Bunkering and marine fuel solutions provider Global Fuel Supply (GFS) on Thursday (21 February) announced its expansion in West Africa with the launch of its first physical supply operation. 

The company’s newly chartered 5,498 dwt bunker tanker, M/V Rlo Explorer, will be stationed at Luanda anchorage in Angola. 

“We see tremendous opportunity for growth and expansion in the West African market,” said Bijan Shahbaz, Managing Partner and COO of GFS, in a statement shared with Manifold Times.

“With some of the most dedicated professionals in the industry, we are fully prepared to add even more value for our customers by delivering a smooth, seamless service that sets new standards in this region.”

At under 100metre in length, GFS said M/V Rlo Explorer is ideally suited to go alongside oil rigs and platforms, while its stainless-steel tanks can be cleaned within 24 hours—ensuring maximum flexibility. 

In line with evolving operational and environmental needs, GFS is also deploying advanced flowmeter technology for precise fuel measurement and rolling out Electronic Bunker Delivery Notes (e-BDN) for streamlined, eco-friendly documentation. 

“By positioning the M/V Rlo Explorer at the heart of a major hub, GFS aims to deliver reliability, short turnaround times, and superior customer support,” it added.

Photo credit: MarineTraffic / RLO Tankers
Published: 21 February, 2025

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Friday (14 February) welcomed the Port of Ceuta’s decision to become the first Mediterranean port to implement the mandatory use of ISO 22192 certified Coriolis Mass Flow Meters (MFMs) for marine fuel supply. 

IBIA said this initiative is a positive step towards modernising the marine fuel supply industry and improving transparency.

“IBIA has long supported the adoption of Mass Flow Meters across global bunkering hubs as they help increase measurement accuracy, reduce discrepancies, and build trust between suppliers and buyers,” it said in a statement. 

 “While this is a step forward, IBIA also highlights the importance of having the right regulations and procedures in place to make sure the transition to MFMs is smooth and consistent across the industry.”

IBIA added clear guidelines and solid processes are key to ensuring the success of such initiatives and maintaining trust in bunkering operations.

“This development is in line with IBIA’s ongoing push to see bunker licensing schemes, ideally incorporating MFMs, adopted in key global bunkering hubs,” it said. 

IBIA said it looks forward to continued collaboration with ports, regulators, and industry partners to drive further improvements in transparency, reliability, and digitalisation in the marine fuel supply chain.

Manifold Times previously reported Port Authority of Ceuta mandating the use of international ISO 22192 certified and calibrated MFMs for marine fuel supply by barge.

Related: Ceuta becomes first Mediterranean port to mandate certified MFMs for STS bunkering

Photo credit: International Bunker Industry Association
Published: 17 February, 2025

International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) Secretariat on Tuesday (3 February) said it was informed by Port of Rotterdam that the Inspectorate for Environment and Transport in Netherlands is planning for the port to strictly enforce the rules for fuel oil sampling (the MARPOL sample) on board the receiving vessel via drip sampling to conform with ISO 13739.

“If both parties agree on a different sample point (that is other than the receiving vessel’s manifold), then the Inspectorate will have to be informed, and can issue a waiver,” IBIA secretariat stated. 

“Other samples may be taken via the bunker barge sample point.”

All seal (numbers) and counter seals have to be noted on the BDN.

“As this rule is not currently standard practice in ARA, the Dutch Inspectorate are initially expected to be flexible, but are likely to start to enforce this rule during this year and no later than the beginning of 2026,” it added. 

This will coincide with the obligation of  mass flow meter (MFM). 

Manifold Times previously reported that the use of a bunker measurement system for bunker vessels in the ports of Antwerp-Bruges and Rotterdam will be mandatory from 1 January 2026.

Related: MFM bunker measurement system to be mandatory in Antwerp-Bruges and Rotterdam

Photo credit: International Bunker Industry Association
Published: 5 February, 2025