Connect with us

Business

Bunker fuel measuring system to be made mandatory in Antwerp, Zeebrugge and Rotterdam

Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority and Port of Rotterdam Authority will make it mandatory to use the measuring system such as Mass Flow Meters on board bunker vessels to measure bunker fuels.

Admin

Published

on

217

Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority and Port of Rotterdam Authority on Thursday (22 December) said they will mandate the use of a bunker measuring system (such as a Mass Flow Meter) on board bunker vessels to measure the exact amount of fuel delivered to sea-going vessels. 

This follows an independent study in both Antwerp and Zeebrugge and Rotterdam, which showed regular quantity issues in the bunker market. 

During the first half of 2023, the port authorities will first identify suitable bunker measuring systems. They will also determine the date on which the obligation to bunker with a bunker measuring system on board bunkering vessels will enter into force in Antwerp and Zeebrugge as well as Rotterdam. 

The port authorities are aware that this measure will have a major impact on the bunker market. Therefore, they choose an ambitious yet realistic deadline. The different companies in the bunker chain will be given sufficient time to adapt to this measure. The requirement will be included in the licence for bunker fuel suppliers. Currently, 40 out of 170 bunker vessels in Rotterdam, Antwerp and Zeebrugge are equipped with a bunker measuring system.

“The introduction of a bunker measuring system will greatly improve efficiency. After all, data from transactions can be read digitally and immediately processed in the accounts,” both parties said.

Bunker Quantity

Both the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the Port of Rotterdam Authority were told from different sides that there would be regular problems regarding the supply of bunker fuels. 

To investigate the extent and nature of these complaints, the port authorities commissioned independent research and consultancy firm CE Delft to look into the experiences of the parties involved in the bunker market. This study was conducted through interviews and surveys.

The conclusion is twofold: there are similarities between the two ports and there are structural quantity problems in the bunker market. 80-90% of the survey respondents recognise the issues outlined. 

65% of stakeholders interviewed and over 90% of survey respondents see the introduction of the mandatory use of an official bunker measuring system on board bunker vessels as a solution to quantity problems. A bunker measuring system measures the amount of fuel delivered in real time rather than calculating it from tank level measurements on board the bunker vessel (the methodology currently used as standard).  

“The Harbour Master of Rotterdam and the Harbour Master of Antwerp-Bruges are working closely together in the coming period to introduce a uniform requirement for a bunker measuring system. This will be done in consultation with Belgian and Dutch stakeholders,” both parties added.

 

Photo credit: Port of Rotterdam Authority
Published: 23 December, 2022

Continue Reading

Wind-assisted

Anemoi unveils state-of-the-art rotor sail production facility in China

Site boasts an annual production capacity of 250 Rotor Sails, and the option to expand further and store units for fast turnaround.

Admin

Published

on

By

Anemoi Rotor Sail production facility MT

Wind propulsion solutions provider Anemoi Marine Technologies on Tuesday (8 July) officially opened its new Rotor Sail production facility in China.

Strategically located on the banks of the Yangtze River, Anemoi’s facility is located in Jingjiang City, Jiangsu Province, within Daming Heavy Industry’s manufacturing base.

The facility provides direct access to port infrastructure, enabling seamless logistics for import, export, and delivery.

With barge transport available on-site, Rotor Sails can be transported efficiently and installed directly at nearby major shipyards, streamlining operations and minimising environmental impact.

“This is more than just a new site,” said Clare Urmston, CEO of Anemoi.

“It’s a fully integrated, end-to-end production hub where every stage, from steel fabrication and precision assembly to rigorous testing and quality assurance, is handled under one roof.

“That means faster turnaround, uncompromised quality, and complete oversight by our expert team, on site, from start to finish. Anemoi’s strategy is quality first and this site enables exactly that.”

With an annual production capacity of 250 Rotor Sails, and the option to expand further and store units for fast turnaround, the new site positions Anemoi to meet surging global demand and support its customers in achieving critical decarbonisation goals.

 

Photo credit: Anemoi Marine Technologies
Published: 10 July 2025

Continue Reading

Milestone

Global Energy Storage Group sells Rotterdam terminal to Tepsa, exits Dutch market

Chooses to sharpen its focus on growth in Asia, particularly its flagship terminal in Port Klang, Malaysia.

Admin

Published

on

By

Global Energy Storage Group MT

Global Energy Storage Group (GES) on Wednesday (9 July) announced the completion of the sale of its terminal located in the Port of Rotterdam., marking its exit from the Dutch market.

The facility, which includes 212,000 m³ of tank storage and approximately 18 hectares of development land in the Europoort area, was sold to Tepsa, a European bulk liquid and gas storage operator.

The transaction represents a key milestone for GES as it continues to focus its resources on expanding its presence in the fast-growing Asian market, with particular emphasis on its strategic terminal at Port Klang, Malaysia.

It also ensures that the Rotterdam terminal is passed into the hands of a high-quality follow-on owner well positioned to take the asset forward. The transaction also delivers a strong return for GES’s shareholders.

“Part of the investment cycle is realising value from assets at the right time, and we’re confident this was the right moment for GES,” commented Peter Vucins, CEO of GES.

“We are now fully focused on growing our business in Asia, with Port Klang at the centre of that strategy. We extend our sincere thanks to the Rotterdam team and our customers for their support and for maintaining a safe, reliable, and forward-looking operation throughout our ownership.”

With the sale of the Rotterdam terminal, GES no longer holds assets in the Netherlands.

 

Photo credit: Global Energy Storage Group
Published: 10 July 2025

Continue Reading

Milestone

Trafigura enters strategic alliance with maritime technology provider ZeroNorth

ZeroNorth’s platform will be installed across Trafigura’s controlled fleet of more than 350 vessels, with Trafigura taking an equity stake in ZeroNorth.

Admin

Published

on

By

Trafigura ZN signing MT

Commodities group Trafigura and maritime technology provider ZeroNorth entered a strategic alliance on Wednesday (9 July).

The development involves a roll out of ZeroNorth’s platform across Trafigura’s controlled fleet of more than 350 vessels, including its voyage optimisation systems, emissions analytics and vessel reporting tools.

Additionally, Trafigura will take an equity stake in ZeroNorth, further deepening the ties between the two companies.

ZeroNorth’s technology uses advanced artificial intelligence and real-time data, including live weather conditions, vessel specifications, ship performance data and bunker fuel availability to optimise operational performance continuously.

The implementation of ZeroNorth’s solutions is expected to deliver reductions in both marine fuel consumption and carbon emissions across Trafigura’s chartered fleet.

As part of the agreement, Trafigura will also join ZeroNorth’s group of strategic partners, contribute practical industry insights to product development and play an active role in shaping the company’s long-term direction.

Andrea Olivi, Global Head of Shipping at Trafigura, commented: “This partnership marks an important step in Trafigura’s commitment to improving efficiency and sustainability across its maritime operations. The ZeroNorth platform will help us optimise fleet performance through enhanced monitoring of fuel and emissions while improving data collection and quality. It will also strengthen our relationships with vessel owners through more effective communication and information sharing.”

Søren C. Meyer, CEO at ZeroNorth said: “We’re proud to partner with Trafigura – one of the largest players in global commodity trading and shipping. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing the use of technology and high-quality data, sending a clear signal to the industry about the vital roles these play in the energy transition. Trafigura’s insight, scale, and ambition will be invaluable to our strategic direction and will help accelerate the impact of our platform across the industry.”

 

Photo credit: ZeroNorth
Published: 10 July 2025

Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS



Trending