We wish to reiterate again the importance of constant monitoring of tanker operations by an independent and competent party in order to prevent such alleged unauthorised incidents as shown in the most recent reported news.
Singapore-based bunker supplier and logistics services provider Consort Bunkers Pte Ltd on Monday (7 June) confirmed its owned and operated bunker tanker Pearl Melody to be involved in an alleged unauthorised ship-to-ship (STS) incident.
“On Saturday [5 June], Singapore authorities managed to catch a foreign vessel being engaged in an alleged unauthorised STS incident with the bunker tanker Pearl Melody,” Yeo Siok Keak, Director and General Manager of Consort Bunkers, told Manifold Times.
“Our management firmly denounce any criminal activities taking place onboard our barges and have been fully assisting with relevant officials in their investigations; we trust the authorities will get to the bottom of this matter.
“We will like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and the Police Coast Guard for their role in this operation to keep Singapore and its port waters safe.”
Mr Yeo declined to provide further comment due to ongoing police investigations, but was keen to point out the non-involvement of the bunker tanker’s charterer.
“Consort Bunkers strongly believes our charterer has no part in the issues surrounding Pearl Melody,” he states.
The 7,996 dwt Pearl Melody is a 2018-built Singapore-registered bunker tanker, according to Consort Bunkers’ official website.
Photo credit: Manifold Times Published: 7 June, 2021
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