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Bunker Fuel

General Index introduces ‘GX Go’ user interface for bunker and oil price benchmarks

Reza Amanat, Managing Director of Asia, tells Manifold Times GX has more than 800 daily bunker prices spread across 500+ global ports.

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General Index introduces ‘GX Go’ user interface for bunker and oil price benchmarks

Manifold Times recently caught up with Reza Amanat, Managing Director of Asia, at General Index (GX) who introduced GX Go – a revamped visualization and analytics user interface (UI) for bunker fuel and various oil products price indications.

The new visualization and analytics UI platform serves as a portal allowing users to effectively explore and navigate GX’s various products and services.

Editor’s note: Readers interested to trial General Index’s offerings may access the platform here.

MT: What bunker fuel related price data and services does GX offer? How are GX’s offerings different from similar pricing platforms?

GX has tried to create the most comprehensive bunker price service in the market, with more than 800 daily prices across 500+ global ports. Key grades such as MGO, VLSFO, and IFO380 are assessed at major hubs including Singapore, Fujairah, Rotterdam, and Houston, as well as other important Asian ports like Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Busan. These assessments draw on more than 40,000 historical trades and price signals, with hundreds of fresh data points added daily, combining industry expertise with advanced technology to deliver transparent pricing insights worldwide. We also provide indexes for transition bunker fuels such as LNG, B24, B30, and Methanol at major hubs, including Singapore and Gibraltar. All of the benchmarks are regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and audited against the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) principles.

MT: What are the reasons GX embarked on the project to create The GX Go platform? How will it add value to GX’s current bunker pricing portfolio?

The natural growth of our services into multiple markets and geographies meant we were soon producing thousands of indexes, and it became apparent that exploring the full breadth of the data was starting to become challenging for clients and trial users. We created the GX Go platform to address this challenge, with a focus on simplifying the process of finding, analysing and downloading or integrating the data. The overarching goal was to turn a process that can be time consuming and laborious, into something that was quick and intuitive. Hopefully, the page splits by products and geographies, multiple filters and quick viewing and downloading of customised price charts achieves that goal. For companies interested in our bunker prices, it should mean users can easily compare grades across 500+ ports and create charts with the specific bunker prices of their choice. At the end of the journey, the user will have multiple option for downloading or integration of the data that includes Excel, API, Python, cloud platforms or third-party data platforms such as Bloomberg, LSEG and FactSet.

MT: How long did it take to develop the platform? What are the challenges encountered along the way and how did GX overcome them?

The platform development began with a proof-of-concept built in two weeks, followed by four months of internal development to create a production-ready system. We then spent two months onboarding beta customers and iterating based on their feedback before the official launch.

The primary challenge was presenting our vast dataset – in an intuitive interface. We overcame this through smart categorization and robust filtering capabilities. Another challenge was meeting diverse client technical needs, which we addressed by developing multiple export and integration options.

MT: What advantages does GX Go have over similar platforms; why should the bunker industry adopt GX’s solution?

GX Go combines comprehensive data coverage with exceptional usability. Our more than 800 daily prices are accessible through an interface designed specifically for industry workflows, making data exploration quick and intuitive rather than time-consuming.

The platform excels in visualization and export capabilities, allowing users to easily create customized charts and export data in formats that integrate seamlessly with tools like Power BI or Excel. We’re also introducing dashboard customization features that will allow users to build personalized dashboards of their key prices. Users can access data through whatever method fits their processes – such as API integration or direct feeds to Bloomberg/LSEG terminals – making adoption seamless rather than disruptive.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

MT: Besides bunker price indications, what other pricing services does GX offer?

GX offers more than 4,700 price indexes spanning hydrocarbon and transition markets. We now have global coverage of crude oil, oil products and LPG, and within this service sits our physical benchmarks for European gasoline and US crude, which have had derivatives listed against them for financial settlement, allowing effective hedging of physical exposures in those markets. Over the last two years, the company has also expanded its pricing services into transition markets such as biofuels, carbon and next-generation renewable fuels like hydrogen and e-methanol. We also have a Marine Carbon service which can help the energy industry understand the cost of carbon emissions associated with major tanker routes, supporting them make informed decisions in the transition toward greener bunker operations.

 

Photo credit: General Index
Published: 3 September 2025

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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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RESIZED EH dual mfm setup

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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Methanol

Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

Following “Seaspan Yangtze”, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the methanol retrofit programme are “Seaspan Amazon”, “Seaspan Ganges”, “Seaspan Thames”, and “Seaspan Zambezi”.

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Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

Seaspan Corporation (Seaspan) and Hapag-Lloyd on Wednesday (3 June) announced the successful completion of the first of the five vessel conversions under their methanol retrofit programme with the delivery of Seaspan Yangtze.

From the early SAVER (Seaspan Action for Vessel Energy Reduction) programme to today’s CleanBlue initiative, Seaspan has committed over USD 230 USD million across 86 vessels, executing more than 550 efficiency and retrofit projects.

Following Seaspan Yangtze, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the programme are Seaspan Amazon, Seaspan Ganges, Seaspan Thames, and Seaspan Zambezi. Each retrofit is expected to reduce well-to-wake CO₂e emissions by approximately 30,000 to 50,000 metric tonnes per vessel annually when operating on low-carbon methanol, while also extending vessel lifespan and enhancing fuel flexibility.

“Decarbonisation is not just about building the fleet of tomorrow, it is also about unlocking the full potential of the fleet we have today. Retrofitting and upgrades on existing fleets play a practical, immediate, and economical role in accelerating shipping’s decarbonization journey,” said Bing Chen, Chairman, President and CEO of Seaspan. 

“Project SAVER CleanBlue highlights Seaspan’s strong customer partnerships, deep technical expertise, and unique platform integrated with JV partners, such as WattSpan Maritime Technology, in executing complex and large-scale retrofit projects.”

“The successful conversion of the Seaspan Yangtze together with the planned retrofit of its four sister vessels is another important step on our ambitious path towards net-zero fleet operations by 2045,” said Silke Lehmköster, Managing Director, Fleet, Hapag-Lloyd. 

“Together with Seaspan, we are demonstrating that retrofitting existing vessels for low-carbon methanol can be a practical way to reduce emissions in shipping.”

 

Photo credit: Seaspan
Published: 4 June, 2026

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