Masterplan.

The four initiatives, namely the `enhanced pedestrian crossing lines`, `pedestrian crossing ahead markings`, `traffic calming markings` and `your speed sign`, have been implemented at selected locations to test their effectiveness. If found to be effective, the pilot initiatives will be implemented at more sites. (Please refer to Annex A for details.)

Enhanced Pedestrian Crossing Lines (EPCL)
Dashed lines, instead of a continuous straight line, have been implemented at selected pedestrian crossings, to make the designated crossing more obvious. Motorists have been observed to overshoot the continuous white stop line and sometimes even encroach into the designated pedestrian crossing, thus endangering pedestrians. Currently, about 20% of vehicles have been observed to overshoot the stop line.

If the pilot is successful, LTA would consider implementing the initiative island-wide at all signalised pedestrian crossings. Driver behaviour will be surveyed during the pilot to monitor the effectiveness of the dashed lines. This initiative has also been implemented in cities such as Brisbane, Australia and London, United Kingdom, where it has shown good results.

Pedestrian Crossing Ahead Markings (PCAM)
Motorists have been observed not to give way to pedestrians at zebra crossings that are located after a bend, despite advance warnings provided by existing safety features such as signboards, zig-zag lines and flashing beacons with black/yellow poles on site.
The proposed Pedestrian Crossing Ahead Markings are one form of advanced road markings used to enhance the safety of pedestrians at zebra crossings. The markings are similar to `Give Way` signs as they are triangular in shape and are marked in white for heightened visibility. They come in pairs, with the second marking serving as a reminder in case motorists miss the first PCAM.

If the pilot is successful, the markings would be implemented at locations where motorists have reduced visibility due to curves or bends in the road.

Traffic Calming Markings (TCM)
Traffic calming markings` consist of a series of paired white triangles which gives motorists the impression that the road is narrower. They serve as traffic calming markings to slow motorists down and complement existing traffic calming measures such as slow markings, humps and speed regulating strips.
The Cornwall County Council and Scotland in the UK use similar markings which are usually applied along rural roads before speed change gateways. Research by Transportation Research Laboratory (TRL) has proven that such markings are effective in reducing the mean speeds of vehicles by 8 to 11 kph.
LTA plans to extend the measure to locations where there are recurrent speeding problems, if the pilot is successful.

Your Speed Sign (YSS)
Your Speed Sign` is a dynamic electronic device that displays the real time speeds of vehicles and alerts motorists that they are speeding. It serves to encourage motorists to obey the speed limit displayed, thereby enhancing safety on the roads.

In the past five years, the UK, USA and Korea have been using YSS and many of their before-and-after studies have shown positive results that such signs are effective in reducing motorists` speeds.

Pilot Initiatives
The LTA will monitor the pilot initiatives for a period of six months to evaluate their effectiveness. Before-and-after studies as well as perception surveys with motorists and road users will be carried out as part of the evaluation process.

Dr Chin Kian Keong, Chief Engineer, Transportation, at LTA, said , "We hope that these new initiatives will make our roads even safer for users. However, even as we continue to improve the physical infrastructure, we want to encourage motorists to practise safe driving behaviour on our roads to ensure safety for all road users.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (DAC) Christopher Ng, Commander, Traffic Police (TP) said, "TP is pleased with the road engineering initiatives introduced and will continue to work together with LTA, through education, enforcement and engineering, to enhance the safety of road users."

Members of the public may obtain information on all four pilot initiatives on the ONE.MOTORING website. Residents who live within 400m of the pilot locations will receive leaflets informing them of these initiatives. This is to help these residents be familiar with the new road markings and signs.

Annex A

Pilot Schemes Date of implementation Pilot Period Locations
Enhanced pedestrian crossing lines 19 March 2008 March - End September 2008
1. Jalan Eunos / Sims Ave / Sims Ave East

Pedestrian crossing ahead markings 1 April 2008 April - End October 2008
1. Bedok Reservoir Road slip road turning into Jalan Eunos
2. Clementi Road slip road turning into AYE (Tuas)
3. TPE (SLE) slip road turning into Pasir Ris Dr 8

Traffic calming markings 15 May 2008 May - End December 2008
1. PIE (Jurong) – Eng Neo Ave
2. Bukit Batok East Ave 5 towards Bukit Batok West Ave 5
3. Dairy Farm Road towards Upper Bukit Timah Road

Your speed sign 16 May 2008 May - End December 2008
1. PIE (Changi) – Bedok North Road Exit 8A

July 2008 July – End December 2008
1. Tampines Ave 5 into PIE towards Tuas (Entrance to expressway)
2. SLE towards BKE Lentor Ave / Yishun Exit 3

The first ever maritime civil emergency exercise codenamed "Exercise Northstar VI", was successfully recently. Organised by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), 12 agencies including the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Star Cruises, and Singapore Cruise Centre were involved in the exercise. About 1600 personnel from the various agencies were involved in this exercise.

