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Chairman of Technical Committee for Bunkering explains SS 660, TR 80; and cast an eye to the future

Seah Khen Hee shares with Manifold Times how the new MFM bunkering standards contribute towards enhancing marine refuelling operations at the world’s largest bunkering port.

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Seah Khen Hee

The following interview is part of event coverage for the upcoming Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON) 2020; where Manifold Times is an official media partner:

Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (7 October) launched SS 660:2020 and TR 80:2020 to support the global adoption of the Coriolis mass flow meter system. Shipping and maritime stakeholders can confidently apply these standards to their respective ports and ecosystem and reap the benefits of bunker quantity assurance and overall operational efficiency.

SS 660:2020 and TR 80:2020 were developed by Singapore’s Technical Committee (TC) for Bunkering, which comes under the Chemical Standards Committee (CSC) of the Singapore Standards Council (SSC).

As the national standards body, ESG administers the Singapore standardisation programme through an industry-led SSC. The Standards Development Organisation at Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SDO@SCIC) manages the standards review and development of the CSC and its TCs which include TC for Bunkering.

According to the Chairman of the Technical Committee for Bunkering, both new bunkering standards build upon the success of SS 648:2019 (Code of Practice for Bunker Mass Flow Metering) which earlier took effect at Singapore port on 1 May, 2020.

“With the publication of these new standards and the launch of SS 648 in November 2019, the Technical Committee for Bunkering completes a trinity of MFM bunkering standards that enhances the integrity and trust on bunkering in Singapore,” Seah Khen Hee told Manifold Times.

He was in an interview with the Singapore bunker publication when he explained how SS 660:2020 and TR 80:2020 enhance marine refuelling operations at the world’s largest bunkering port.

SS 660:2020 – Bunker Cargo Delivery from Oil Terminal to Bunker Tanker using a MFM

“SS 660 is a Singapore Standard that specifies how a MFM system is set up and operated for the measurement and custody transfer of bunker cargo from an oil terminal to a bunker tanker, similarly as to how SS 648 governs MFM system setup and operation on bunker tankers,” explains Seah.

“In summary, SS 660 similarly follows the requirements and procedures of SS 648 such as 0.5% expanded measurement uncertainty, requirements for system integrity, metering procedure, and more, but adapted to the oil terminal interface.

“SS 660 offers local bunker players better inventory accounting and management by using a consistent accurate measurement [MFM technology] and custody transfer where the supply chain starts from the terminal and ends with final delivery of fuel to receiving vessels under SS 648.”

A feature of SS 660 is the requirement of having parties collect a representative bunker sample at the manifold of the bunker tanker during custody transfer to promote fair playing field and trade practices – all in the name of enhancing Singapore’s reputation as a bunkering port.

According to Seah, the Working Group appointed by the Technical Committee for Bunkering took about one and a half years, including going through various approval stages to reach a consensus on the requirements, procedures, and a balance of interests among stakeholders for SS 660.

“The development involved representatives and experts in the entire bunker supply chain,” he said.

“This includes terminals, bunker suppliers, bunker tanker operators, bunker surveyors, fuel testing labs, meter vendors, , and local authorities such as the ESG, National Metrology Centre (NMC), and MPA. We also included oil traders for the first time.”

TR 80:2020 – Meter Verification using Master Mass Flow Meter

Perhaps most widely anticipated by bunker suppliers, local bunker tanker owners/operators, and international shipping associations and companies is the introduction of Technical Reference (TR) 80 which governs meter verification using a master MFM to uphold and maintain integrity and trust in MFM bunkering.

Industry players regard the master meter as a “game changer” for the Singapore bunkering sector when officially introduced as it shortens the time and reduces resources required for bunker MFM verification.

Meter verification as prescribed in TR 80 involves the comparison of readings from two MFM units (i.e. duty MFM and master MFM).

“SS 648 and SS 660 spell out the requirements for qualification and performance of the respective duty meter on board the bunker tanker and the terminal for the custody transfer of marine fuel,” notes Seah.

“Meter verification independently checks the duty MFM installed either on the bunker tanker or at the oil terminal to verify the meter performance under stable flow conditions using actual bunker fuel. The meter verification process specified in TR 80 will be undertaken by an authorised party qualified by ESG.”

TR 80 states that a master MFM has to be three times better in terms of specification when compared to duty meters.

For example, a normal duty meter can be certified for commercial use with measurement uncertainty of 0.3% under oil and water calibration; whereas a master MFM has to achieve a measurement uncertainty of 0.1% under water and oil calibration.

Duty meters can continue to be deployed for bunkering operations if the tested unit has an accuracy error of not more than +/- 0.3% when compared to the reading of the master MFM after a meter verification exercise.

