Artificial Intelligence is moving from shore‑based analytics into core shipboard systems: autonomous decision‑support for navigation, predictive maintenance engines, automated cargo‑stowage planners, and voyage‑optimization tools. As these systems become safety‑ and mission‑critical, shipping stakeholders are no longer asking "Can we use AI?" — they are asking: "How do we govern and audit it?"

Global frameworks are emerging fast. The challenge for shipping is turning these frameworks into practical audits on real vessels and real systems. Singapore Marine Agency positions itself in that gap — as a ground-level partner handling the heavy lifting of AI-system audits, risk-assessments, and control-effectiveness reviews in the marine and cargo space.

EU AI Act: Regulating High‑Risk AI on Ships

The EU AI Act is the first comprehensive legal-governance framework for artificial intelligence, relying on a risk-based classification (unacceptable, high, limited, minimal risk). In shipping, this particularly affects autonomous navigation and collision-avoidance systems, AI-driven voyage-planning platforms, and safety-critical decision-support systems integrated with bridge and engine-room alarms — all typically categorized as high-risk AI systems.

NIST AI Risk Management Framework

The NIST AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF) provides a vendor- and tech-agnostic way to govern AI throughout its lifecycle via four functions: Govern → Map → Measure → Manage. For shipping, this means establishing AI-ownership roles across shipowner, technical manager, software vendor, and flag state; mapping how AI systems sit inside voyage-planning and maintenance workflows; quantifying risks such as false-positive alarms and model drift; and embedding AI risks into existing SMS, ISM, and cybersecurity routines.

ISO 42001: An Auditable AI Management System

ISO/IEC 42001 is the world's first certifiable AI Management System (AIMS) standard. It encourages organizations to define AI-related policies, identify and mitigate AI-specific risks, implement controls over data quality, bias mitigations, transparency, and human oversight, and continuously monitor AI system performance.

Singapore Marine Agency functions as an independent, domain-aware audit partner, reviewing ship-specific AI-system controls against clause-6-style "context & risk evaluation" expectations and performing control-effectiveness checks in real operations.

Singapore‑Linked AI Governance: Innovation with Safeguards

Singapore leads with pragmatic, non-binding frameworks under National AI Strategy 2.0. The Model AI Governance Framework provides a risk-based testing toolkit (AI Verify) for transparency, fairness and robustness. Singapore actively shapes cross-sector AI governance, with an AI Assurance Framework planned for 2026 covering unified testing and ASEAN/cross-border standards.

From Policies to Portholes: Our Approach

Our typical AI-system audit and risk-assessment workflow includes scope definition of which ship systems use AI; document review checking AI-system documentation against EU AI Act checklists or ISO-42001 requirements; risk-and-control assessment mapping AI-related risks to existing SMS and cybersecurity controls; operational testing and staff interviews; and effectiveness-and-gap reporting with clear, actionable findings and recommendations.

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Contact Singapore Marine Agency to discuss AI governance assessments for your vessels, fleet management systems, or port operations. Our team of maritime and cybersecurity professionals is ready to help you navigate the emerging landscape of AI regulation and auditability.

Singapore's Role as a Digital Bunkering Front‑Runner

Singapore has long been recognised as the world's leading container port and bunkering hub, combining high connectivity with strict fuel quality controls and mass flow metering. Building on this foundation, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is now moving bunkering into a fully digital environment.

From 1 April 2025, all licensed bunker suppliers in the Port of Singapore are required to provide digital bunkering services and issue electronic bunker delivery notes (e‑BDNs) as the default documentation for bunker deliveries — making Singapore the first port globally to mandate digital bunkering at scale.

Key Elements of the Digital Bunkering Framework

• Mandatory use of e‑BDNs: Bunker deliveries must be documented using electronic bunker delivery notes that meet IMO-accepted standards, recognised as equivalent to traditional paper BDNs.
• Centralised verification: MPA has introduced a central e-BDN record verification system allowing stakeholders to validate bunker delivery data, improving transparency and combating fraud.
• Integration with existing controls: Digital bunkering builds on earlier mass flow meters for custody transfer, combining metered quantity data with authenticated digital records to create a more robust audit trail.

