Business

BunkerMetric introduces business rule engine to streamline bunkering decisions

BunkerPlanner rule engine is a cloud-based tool that automates decision-making in situations where there are specific rules to operate and bunker vessels.

Published

5 years ago

January 26, 2022

Admin

Copenhagen-based bunker planning and optimisation solutions provider BunkerMetric on Tuesday (25 January) introduced its BunkerPlanner rule engine solution to the maritime sector:

Consider a common scenario faced by vessel operators: An arrangement has been made for bunkering a specific vessel. The tank still contains bunker from the previous purchase. Can the new bunker be comingled with the old? If not, then which tank to use to store the new bunker?

A vessel operator with responsibility for multiple vessels on active voyages might make these types of rules-based decisions as part of everyday business. Typically, operators make such decisions from memory or based on vessel-specific operating manuals. Running multiple vessels combined with increased volume and complexity of data-based decisions make it prudent to replace human decision with software to eliminate the risk of making wrong decision without thinking through the consequences. This is where a business rules engine provides organizations with a much-needed support system for rules-based decision management.

How does the BunkerPlanner rule engine work?

BunkerPlanner rule engine is a cloud-based tool that automates decision-making in situations where there are specific rules to operate and bunker vessels. The engine manages the entire process of connected decisions in the sequence determined by operational procedure(s) set by the ship owner/operator. Whenever a bunkering decision needs to be made, the engine uses static data (e.g. tank configuration on a specific vessel) and dynamic data (noon report specifying vessel’s voyage progress), evaluates that data against pre-programmed rules, and then delivers the recommended decision which is visible to the vessel operator and the bunker buyer.

The software rule engine mimics the manual decision process based on the logic and rules that have been specified by the operations team, while considering current situation reported by the crew. To minimize chance of an error, BunkerPlanner engine relies on two data-transfer models to carry out these decision-making processes:

Backward-chaining based on predefined goals (e.g. minimum/maximum or exact quantity of fuel upon arrival at the port of call; holding new fuel in quarantine for specific number of days)
Forward-chaining considering event condition rules (e.g. if passing the same port twice and future price is better, recommend buying at the later date)

What does your business gain?

Business rules engine enables the team to make decisions faster, while ensuring that all applicable rules are not broken in the process of deciding where, when, and at what price to bunker. The operator does not have to worry whether their decisions are compliant with business rules. The Operations team is able to edit, change or create new rules applicable to the vessel, voyage, or type of cargo. Any changes to the rules are announced clearly and applied in every single circumstance. Every decision proposed by the system is annotated by explanatory message(s) visible to the operator, so there is no confusion because any particular decision has been reached.

Shifting from manual decision management provides a huge operational advantage and assures error-free decisions. According to the shipping operations experts, many organizations underestimate the efficiencies they can gain by taking the decisions out of the hands of people. Typical organizations frequently struggle to assure consistent application of rules at all the times and in all processes that involve complex, rules-based decisions. As a result, the organization loses efficiency and often loses money.

If you are interested taking better business and operations decisions affecting your fleet and your voyages, the BunkerMetric team is available to perform a hands-on trial with your team. We are here to help you evolve your decision-making process from good to great.

Photo credit: BunkerMetric
Published: 26 January, 2022

Legal

Shell Singapore charged over Pulau Bukom oil leaks, reporting delays

Shell faces four charges under Singapore’s Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act over two 2024 oil discharge incidents at its Pulau Bukom facility.

Published

7 hours ago

September 25, 2026

Admin

2 MPA craft (left) supporting Shell craft in the clean up operations of the oil sheens taken on 28 Dec 9am

Shell Singapore has been charged over two incidents in 2024 involving oily mixtures discharged into Singapore waters from its facilities at Pulau Bukom, according to media reports on Tuesday (22 September).

The company faces four charges under the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act, including allegations that it failed to report the discharges to the port master immediately.

The first incident occurred on 20 October 2024, when approximately 40 metric tonnes (mt) of oily mixture was discharged through a hole in a pipeline at the Shell Singapore Energy and Chemicals Park at about 8am.

