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Debut interview: Marine Fuels Alliance to create bunker-charter, KYC, T&C standards as part of ‘ultimate goal’

Newly appointed Anthony Mollet speaks to Manifold Times about his role, vision, value proposition and plans for the Marine Fuels Alliance to become a wide-reaching and engaging bunkering industry association.
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The establishment of bunker industry organisation Marine Fuels Alliance (MFA) reached a milestone in early October when it appointed its first Executive Officer, Anthony Mollet. Manifold Times took the opportunity to speak with Mollet, who shares the MFA’s raison d’etre and planned vision for the international marine fuels sector:

MT: What are your roles and the phases of development for MFA since its launch?

AM: Having been employed in October, my role is to construct the business and formulate the Management and Executive levels. An initial website (https://www.marinefuelsalliance.com) has been created and this will be developed into an online procurement portal.

Equally important is work in engaging with the myriad of stakeholders across the bunker industry. It is essential to gain maximum exposure and then endorsement of what we are aiming to do, in order to attract maximum supplier membership. The intention is to launch in Q1 2022. We are focussed on getting the infrastructure and foundations solid first.

We are targeting any organisation with any involvement in the bunker industry. We have several very productive ongoing dialogues with companies such as data providers, lawyers, insurers, manufacturers, fuel testing agencies and Port Authorities in some countries. They too are recognising the importance of raising standards and have suppliers operating to the highest levels of quality and risk control as possible in the ports.

The MFA will be as wide-reaching and engaging as possible. As an association, we are here to support the bunker industry and provide fresh ideas and approaches to help members compete.

MT: What is the MFA’s vision and how has it come into existence?

AM: The MFA’s vision statement is “To build a network of independent bunker suppliers powered by its members to enhance their capabilities and extend outreach to new markets and opportunities”.

The concept was born from conversations and analysis between a group of experienced bunker industry professionals over the last two years, all of whom recognise the perilous state many independent bunker suppliers find themselves in. Across every element of day-to-day business practice, it is essential to maintain the highest quality of operational performance and administrative management.

For small suppliers, the issues are their ability to promote themselves, raise their profile and gain new business and having access to the wide range of resources and products that are more readily available to their larger rivals.

MT: What is the value proposition for members and stakeholders?

AM: We recognise that access to areas such as legal advice, insurance policies, credit reports, financial risk management tools, I.T and new digital solutions, together with education and information about sustainable fuels, are often expensive and beyond the reach of a small supplier.

Equally, the services offered by these companies are not generally targeted to suppliers in remote locations or where there is little chance of gaining significant uptake and revenue. So, the intention is to create more resources through scale, to connect stakeholders in new ways to gain the much-needed access and support.

We have learned through dialogue that the need to standardise matters such as Terms & Conditions and the KYC process is vital. We are setting up protocols and processes to help this standardisation, with an ultimate goal to create an MFA bunker-charter or “kite-mark”.

A committee will be focussed on claims and claims management. There will be a credit and sanctions checking protocol. We are looking to create a set of Terms and Conditions that all members will uphold. The value therefore to the shipowner / bunker purchaser is a far greater level of assurance, reliability and repeatability of service provision by any MFA member they transact with.

We recognise the factors of fear and uncertainty for suppliers in countries where larger competitors are developing technology and adapting to new fuels more quickly. Volumes for supply will invariably reduce, yet for so many, their own investments in assets, cargoes and staffing have to be maintained.

MT: How will the MFA function and how is it funded?

AM: The initial Advisory Group of individuals and companies is being amalgamated into an Executive Management and then into sector-specific Executive Committees. The intention is to ensure bunker suppliers who become members have access to join and participate in these committees.

Paid Membership for online subscription will be from independent bunker suppliers. The MFA is a non-for-profit organisation and membership fees will be used not only to both maintain its own operation, but also to help fund attendance to networking events and customer visits. It is envisaged that MFA members will work together to promote the Alliance and use time on business travel to discuss its work and seek essential feedback from customers.

The fee structure is being finalised. We recognise we have to balance the cost versus value for members.

We are inviting other business to join as Partner Companies, those wishing to promote their company or specific products through the MFA online portal.

Shipowners, Operators and Charterers will be invited to join as Associate Members. We are already talking to a huge list of such companies, seeking endorsement and engagement with the MFA concept, to prove to suppliers the clear benefits of joining.

On each board will be at least:

  • 01 x Bunker Buyer (e.g., Ship owner / Operator / Charterer);
  • 02 x experts in the sector area;
  • 02 x bunker supplier members;
  • 01 x Management Executive and;
  • 01 x individual from a Partner Company.

Editor’s note: Readers interested in knowing more about the MFA and its future plans are welcomed to contact Anthony Mollet at: [email protected]

Related: Industry organisation Marine Fuel Alliance appoints new Executive Officer

 

Photo credit: Marine Fuels Alliance
Published: 23 November, 2021

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Mass Flowmeter

Hong Kong backs MFM adoption with voluntary scheme to boost bunkering competitiveness

Hong Kong’s Marine Department launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems on their bunker vessels.
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Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) on Wednesday (3 June) launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems (MFM systems) on their bunker vessels.

MD said the scheme aims to enhance Hong Kong’s bunkering service quality and the competitiveness of Hong Kong ports, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre and a major bunkering port.

Under the Scheme, bunker operators of traditional maritime fuel and biodiesel that install and use MFM systems on their bunker vessels, with the MFM systems inspected and certified by an accredited body in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 22192 Standard or equivalent requirements, can apply to the MD for inclusion in the scheme’s “List of Quality Bunker Vessels”, provided they meet the relevant technical and operational requirements. 