Impact on Bunker Quantity and Draft Surveys

For independent marine surveyors, digital bunkering changes how bunker quantity surveys (BQS) and related inspections are planned, executed and reported. The availability of real-time digital data from bunker suppliers and MPA's verification platform allows surveyors to cross-check sounding and mass flow meter readings against e-BDN figures more efficiently — supporting faster detection of discrepancies and strengthening the evidential value of survey reports.

Regulatory Context and Risk Management

MPA's Port Marine Circular No. 01 of 2026 consolidates the list of MPA's active circulars, including those dealing with anchorage usage, bunker operations, and pollution prevention. New bunkering and safety rules effective from 1 January 2026 require bunker suppliers to provide declarations confirming delivered fuels meet relevant standards.

For bunker buyers, charterers and P&I clubs, non-compliance with updated bunkering procedures, documentation standards or equipment requirements can have direct implications for operational risk, insurance and reputational exposure in the world's largest bunkering port.

How Singapore Marine Agency Supports Stakeholders

Singapore Marine Agency Pte. Ltd. offers independent bunker quantity and draft survey services in Singapore, supporting shipowners, charterers, traders and insurers with accurate ROB verification, loss control and documentation aligned with current MPA requirements. By combining on-site survey expertise with a strong focus on transparent reporting and digital documentation, SGMA helps clients reconcile e-BDNs, meter readings and physical measurements to protect their commercial interests.

In today's volatile shipping environment, a port call is no longer a routine stop — it is a critical operational event that can impact safety, cost, schedule, and reputation. Singapore, sitting at the crossroads of major East–West trade lanes, remains one of the busiest and most strategically important hubs for global shipping.

The Stakes Have Changed

For owners, charterers, operators, and insurers, the difference between a smooth port call and a costly disruption often comes down to one factor: the quality of your marine agency and survey partner on the ground. A strong local partner provides not just operational support, but also risk management, regulatory compliance, and commercial protection — all in real time.

What Separates an Exceptional Agency Partner

• 24/7 availability with no shift gaps: Maritime emergencies don't follow business hours. Your agent must be reachable at 03:00 as reliably as at 09:00.
• Single point of contact: Fragmented coordination between multiple vendors multiplies the risk of miscommunication. One dedicated officer who manages everything — from berth booking to final PDA — reduces errors and delays.
• Digital-first operations: Centralised port call management, real-time updates, and digital documentation eliminate the manual handoffs that cause costly mistakes.
• Proactive compliance management: Regulatory requirements in Singapore evolve continuously. Your agent must anticipate changes and ensure your vessel remains compliant before arrival, not after a deficiency notice.
• Independent survey capability: Bundling agency and survey services through one trusted, unbiased provider reduces conflict-of-interest risk and gives owners, charterers, and insurers confidence in every report.

Singapore's Unique Regulatory Landscape

Singapore's MPA operates one of the world's most rigorous port management frameworks. Port clearances, anchorage permissions, bunkering regulations, crew change procedures, and cargo handling rules are all subject to regular updates. Navigating these efficiently requires an agent with deep local knowledge and established relationships with all relevant authorities.

The Cost of Getting This Wrong

A missed permit, a delayed berth booking, an unnoticed regulatory change — any of these can translate into thousands of dollars of demurrage, vessel off-hire, or cargo delays. For insurers and P&I clubs, an independent survey partner who can provide an unimpeachable record of events is essential for claims defence and loss prevention.

How Singapore Marine Agency Delivers

Singapore Marine Agency operates as a true one-stop partner: licensed marine agent, qualified surveyors, cybersecurity auditors, and claims consultants under one roof. Our clients benefit from a single accountable point of contact, transparent reporting, real-time updates, and proactive risk management from pre-arrival to post-departure — every time, for every vessel.