Shell is accused of reporting the incident to the port master at about 12.55pm, several hours after the discharge occurred.

The second incident took place between 26 and 28 December 2024. An estimated 485kg to 956kg of oil mixture was discharged into Singapore waters from the same facility.

Shell is accused of failing to report the incident immediately, with notification to the port master made at about 11.50am on 26 December 2024, according to the charges.

Singapore’s pollution-prevention regulations require occupiers of such facilities to report oil or oily-mixture discharges into Singapore waters “without delay and to the fullest extent possible”.

Shell’s representative requested an eight-week adjournment at the 22 September hearing, citing the need to obtain internal instructions, appoint counsel and locate historical records. The company said the business associated with the incidents had been divested in 2025.

The case was adjourned to October. Shell is also facing prosecution by Singapore’s National Environment Agency over the same incidents.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 25 September, 2026

Incident

MPA probes Singapore Strait collision involving fishing vessel, bulk carrier

MPA says there were no reported injuries among the crew of either vessel in the incident involving China-registered fishing vessel “Lu Qing Yuan Yu” and Panama-registered bulk carrier “First Margaux” .

Published

7 hours ago

September 25, 2026

Admin

Panama-registered bulk carrier “First Margaux”

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Tuesday (22 September) said it is investigating the incident involving the China-registered fishing vessel Lu Qing Yuan Yu and the Panama-registered bulk carrier First Margaux in the Singapore Strait on 17 September.

MPA said there were no reported injuries among the crew of either vessel or pollution arising from the incident and navigational traffic was not affected.

Videos circulating on social media showed the bulk carrier colliding with the fishing vessel.

“The fishing vessel took on water during the incident but remained afloat and stable, with the crew taking measures to manage the situation onboard,” MPA said.

The vessel was subsequently towed to Raffles Reserved Anchorage for assessment.

Essential crew remained onboard to support the tow, while the Singapore Civil Defence Force supported the transfer of other crew to shore.

MPA added it also issued navigational safety broadcasts to keep other vessels clear of the tow and escorted the vessel into port with a MPA craft.

Photo credit: MarineTraffic / Arnold Pohen
Published: 25 September, 2026

Mass Flowmeter

TFG Marine deploys first MFM-equipped bunker barge in Jamaica

Bunker barge “Kingston Trader” is currently on its way to Jamaica following the successful installation of a Coriolis mass flow meter (MFM) system, certified to ISO 22192.

Published

7 hours ago

September 25, 2026

Admin

TFG Marine deploys first MFM-equipped bunker barge in Jamaica

Global marine fuel supply and procurement firm TFG Marine on Thursday (24 September) said its bunker barge Kingston Trader is currently on its way to Jamaica following the successful installation of a Coriolis mass flow meter (MFM) system, certified to ISO 22192.

The company said the latest installation brings the proportion of TFG Marine’s fleet equipped with MFMs to approximately 88%, marking another step in the continued rollout of this technology across its global bunkering operations.

“The barge will operate in Jamaica through our local partnership with Scott Petroleum, becoming the first bunkering vessel in the region equipped with this technology and bringing greater accuracy, transparency and assurance to fuel measurement for customers across the Caribbean,” TFG Marine said in a social media post.

“Together with Scott Petroleum, we look forward to working collaboratively with the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, the The Port Authority of Jamaica, Petrojam Limited and other stakeholders to share our experience of MFM technology, explore its wider benefits and support the continued development of bunkering standards across the region.”

Manifold Times previously reported TFG Marine continuing to expand MFM technology across its US Gulf Coast bunker fleet with Buffalo B414 and Buffalo B304 being fitted with the equipment.

Last year, TFG Marine announced it reached a key milestone in its global digitalisation programme with the installation of an ISO 22192-compliant MFM on the Buffalo 404, a barge on time charter from American bunker barge company Buffalo Marine Service Inc.

The installation was part of TFG Marine’s wider strategy to equip close to 90% of its global bunkering fleet with MFMs by 2026 as a commitment towards improving data integrity, streamlining operations and strengthening trust in marine fuel transactions.

Photo credit: TFG Marine
Published: 25 September, 2026