The +/- 0.3% error requirement is drawn upon from international guidelines such as OIML R117, and validated using results and findings obtained from a qualified master meter during local trials, informs Seah.

“The Working Group (WG) was appointed by the TC for Bunkering and comprised experts representing all relevant stakeholders, including bunker suppliers, bunker tanker owners/operators, bunker surveyors, fuel testing labs, meter vendors, , oil terminal, ESG, National Metrology Centre (NMC), and MPA,” he adds.

“The WG took about 12 months including going through various approval stages, to come out with TR 80. It is a world-first standard for bunkering and is practically developed from scratch.”

A Technical Reference is a ‘fast tracked’ document when compared to a Singapore Standard.

“TR 80 reflects the consensus reached by the WG based on a balance of interests,” Seah says.

“The typical life span of a Technical Reference is about three years, but we expect to upgrade TR 80 into a Singapore Standard well within this period.”

Seah thinks that these new standards will catalyse new developments, both locally and internationally.

“Locally, with SS 648 and SS660 covering custody transfer at the two key transaction interfaces of the local bunker supply chain, the stage is set for the TC for Bunkering to leverage on these standards and consider a new bunkering standard that applies blockchain technology,” he explained.

“Such a standard will help companies better track bunker quantity and quality as the bunker inventory is moved or transacted along the oil and bunker supply chain. Secured unique bunker data and documents enabled by blockchain technology is a way to promote trust as a basis for business among a wider group of stakeholders including financial institutions.

“Internationally, there is an opportunity for the development of new ISO MFM bunkering standards based on these new standards, much like how TR 48/SS 648 went on the ISO route. ISO 21562 has been published in July 2020 and ISO 22192 is expected to be published by end of the year; both developments of which are led or co-led by Singapore and are based on TR 48/SS 648.”

SIBCON 2020 will be the conference during which delegates will have an opportunity to listen to the speakers on their presentation on bunkering standards, and to address their questions at the Roundtable which follows.

A series of SIBCON 2020 related articles have been earlier written by Manifold Times:

Related: SIBCON 2020: TR 48 reaps annual savings of at least SGD 80 million for bunkering sector
Related: SIBCON 2020: Singapore introduces new MFM bunkering standards SS 660 and TR 80
Related: SIBCON 2020: Powering Fuels of the Future, Driving towards Decarbonisation
Related: SIBCON 2020: Senior Minister highlights ‘quality resilience and sustainability’ for bunkering sector
RelatedInfineum explains: ISO 8217:2017 should be viewed as a ‘minimum performance benchmark’ for VLSFOs
RelatedInterview: Hafnia shares IMO 2020 preparations, promotes transparency for bunkering operations
RelatedVPS: Shipowners face ‘tricky situation’ to balance VLSFO shelf life and wax appearance temperature
RelatedVPS: Big data analysis reveals link between Covid-19 and spike in low flashpoint MGO off-spec cases
RelatedInterview: Total Marine Fuels Global Solutions discusses sector growth, IMO 2020, and future plans
RelatedSIBCON 2020: Evolution to a ‘completely different’ bunkering industry event, says organiser
RelatedSingapore: SIBCON 2020 bunkering event to be hosted virtually

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 7 October, 2020

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Newbuilding

Tsuneishi delivers world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulker to NYK

“Green Future” was delivered at Tsuneishi factory on 13 May and will be chartered by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers, an NYK Group company, from Kambara Kisen.

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Tsuneishi delivers world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulker to NYK

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding on Wednesday (14 May) said it has delivered the world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulk carrier, Green Future

The 65,700 dwt vessel was delivered at its factory on 13 May and will be chartered by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers, an NYK Group company, from Kambara Kisen.

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding said the vessel maintains the high cargo capacity and fuel efficiency characteristic of the TESS66 Aeroline design series, while enabling more sustainable operations through the use of methanol as a fuel.

The methanol fuel tank has been positioned to maximise safety and facilitate smooth cargo handling while maintaining loading efficiency. It is also equipped with a fuel-efficient main engine and Tsuneishi’s proprietary Aeroline technology to reduce wind resistance, delivering superior fuel performance.

Mr Okumura Sachio, Representative Director, President & Executive Officer of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, said: “This delivery marks just the beginning. We will continue constructing methanol dual-fuelled vessels at our overseas facilities and remain steadfast in our pursuit of technological innovation to contribute to a more sustainable maritime industry and global environment.”

NYK said the vessel is the first bulk carrier in the NYK Group to be equipped with a dual-fuel engine that uses methanol and fuel oil.