As ships, ports, and shoreside offices become more connected, cyber risk is now firmly a safety and business continuity issue — not just an IT problem. The IMO has made cyber risk management mandatory as part of the Safety Management System (SMS), and classification societies and industry bodies have followed with detailed requirements and practical guidelines.

The IMO Mandate: What It Actually Requires

IMO Resolution MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3 requires that cyber risk management be appropriately addressed in Safety Management Systems no later than the first annual verification of the Document of Compliance after 1 January 2021. This means that for every company and vessel operating under the ISM Code, cyber risk must now be treated as part of the same management framework that governs navigational safety, pollution prevention, and crew welfare.

IACS UR E26 and E27: The New Build Reality

For vessels with keel-laying from 1 January 2024, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) Unified Requirements E26 and E27 impose mandatory cybersecurity requirements. E26 covers the cyber resilience of new ships, while E27 covers cyber resilience of onboard systems and equipment. These are not guidance — they are enforceable class requirements, and class societies are now actively verifying compliance.

Building Genuine Resilience: The NIST Framework

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework's six functions — Govern, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover — provide the most practical structured approach to building maritime cyber resilience beyond basic compliance. SGMA uses this framework as the backbone of all our cybersecurity assessments.

The Human Factor: Your Biggest Risk

Technical controls and policies mean nothing if crew members click phishing emails, connect personal devices to OT networks, or fail to follow incident response procedures. Our crew training programs are designed specifically for maritime personnel — practical, scenario-based, and updated for the current threat landscape.

How Singapore Marine Agency Delivers Cyber Resilience

• IACS E26/E27 gap assessments for new builds and existing vessels seeking class notation
• IMO cyber risk integration into existing SMS documentation and procedures
• NIST CSF assessments covering both IT and OT systems onboard and ashore
• Cyber hygiene training for officers, engineers, and shore-based staff
• Incident response planning and tabletop exercise facilitation

Contact our cybersecurity team to discuss a tailored assessment for your vessels and shore-based operations.

A busy month — grateful and thanks to our partners and associated companies for trusting in our services. Singapore Marine Agency recently completed a busy month of marine and cargo surveys across the region in Asia, supporting clients with fast, practical solutions for claims, risk management, and operational integrity.

Assignments Completed This Month

These assignments spanned Indonesia and Singapore and covered a broad range of survey types across our service portfolio, demonstrating SGMA's versatility and the trust our clients place in our team:

• Cargo condition surveys — assessing the state of bulk and break-bulk cargoes on loading and discharge, with photographic evidence and detailed condition reports for insurers and cargo owners.
• Damage surveys — independent investigation of cargo damage claims, providing unbiased findings to support P&I Club and H&M insurer decision-making.
• Supervision of loading operations — ensuring cargo handling procedures met contractual, safety, and regulatory requirements, minimising risk of damage during transit.
• On-hire condition inspections — documenting vessel condition at the start of charter periods to establish a clear baseline for any future claims.
• Risk assessments — for specific cargo types and loading configurations, providing operators with actionable risk mitigation guidance.

Why Timely Surveys Matter

In cargo claims and operational disputes, the quality and timing of survey evidence is often decisive. A survey conducted promptly after an incident captures the most accurate picture of events, preserving the chain of evidence that protects all parties' commercial interests. SGMA's commitment to 24/7 availability means we can mobilise immediately when our clients need us.

Ready for Your Next Survey?

Whether you need a routine condition inspection, an emergency damage survey, or an independent audit for compliance or risk management purposes, Singapore Marine Agency is ready to assist. Contact our surveys team directly at surveys@sgmarineagency.com or book online.

In June 2025, the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee adopted Resolution MSC.581(110), issuing Revised Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces Aboard Ships — formally replacing A.1050(27). The objective is simple but urgent: reduce the persistent number of fatalities and serious incidents caused by unsafe atmospheres in enclosed spaces such as cargo holds, ballast tanks, pump rooms, and technical compartments.