Details of the bunker vessels successfully included in the List will be published on a dedicated page on the MD’s website for reference by shipping companies and relevant stakeholders.

Participation in the Scheme is voluntary. In addition to receiving recognition from the MD, participating bunker operators will benefit from enhanced corporate image and competitiveness through the adoption of MFM systems, thereby boosting customers’ confidence and helping to create new business opportunities.

 A spokesman for the MD, said: “As an international maritime centre supported by our country, Hong Kong has a strategic location adjacent to major international fairways. Coupled with years of development in marine fuel bunkering, Hong Kong possesses rich experience and talent in the field. For many years, Hong Kong has consistently ranked as the seventh-largest bunkering port globally, the second-largest in our country, and the largest in the Greater Bay Area, providing reliable and competitive fuel bunkering services to ocean-going vessels from around the world. 

“As the international shipping industry has an increasing demand for accuracy and transparency in bunkering services, service quality and measurement precision in bunkering operations have become important indicators of a bunkering port’s competitiveness. The Scheme will enhance bunkering accuracy and transparency, further enhancing the quality of Hong Kong’s bunkering services.

The spokesman added that comprehensive port services are one of Hong Kong’s key advantages as an international maritime centre.

“We will also mandate the use of MFM systems on all methanol bunker vessels this year to ensure that Hong Kong continues to provide high-quality bunkering services in the era of green maritime fuels.” 

Note: The application form for the Scheme can be found on the MD’s website. Interested bunker operators can download the application form from the website or contact the MD’s Green Maritime Fuel Team via email ([email protected]) for details.

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Alternative Fuels

MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency.
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MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (3 June) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company to strengthen collaboration in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, innovation, and manpower development. 

The MoU was signed on 25 May 2026 by Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, and Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC.

The MoU underscores the shared commitment of MPA and MSC to foster a sustainable, digital, and future-ready maritime sector, while enhancing MSC’s operational and business activities in Singapore. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of MSC establishing its Asia Regional Office and local office in Singapore.

Under the MoU, MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency and operational performance.

MPA and MSC will also collaborate on maritime digitalisation initiatives to improve operational efficiency, including streamlining vessel arrivals and port operations. 

On manpower development, MSC will support internship and scholarship opportunities through Singapore Maritime Foundation’s Maritime Outreach Network (MaritimeONE) platform, an industry-led tripartite partnership comprising industry, government and institutes of higher learning that aims to raise awareness of the maritime industry and attract quality talent into the maritime sector.

Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “This partnership reflects the strong collaboration between MPA and MSC in driving sustainability and digitalisation in the maritime sector. By working together on decarbonisation, operational efficiency and talent development, we aim to strengthen Maritime Singapore’s position as a trusted and future-ready global maritime hub.”

Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC, said: “Singapore is a strategically important hub for MSC and a key gateway to the broader Asia region. As we mark 30 years in Singapore, this MOU reinforces our long-term commitment to strengthening our presence here. MSC and Singapore are closely aligned on the priorities shaping the future of global shipping, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to drive the continued growth and resilience of the maritime industry.”

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Emissions reporting

StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

Cooperation combines StormGeo’s expertise in operational vessel and emissions data with OceanScore’s expertise in emissions compliance workflows across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and UK ETS requirements.
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StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

Weather intelligence and decision support solutions provider StormGeo and Hamburg-based technology platform OceanScore on Wednesday (3 June) said they have deepened their ongoing cooperation through the signing of a collaboration agreement during Posidonia 2026 in Athens on 2 June.

The cooperation combines StormGeo’s expertise in operational vessel and emissions data with OceanScore’s expertise in emissions compliance workflows across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and upcoming UK ETS requirements.

Together, the companies aim to help shipping companies seamlessly navigate increasing regulatory complexity more efficiently — from emissions reporting and data validation to compliance exposure management, pooling and financial settlement.

As emissions regulation becomes an increasingly important part of commercial shipping operations, the need for reliable operational data and streamlined compliance processes continues to grow. The cooperation between StormGeo and OceanScore is designed to support shipping companies with more connected, transparent and actionable processes across operational and commercial teams.

“From the outside, companies like StormGeo and OceanScore may sometimes be perceived as competitors because both operate around emissions and compliance workflows,” said Albrecht Grell, Managing Director at OceanScore. 

“But in reality, the industry increasingly needs both perspectives working together: trusted operational emissions data on one side and commercial compliance execution on the other. Our cooperation reflects that shipping companies are no longer looking for isolated solutions — they need connected processes, automated across different systems and reliable decision-making throughout the full compliance chain.”

By connecting validated operational emissions data with commercial compliance management, the cooperation supports workflows across:

  • emissions reporting and validation 
  • compliance management across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and upcoming UK ETS requirements
  • exposure visibility and cost transparency
  • pooling, settlement and financial processes 

The cooperation also aims to improve commercial transparency and coordination across operational and commercial stakeholders.

“StormGeo plays a central role in helping shipping companies turn operational vessel and emissions data into trusted, decision-ready insights,” said Espen Martinsen, Chief Commercial Officer at StormGeo. 

“As emissions regulations become more complex, this data is essential for transparent and efficient compliance management. By working with OceanScore, we can help customers connect StormGeo’s validated operational data with commercial compliance processes, creating a more integrated and practical approach to emissions management.”

The signing ceremony took place at the StormGeo booth during Posidonia 2026 in Athens and was attended by representatives from both companies.

Both companies expect the cooperation to continue evolving alongside upcoming regulatory developments, including FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS, the upcoming UK ETS and future emissions-related frameworks affecting global shipping.

 

Photo credit: StormGeo
Published: 4 June, 2026

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