Vessel Particulars

LOA: 199.99 m
Breadth: 32.25 m
Depth: 19.15 m
Deadweight: approx. 65,700 metric tonnes
Capacity: approx. 81,500 m3
Draft: 13.8 m

 

Photo credit: Tsuneishi Shipbuilding
Published: 15 May, 2025

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Events

Green Shiptech China Congress to explore alternative bunker fuels and ship technologies

LNG, methanol and ammonia as well as fuel cell integration will be among key issues discussed at the annual conference which will be held on 25 to 26 September in Shanghai.

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1000×600 GSCC2025 Logo

Ridge China on Wednesday (14 May) announced it will be hosting the 14th Green Shiptech China Congress (GSCC), an annual conference which will be held on 25 to 26 September in Shanghai. 

More than 4,400 experts and decision makers from governments, classification societies, shipowners, shipyards, research institutes, technology/equipment suppliers and consulting companies attended the previous GSCC from 2012 to 2024. 

For 2025, over 400 industry experts, corporate decision makers and government officials will be engaged in comprehensive discussions on current issues of IMO, EU, USCG, China MSA’s policies and regulations, designs and standards for new ship models, innovative and sustainable green ship technologies at this annual conference.

Alternative bunker fuels such as LNG, methanol and ammonia as well as fuel cell integration will be part of the important issues discussed at the event. 

Speakers will be from

  • IMO
  • European Commission
  • U.S. Coast Guard
  • China MSA
  • Financial Institutions
  • Maritime Research Institutes
  • Solution & Technology Providers
  • Shipowners
  • Shipyards
  • Classification Societies

Key topics

  • Policies and Regulations Update and Interpretate by IMO, European Commission, U.S. Coast Guard and China MSA
  • Retrofitting Vessels to Achieve Decarbonization Goals
  • Energy Efficiency Continues to Be Key for Decarbonization
  • Decarbonization Through Digitalization
  • Digital Technologies As a Key Enabler for Emissions Reduction
  • Impact of a Hull Coating Upgrade on Hull Efficiency
  • LNG As Marine Fuel: Pivoting Towards Cleaner Shipping
  • Methanol As a Marine Fuel
  • Ammonia’s Credentials As a Green Fuel
  • Wind Propulsion Technology
  • Fuel Cell Integration: Upcoming Challenges and Opportunity
  • Propelling Carbon-neutral Shipping with Green Engines and Alternative Fuels
  • Next-generation Electric and Hybrid Marine Propulsion Technologies and Components
  • Latest Developments in Energy Storage Systems

Interested parties may contact:

Mr. Quin Xu
Tel: +86 21 6607 8610 -8003
Mob: +86 13564222811
Email: [email protected] 

Note: The English and Chinese version of the event website can be found here and here respectively while the event registration can be found here

 

Photo credit: Ridge China
Published: 15 May, 2025

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Bunker Fuel

TFG Marine to launch bunker fuel supply operations in Jamaica on 1 June

Firm will commence marine fuel supply operations at Port of Kingston and on north coast of Jamaica, with Scott Petroleum, a local supplier with insight into Caribbean bunker market.

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TFG Marine to launch bunker fuel supply operations in Jamaica from 1 June

Global marine fuel supply and procurement firm TFG Marine on Wednesday (14 May) said it will launch its bunkering service in Jamaica with its local partner, Scott Petroleum. 

The marine fuel supply operations will commence at the Port of Kingston as well as on the north coast of Jamaica, from 1 June.

 “The operation is being launched in partnership with Scott Petroleum, a trusted local supplier with over two decades of experience and unmatched insight into the Caribbean bunker market,” it said in a social media post. 

Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) and Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO) fuels will be sourced locally from the Petrojam Limited-operated Kingston refinery and will be supplied via the bunker barge operated by Scott Petroleum.

“By combining Scott Petroleum’s local insight with TFG Marine’s global expertise and commitment to innovation, this new venture aims to set a new benchmark for marine fuel supply in the region, delivering reliable, efficient and transparent bunkering services to vessels calling at this key Caribbean port,” the company said. 

Kenneth Dam, Head of Bunkering at TFG Marine, said: “We’re very happy to be setting up in Jamaica,” It’s a strategic location with strong demand and teaming up with Scott Petroleum means that we can hit the ground running with an existing reliable, well-run operation.

“We’re looking forward to bringing TFG Marine’s global expertise and fuel supply innovation to the Caribbean, and to raising the standard of service for marine fuel customers across the region.”

 Gary Scott, CEO at Scott Petroleum, said: “We are excited about our partnership with TFG Marine. The new venture will form a strong force to expand the bunker service being offered in Jamaica and will be able to capture other opportunities that exist in the region”

 Note: For inquiries regarding TFG Marine’s new vessel supply services in the region in collaboration with Scott Petroleum, contact [email protected] or [email protected]

 

Photo credit: TFG Marine
Published: 15 May, 2025

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