What Has Changed Under MSC.581(110)?

The revised resolution introduces updated guidance on:

• Atmospheric testing requirements — more rigorous pre-entry testing protocols covering oxygen deficiency, flammable gases, and toxic vapour levels.
• Permit-to-work systems — clearer requirements for formal documentation, designated responsible officers, and defined approval chains before any entry commences.
• Standby and rescue provisions — enhanced requirements for trained standby personnel and rescue equipment to be in position before any entry begins.
• Competency requirements — updated guidance on the training and demonstrated competency expected of officers and crew members who supervise or participate in enclosed space entry operations.
• Drilling and familiarisation — increased emphasis on regular, realistic drills to ensure crew members can execute rescue operations effectively under pressure.

Implications for ISM Code Compliance

MSC.581(110) is a recommendation, not a mandatory regulation — but it will be incorporated into port state control inspection criteria and vetting checklists. Operators whose SMS procedures and crew training have not been updated to reflect the revised guidance risk adverse findings during PSC inspections and SIRE/CDI vettings.

How Singapore Marine Agency Supports Compliance

SGMA's audit and compliance team can assist operators in reviewing and updating enclosed space entry procedures within their SMS, assessing crew training records and competency evidence against MSC.581(110) guidance, facilitating drills and providing trained observers to evaluate crew performance, and preparing for HSEQ, ISM, and ISPS audits that incorporate the revised enclosed space requirements.

Contact us to discuss how we can help your fleet stay ahead of the latest MSC recommendations and maintain a strong compliance posture across your operations.

Every day, thousands of containers and bulk cargoes move through Singapore. When cargo is damaged or lost, the consequences go far beyond a single shipment — impacting the entire supply chain, triggering insurance claims, damaging commercial relationships, and potentially exposing operators to regulatory and legal liability.

The Scale of the Problem

Marine cargo losses represent a significant annual cost for the global shipping industry. The sources are varied: physical damage from heavy weather or improper securing, moisture ingress and condensation, contamination, theft, misdelivery, and the complex issue of cargo-handling incidents during loading and discharge operations.

Understanding the root causes of cargo losses — and having the right survey expertise to document them accurately — is essential for effective claims handling and long-term loss prevention.

Common Causes of Marine Cargo Loss

• Improper packing and securing: Cargo that is not correctly packed, blocked, braced or secured for the stresses of ocean transit is the single largest cause of cargo damage claims worldwide.
• Weather and heavy seas: Shifting cargo during storms, water ingress through hatch covers or container seals, and temperature fluctuations all contribute significantly to damage claims.
• Cargo incompatibility and contamination: Particularly in bulk carriers, residue from previous cargoes can contaminate sensitive loads. Chemical incompatibility between adjacent cargoes poses safety as well as commercial risks.
• Port handling operations: Rough handling during crane operations, improper slinging, and inadequate stowage planning at ports and terminals cause a substantial proportion of identifiable cargo damage.
• Documentation failures: Errors or omissions in bills of lading, inadequate pre-shipment surveys, and failure to note exceptions accurately on loading can undermine an otherwise valid claim.

The Role of Independent Marine Surveys

Independent marine surveys serve multiple purposes in the cargo loss ecosystem. Pre-shipment and pre-loading surveys establish the baseline condition of cargo before risk transfers. Loading supervision surveys document exactly how cargo was stowed and secured, creating the evidentiary record that protects all parties. Discharge and damage surveys capture the extent and nature of loss at the point of outturn. Cause and origin investigations provide the expert analysis needed to determine liability and quantum.

How Singapore Marine Agency Protects Your Cargo Interests

SGMA provides the full range of cargo survey services needed across the entire cargo loss lifecycle — from pre-shipment surveys and loading supervision through damage assessment, cause investigation, and claims consultancy. Our surveyors combine technical expertise with meticulous documentation standards to produce reports that stand up to scrutiny in commercial negotiations and legal proceedings.