MPA, the Incident Manager for this exercise, stress tested the collective capabilities of the multiple agencies involved in a large scale maritime incident under its passenger vessel mishap contingency plan (PVMCP). The primary objectives are to preserve lives and prevent further injuries through quick evacuation of passengers/crew from distressed vessel, as well as prevent collateral damage to ships in the vicinity and minimise disruption to port services, The exercise was witnessed by Mr Wong Kan Seng, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs together with several cabinet ministers and Members of Parliament.

The exercise aimed to sharpen their operational readiness and validate their respective contingency plans and policies to mitigate incidents within Singapore waters. It also enhanced the collaboration networks within the government agencies as well as amongst the agencies` partners in the public and private sectors.

Exercise Northstar VI was based on a fire and rescue scenario on board a large cruise ship in Singapore`s Eastern Anchorage, about mid-way between Marina South Pier (MSP) and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (TMFT), 3 km from shore. To inject realism, the SuperStar Aquarius with its 13 decks of accommodation and recreational facilities for 2800 passengers and crew members was used for the exercise. About 1000 personnel, comprising SCDF officers and NSFs, members of the National Civil Defence Cadet Corps (NCDCC), students from Singapore Maritime Academy-Singapore Polytechnic, and grassroots volunteers from the People`s Association, participated as role players to depict passengers on the ship. A further 300 role players simulated as family members or next-of-kins.

The conduct of Exercise Northstar VI was a critical component of Singapore`s on-going efforts to enhance maritime safety within Singapore waters, and a timely exercise as Singapore advances in its development as a cruise hub.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) clinched the Port Authority Award at the inaugural Seatrade Asia Awards held in Singapore recently. This is one of a number of awards given in recognition of excellence and innovation in the maritime sector across the region for the past twelve months.

Mr Peter Ong, Chairman of the MPA and Permanent Secretary for Trade and Industry, who received this prestigious honour on behalf of the authority, said that "The Port Authority Award is an endorsement of MPA`s on-going efforts at engaging and working closely with the shipping and maritime community at large to ensure safe and efficient port operations for seaborne trade. The MPA is grateful for this recognition and will continue to ensure that the port of Singapore continues to add value and provide quality services to the global shipping community”

The votes were cast based on a number of guiding criteria: investment and infrastructure developments; throughput and cargo volumes; and regular and quality liaison with shipping lines. The two other finalists contesting the Port Authority Award were the Busan Port Authority and the Shanghai International Port Group.
In 2007, the Singapore maritime sector registered double-digit growth on various fronts. Container traffic hit 27.9 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a 12.7% increase from the 24.8 million TEUs handled in 2006. And total cargo tonnage climbed 7.8% over 2006 to reach 483.4 million tonnes.

To ensure continuous good performance and maintain its status as a leading container transhipment hub port, the MPA began work in late 2007 to develop 16 new container berths at Pasir Panjang Terminal (PPT). This capacity building project, valued at some S$2 billion, will add 14 million TEUs to PPT`s container handling capacity when completed.

In early 2008, the MPA also launched the WISEPORT project, which leverages on the latest wireless broadband technology, to enhance the port infrastructure. With WISEPORT, Singapore is the first port in the world to offer wireless mobile broadband connectivity that enables the industry to improve operational efficiencies, enhance communications, and generate new business opportunities.

The MPA strives to better understand the industry`s needs and challenges through regular dialogues and meetings, such as the Maritime Forum. It also initiates regular meetings with industry associations, including the Singapore Maritime Foundation and Singapore Shipping Association. These help to encourage open communication with the industry and promote industry participation and involvement in the development of Singapore`s maritime cluster.

Winners of the Seatrade Asia Awards were also assessed on these six principles: contribution and commitment to the development of the maritime sector across the region; innovation, either technical, operational or commercial; commitment to safety and quality; social and environmental responsibilities; business enterprise and achievement; and engagement with training and development of personnel. The judging panel is made up of well-known and respected luminaries from the maritime community.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will help bunker suppliers in the adoption of the SS 524 bunker management quality standard through a 30% financial assistance in certification fee. The scheme is part of on-going efforts to promote MPA`s bunker supplier accreditation scheme for which SS 524 certification is a key requirement.

Implemented in June 2007, the SS 524 - the Singapore Standard for Quality Management for Bunker Supply Chain - provides bunker suppliers with a system to monitor and manage the quality of their bunker products. Having such a system in place provides greater assurance to customers of the quality of bunkers in Singapore. To attain or renew their bunkering licences, all bunker suppliers in Singapore are required to engage a certification body accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) for Quality Management System (QMS) to certify their compliance with SS 524 before 1 June 2008.

According to Capt M Segar, Director (Port) and Port Master, MPA, “More than 70 bunker suppliers operating in the port of Singapore are expected to benefit from this scheme."

As a quality management standard, SS 524 is more stringent than the previous TR 8 and helps ensure that the entire bunker supply chain, from product procurement to delivery of bunkers to vessels, is managed efficiently and effectively. Key requirements of SS524 include suppliers having to obtain a Certificate of Quality (COQ) issued by a testing laboratory accredited or recognised by the SAC; collecting representative samples at the jetty loading arm when loading products into bunker tankers from oil terminals; and complying with international regulations to limit sulphur content in marine fuel.