These suppliers are accusing DNVPS Surveyors of “taking too long to complete their jobs”. But this claim has been refuted by the petroleum services arm of the classification society as it cannot be objectively substantiated, especially since several ship operators, after comparing the organisation’s services with those of other companies, have gone on record to say that DNVPS surveyors do not use more time than is necessary. Despite this, DNVPS has received complaints from ship operators unhappy that the suppliers’ boycott is creating ‘considerable disruption’.

Code of practice
In an effort to provide assurance to shipowners and give unequivocal endorsement of its surveyors, Per Holmvang, managing director of DNV Petroleum Services said: “Our surveyors follow strictly the local code of practice on bunker surveying (CP 77) and we are certain that they have not been doing anything wrong or unfair to the local suppliers.

“These suppliers have never before reacted with such hostility towards our survey practices, which have remained largely unchanged for the past 15 years. Indeed, we would be very happy to have our surveyors audited on the job and let the facts speak for themselves.”

Holmvang added that the CP 77, enforced by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, is in fact modelled after DNVPS’ internal bunker surveying code of practice.

Attempted dialogue
To get a clearer picture of what is creating the antipathy, DNVPS has attempted dialogue and invited the boycotting suppliers to meet for ‘round table’ discussions, however this approach has failed as the suppliers ‘are not keen to meet us,’ said Holmvang.

Unfortunately, the MPA is also unwilling to intervene in such “commercial matters”; despite the long-term possibility that shipowners may begin to lose confidence in bunkering at the port of Singapore and eventually decide to stem their fuels elsewhere. Should this happen, all parties will lose out.

No compromise
While resolving the supplier boycott is a top priority for DNVPS, it is not prepared to compromise by relaxing its survey procedures. DNVPS is now discussing the matter with Intertanko and other organisations and is confident an effective solution will soon be found.

As always, DNVPS is committed to protecting the interests of ship operators taking bunkers in Singapore and around the world.