Oral Reply by Senior Minister of State for Finance and Transport Chee Hong Tat to Parliamentary Question on Illegal Practice of Bilge Dumping by Tankers

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Transport in relation to the illegal practice of ‘bilge dumping’ by tankers which is the dumping of oily wastewater from the engine room of ships

a.      what is the Government’s assessment of the impact this has on Singapore;

b.     what means are currently used to track the extent of bilge dumping in Singapore waters; and

c.     whether Singapore works with authorities in neighbouring countries to track ships carrying out this practice and take enforcement action against them.

Reply by Senior Minister of State for Finance and Transport Chee Hong Tat:

1.     The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) inspects ships regularly to ensure their compliance with international regulations, including the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.

2.     MPA has not detected incidents involving ships deliberately and illegally discharging oil from their engine room in the last five years.