The Maritime and Ports Authority (MPA) will be deferring an increase in annual port dues from January 1 to December 31 next year.

This is in line with continuous efforts to work with its partners to grow the bunkering industry. Operators of more than a hundred bunker tankers are estimated to benefit from this measure.

The port due increase was to be levied on bunker tankers 16 years old and above at the start of the new year. It is meant to discourage the operation of older bunker tankers due to their higher impact on the environment and lower operational efficiency.

In a press statement, Captain M Segar, Group Director (Hub Port) said, "We hope this deferment will contribute towards helping the industry adjust to the changing business climate. The bunkering industry is an important component of Singapore?s maritime cluster, and integral to our growth as a premier hub port."