The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is implementing a scheme entitled ‘Just in Time’ for ships arriving at terminals and berths in Singapore.
Our correspondent Spica reports that the purpose of this plan is three-fold. First, we will match you with an available berth and vessel upon your arrival in Singapore. The second is to speed up related services such as refueling and livestock husbandry, and the third is to save time at anchorages and thereby reduce CO emissions.2 Reduce emissions and costs.
The JIT platform was already fully implemented for vessels docking at PSA Terminal and Jurong Port for cargo operations from October 1, 2023 onwards. According to Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) circular SSA/106/23/EML, some of the things to keep in mind are:
- The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will provide ships bound for Singapore with 72 hours’ notice regarding berth allocation, and ships are expected to adjust their arrival times accordingly.
- JIT operates as a live notification system and changes in berth time are notified through the JIT platform.
- In case of delays not caused by the vessel, the MPA will provide berthing space.
- Vessels that call in Singapore solely for the purpose of breeding services and remain for more than 36 hours without a valid reason may be directed to depart by the MPA.
For more information, please refer to MPA’s Port Marine Circular No. 10 of 2023.
INTERTANKO also reports that for tankers with multiple port calls at different terminals in Singapore, JIT applies to the tanker’s first berth in Singapore. If there is a delay at a subsequent berth, the tanker may be allowed to berth at a Singapore berth, subject to the tanker’s confirmed/planned schedule. Intertanko has also created a helpful FAQ document regarding JIT. Intertanko members can access it here.
Some of the things members and their crews should keep in mind are:
- If a vessel is to anchor in an area commonly referred to in the industry as ‘OPL’, permission must be obtained from the relevant port state. Failure to do so risks the vessel and its crew being arrested and/or pre-detained by the authorities. Associated states. See our alerts on this topic: Detention of vessels for illegal anchoring in Indonesian waters and Reminder – anchoring in Malaysian waters. Based on information provided by Spica, SSA, and INTERTANKO, the following are the approved berths/berthing areas off East Johor, Malaysia and Riau Islands, Indonesia, where vessels may berth after obtaining appropriate permits: .
- Malaysia, off the coast of East Johor
- Desaru Port Limit
- Pasir Gudang Port Limit
- Charisma Marine Supplies Sdn. BHD
- Sinar Eja Engineering and Supply Sdn. BHD
- Nikkomas BHD.
- AWH International Logistics Sdn. BHD
- Off the coast of Malacca, Malaysia
- Indonesia, Riau Islands
- Tg Balay Karimun Anchorage Area (PM17/2013) – Managed by PT Pelindo I (PERSERO)
- Nipa Island anchorage area (KM222/2019 and KM223/2019) – PT Asinusa Putra Sekawan and PT Pelindo I (PERSERO)
- Galang Island Anchorage (KM148/2020) – Managed by PT Bias Delta Pratama
- Kabiru Berthing Area (KM216/2000) – Under concession process / In cooperation with PT Pelabuhan Khepri (BUMD)
- Tanjung Berakit Anchorage (KM30/2021) – Under concession process / In cooperation with Pt. Pelabuhan Khepri (BUMD)
- Batu Ampar Terminal and Sekupang Terminal in Batam Port (KP775/2018) – Managed by Port Authority
In addition, shipowners and charterers must appoint an agent and obtain permission from the relevant port state for the ship to berth at an approved berth in Malaysia or, if the ship arrives ahead of schedule, to berth in Indonesia. You may want to clarify the responsibilities and costs required. It is scheduled.
- Vessels should also be aware of the risks of navigation in the busy waterways of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore Straits. In the past, collisions have occurred where ships have disrupted traffic flow by anchoring outside the Traffic Separation Plan (TSS) or warning zone, or drifting within the TSS to adjust their arrival times.
- Vessels should also be aware of the risk of security incidents in the Singapore Strait and Malacca Strait and take appropriate precautions. For more information, please visit his website at ReCAAP.
Members can also refer to the Just-in-Time Arrival Guide previously released by IMO and the BIMCO Just-in-Time Arrival Clause for Voyage Charter Parties 2021.