A Euronav VLCC has become the latest tanker caught out by Singapore’s clampdown on shipping safety.
The 314,000-dwt Ingrid (built 2012) was stopped on 31 January, according to the Tokyo MoU on port state control.
The Belgian-flagged tanker was detained for deficiencies related to international safety management, fire safety and pilot transfer arrangements.
A spokesperson for Euronav confirmed the vessel’s detention to TradeWinds.
“The detention is part of a wider campaign by Singapore MPA on life-saving appliances,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
“The vessel and cargo were released quickly and an additional visit by the port state control officer was not necessary to clear the vessel.
“We are actively engaging with the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore, as we believe their interpretation of detainable items is arguable,” the spokesperson added.
This is the third VLCC to be detained in Singapore over the past months for PSC-related deficiencies, according to the Tokyo MoU.
In June 2023, a modern Japanese-owned VLCC — the 314,000-dwt Tenma (built 2018) — was detained for international safety management, fire safety and labour condition-related deficiencies.
Then, in early December 2023, the 299,000-dwt tanker Inherit (built 2000), was detained with more than 20 deficiencies, four of which were said to warrant detention.
TradeWinds reported at the time that the ship was also arrested in Singapore over a disputed cargo claim by China’s Qingdao Free Trade Development Investment Management Co.
Singapore has seen a surge in tanker detentions over the past 12 months since port state control inspections were reinstated after Covid-19 and the frequency of inspections was increased.
The city state detained 39 crude tankers or oil/chemical tankers during 2023, according to the Tokyo MoU.
The MPA told TradeWinds last year that it had resumed physical PSC inspections on board vessels with the relaxation of the Covid-19 safe management measures in 2022
“The frequency of these inspections has also increased to ensure safe and reliable vessel operations, and that the vessel is in compliance with all applicable regulations,” it said.
The increase in tanker detentions came amid concerns over the threat posed to Asian waters by the so-called dark fleet — tankers operating in sanctioned oil trades, which are often underinsured and have been dubbed an accident waiting to happen due to the threat of environmental damage they pose.
Asian governments have been on edge following the explosion and fire aboard the 96,700-dwt Pablo (built 1997) in the South China Sea in early May close to the entrance of the Singapore Strait.
