MPA Amendment Bill 2026: What Singapore's New Port Rules Mean for Ship Agents

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) introduced the MPA (Amendment) Bill for First Reading in Parliament on 6 October 2026, and the Second Reading debate is scheduled for November 2026. It proposes maritime services licensing and stronger MPA powers to verify information and act on false documents. Together with Port Marine Circular No. 10 of 2026, the message for ship agents is clear: every port call submission must be accurate and verifiable.

What is the MPA (Amendment) Bill 2026?

The Bill amends the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Act 1996. According to MPA's announcement and its media factsheet, its main areas are:

• Licensing of maritime services: a comprehensive licensing framework, with MPA able to issue directions on the safety, reliability and quality of regulated services.

• Prompt intervention: wider powers to remove stranded or abandoned vessels and wrecks.

• Cybersecurity: MPA can designate Important Information Infrastructure (III) and set cybersecurity requirements.

• New technologies: updated provisions for autonomous surface vessels, aerial drones and AI.

• Investigation and enforcement: stronger powers to "obtain and verify information, conduct inspections where necessary, and address false information or documents, as well as the failure to provide required information or documents."

The Bill is not yet law, and MPA has not announced an effective date.

What did Port Marine Circular No. 10 of 2026 say?

Issued on 2 September 2026 by the Port Master, Port Marine Circular No. 10 of 2026 reminds the shipping, harbour craft and pleasure craft communities that all information submitted for vessel port calls and port clearance must be accurate. MPA "will not condone" wilfully false information, including on vessel identity, registration, ownership, cargoes and trading history.

The circular says owners and port agents should, at a minimum, verify a vessel's registration on IMO GISIS before submitting the Certificate of Registry and statutory trading certificates to the Port Master. It also reminds port users to comply with Singapore law, including UN Security Council sanctions, and to file suspicious transaction reports under Section 45(1) of the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992.

What does this mean for ship agents and crew managers?

Accuracy is now a compliance issue, not just paperwork. The circular already sets the expectation, and the Bill would give MPA firmer tools to act on false or missing documents. Agents should check principals' data before filing it. Crew managers should confirm vessel identity, ETA and boarding point before locking in crew travel and transport.

What changes, and what stays the same?

Proposed changes: maritime services licensing, wider intervention powers, cybersecurity requirements and stronger powers over false or missing information.

Unchanged for now: current crew sign-on, sign-off and immigration procedures with ICA. For example, agents have been able to submit crew transfer applications for sea crew on Long-Term Passes through digitalPORT@SG since 1 February 2026 (GAC). See our Sea Crew Immigration Clearance checklist, seafarer visa checklist and OCEANS-X guide.

A practical checklist for ship agents

1. Verify registration on IMO GISIS before submitting the Certificate of Registry and statutory trading certificates.

2. Cross-check identity data: IMO number, vessel name, flag and owner should match across certificates, principal instructions and GISIS. Query mismatches before filing.

3. Screen for sanctions using MPA's security-related information page.

4. Brief your team on suspicious transaction reporting and who files a report.

5. Keep an audit trail of what was submitted, when, and on whose instructions.

6. Update submissions promptly when vessel or crew details change.

7. Plan crew transport against confirmed data: book transfers on the confirmed ETA and boarding point.

8. Follow the Second Reading and check whether your services fall under the new licensing framework once details are published.

How HLE Marine helps

HLE Marine, a Singapore crew transport provider, runs 24/7 crew transfers between Changi Airport T1–T4, Marina South Pier, Jurong Port, Pasir Panjang, Brani, Sembawang Shipyard and Tuas, in air-conditioned vans, minibuses and sedans, with airport meet & greet.

Jobs are booked on our OMS platform with status tracking and WhatsApp notifications. If plans shift, the HLE Marine Lounge at 10 Kaki Bukit Ave 4 offers showers, Wi-Fi and CCTV luggage storage for 5–7 hour layovers. Through Agency Copilot, we support selected clients pro bono with SSCEC certification and Indian crew visa applications with the High Commission of India.

Need crew moved while you focus on compliance?

Book crew transport, the Marine Lounge or short-notice coordination with flexible billing. Call or WhatsApp +65 8447 9283, or contact HLE Marine.

FAQ

What is the MPA (Amendment) Bill 2026?

It amends the MPA Act 1996 to add maritime services licensing, cybersecurity rules and stronger enforcement powers. First Reading was on 6 October 2026.

Is the Bill in force?

No. Second Reading is scheduled for November 2026, and MPA has not announced an effective date.

What does Port Marine Circular No. 10 of 2026 require of port agents?

It asks owners and port agents to verify vessel registration on IMO GISIS before submitting the Certificate of Registry and statutory trading certificates, and reminds port users that false information will face enforcement action.

Does the Bill change crew change procedures in Singapore?

MPA's announcement does not mention crew change. Current ICA sign-on, sign-off and immigration procedures still apply.