Flag state inspections are a critical piece of the global shipping puzzle. Every vessel operating internationally is registered under a flag state, and that state bears primary responsibility for ensuring the ship meets international standards for safety, environmental protection, and crew welfare. For shipowners and operators, understanding how flag state oversight works — and how to prepare for inspections — is essential for smooth, compliant operations.

The Flag State's Role in Maritime Safety

Under international maritime law, flag states are responsible for implementing and enforcing the requirements of IMO conventions — SOLAS, MARPOL, the ISM Code, STCW, and MLC 2006 — on vessels flying their flag. This responsibility is exercised through a system of surveys, certificate issuance, and periodic audits, often delegated to recognised organisations (ROs) such as classification societies.

Types of Flag State Inspections and Surveys

• Initial surveys — conducted before a vessel enters service to verify it meets all applicable requirements and justify initial certification.
• Renewal surveys — periodic surveys (typically every five years) to renew statutory certificates including the Safety Management Certificate, ISSC, and loadline certificates.
• Annual and intermediate surveys — ensuring ongoing compliance between renewal surveys, focusing on safety equipment, structural integrity, and SMS implementation.
• Unannounced flag state audits — targeting ISM Code compliance through the IMO's III Code framework, assessing whether the company's SMS is genuinely implemented at ship and shore levels.

Port State Control and Its Relationship with Flag State

While flag state oversight is primary, port state control (PSC) inspections provide a secondary layer of enforcement when vessels call at foreign ports. A vessel with persistent PSC deficiencies will attract increased scrutiny from both PSC officers and its flag administration. SGMA's compliance team helps operators understand the relationship between these inspection regimes and prepare effectively for both.

How Singapore Marine Agency Supports Your Inspection Readiness

Our team provides pre-inspection gap assessments against current flag state requirements, SMS review and documentation updates to address common deficiency areas, crew familiarisation support for emergency procedures and documentation requirements, and post-inspection deficiency rectification planning and follow-up. Contact SGMA to discuss how we can help your vessels maintain a strong compliance posture and avoid the commercial and reputational costs of adverse inspection outcomes.

The ISM Code stands as the cornerstone of maritime safety worldwide. Implementing a comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS) is not just a regulatory requirement — it is a vital investment in operational excellence, crew welfare, and the long-term commercial health of your maritime operations.

What the ISM Code Actually Requires

The International Safety Management Code requires every company operating ships to establish, implement, and maintain a Safety Management System that includes:

• A safety and environmental protection policy
• Instructions and procedures to ensure safe operation of ships and protection of the environment
• Defined levels of authority and lines of communication between shore and sea personnel
• Procedures for reporting accidents and non-conformities
• Procedures for emergency preparedness and response
• Procedures for internal audits and management reviews

Where Most Companies Fall Short

ISM audits consistently reveal the same categories of non-conformity. Outdated procedures that do not reflect current regulatory requirements or operational realities are the single most common finding. Crew unfamiliarity with the SMS — particularly with emergency procedures and muster stations — remains a persistent issue even on well-managed vessels. Inadequate near-miss reporting cultures mean that early warning signals of systemic problems are missed.

Continuous Improvement: The Heart of ISM

The ISM Code is explicitly designed around a continuous improvement cycle — not a static compliance exercise. Regular internal audits, honest non-conformity reporting, systematic root cause analysis, and genuine management review create the learning loop that drives real safety improvement over time.

How Singapore Marine Agency Elevates Your SMS

SGMA's compliance team provides ISM gap assessments measuring your current SMS against the Code's requirements and the latest industry best practice. Our auditors deliver internal ISM audits to the standard expected by classification societies and flag states, complete with detailed finding reports and corrective action plans. We support companies through third-party audits, providing preparation guidance and expert liaison with auditing bodies. Our team also offers SMS documentation review and updating services, ensuring your procedures remain current, proportionate, and genuinely implementable.

Contact Singapore Marine Agency to discuss how we can help you build an SMS that goes beyond compliance to become a genuine operational asset for your company and your fleet.