Singapore MPA selects Aqua-tools kit
(Posted on 15/06/18)
French water microbiology expert aqua-tools has won a tender to supply Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) with its B-QUA ballast water test kits. Aqua-tools is a France-based technology company specialised in rapid microbial monitoring of water in the marine, industrial, health and municipal sectors.
A public tender was issued in March inviting several companies to quote for supplying a number of kits to the MPA for use by both port and flag state control authorities.
Carine Magdo, aqua-tools’ Business Development Manager, said: “We are delighted to be able to support the MPA in its initiative to consider implementing a ballast water testing regime. Our user-friendly, portable and, above all, effective B-QUA test kits will give MPA users the tools to carry out rapid, indicative analysis of ballast water in line with the requirements of the Convention.”
Five B-QUA ballast water monitoring solutions and test kits will be supplied by Singapore headquartered Atlas Marine Services (AMS), which manages B-QUA sales and distribution across the Southeast Asia region. AMS was instrumental in securing the order.
AMS, CEO, Stephen Herron said: “aqua-tools’ B-QUA was selected because it met all the MPA’s requirements. It is capable of testing for all three size classes of viable organisms, including bacteria; it complies with the indicative analysis methods stipulated in the BWMC; it provides traceable measurement results within a time frame compatible with port operations; and gives stakeholders the information they need to correctly evaluate the efficiency of ballast water treatment systems.”
Another criterion aqua-tools met was that the method needed to deliver confidence that the results demonstrated a scientific correlation between the indicative method and detailed analysis, both in the lab and in the field.
Herron added: “The Singapore MPA leads the world in implementing and enforcing measures that enhance maritime safety and curtail the effect of maritime operations on the marine environment. It was the first Port Authority to mandate mass flow metering for bunkering operations and could now lead the world in ballast water testing.”
AMS, in cooperation with aqua-tools, will provide training to MPA personnel on how use the test kits. Training will be in two stages, starting this month.
Singapore, the world’s second largest container port, with more 130,000 vessels calling the port each year, is also the world’s largest bunkering hub, registering more than 50mt in annual bunker sales.
Latest News
Posidonia 2026 takes centre stage amid global freedom of navigation challenges
(Posted on 29/05/26)From insurance and risk management to energy transition, digitalisation and maritime security, the Posidonia... Read more
First maritime compliance & prevention-focused organisation, PaS, joins DBCE
(Posted on 29/05/26)Prevention at Sea (PaS), a leading maritime compliance, auditing, and digital solutions provider, has... Read more
NorthStandard reports strong results and strategic momentum
(Posted on 29/05/26)NorthStandard has reported strong financial results, continued strategic progress and enhanced support... Read more
Latest guidance for vessel transit through Strait of Hormuz
(Posted on 25/05/26)Hundreds of vessels remain unable to transit the Strait of Hormuz and, in the event of a return to more... Read more
The Bahamas regains QUALSHIP 21 eligibility
(Posted on 25/05/26)The Bahamas has regained eligibility for the United States Coast Guard’s QUALSHIP 21 programme... Read more
First dedicated STS standard for dry bulk released by INTERCARGO
(Posted on 22/05/26)Ship to ship (STS) transfers are an established part of dry bulk operations, and they are growing. As... Read more
Columbia reinforces commitment to maritime talent
(Posted on 22/05/26)Columbia Group has strengthened its commitment to developing the next generation of maritime professionals... Read more
Jamaica marks 50 years at IMO with call for island states to shape future
(Posted on 22/05/26)The Maritime Authority of Jamaica has marked Jamaica’s 50th anniversary as a member of the International... Read more
Costamare Bulkers logs first profit after Cargill deal removes most legacy trading
(Posted on 14/05/26)Costamare Bulkers Holdings Limited has reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended... Read more
NORDEN strengthens fleet with the addition of four Handysize vessels
(Posted on 13/05/26)NORDEN have announced that they have expanded their fleet with the purchase of four dry cargo Handysize... Read more
