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Endress+Hauser factory tour series: Transforming designs into reality

Martin Anklin, Head of R&D Department, and Benedikt Löffler, Quality Manager at Endress+Hauser Flow, take Manifold Times on a tour down the prototyping and production lines.

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Manifold Times gained exclusive access into the mass flowmeter (MFM) production factory of Reinach-based Endress+Hauser Flow in Switzerland during February. This will be the second in a series of five articles produced offering behind-the-scenes glimpses of the intricate process on what goes into perfecting MFMs.

The following are key takeaways from the tour to understand more about MFM design and production:

The conversion of ideas into reality is amongst the most challenging aspects of any business and Reinach-based mass flowmeter (MFM) manufacturer Endress+Hauser Flow exemplifies the Swiss ethos of detail and attention, learns Manifold Times.

Martin Anklin, Head of R&D Department at Endress+Hauser Flow, was keen to share details of how Endress+Hauser Flow factories around the world design and produce a significant amount of MFMs per year while maintaining the level of precision required by its custody transfer devices.

And it all starts with…

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Prototyping new MFMs

MFM applications are widely used in various industries such as maritime where the devices are responsible for measuring the bunker fuel and engine fuel consumption and more on an ocean-going vessel.

Market demand may call for prototyping of a new MFM design due to e.g. new custody transfer rules and the number of prototypes per MFM model will depend on the nominal diameter, otherwise known as internal line size in millimetres, as required by the project.

“Typically, when you have a small line size between DN 15 to 25 you’re very fast in making prototypes where a prototype and simulation can be done in parallel within a day,” informs Anklin.

“Experiments can be done overnight and depending on the results we can build a new prototype based on earlier findings [on the next day].

“But when it comes to bigger sizes like DN 80, 100 and 250 the number of prototypes is fewer, typically between two to three units due to increased cost and time required to build the bigger devices.

“After the final prototype is developed, the next step is to see if the quality is reproducible.”

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Technical industrialisation and ‘Kanban’

Prior to production, several considerations must be attended to ensure the produced meter has identical quality as the prototypes tested during development, said Anklin.

Amongst those are making sure the right tooling is available to build the MFM, and even the tools themselves undergo periodical inspection to ensure they are performing correctly.

“We do have several quality check gates in the production line to see if the meter is performing the way we expect, and the last gate is calibration to ensure its stable zero-point performance while passing all custody transfer requirements,” he explained.

Anklin also notes Endress+Hauser Flow utilising the ‘Kanban’ inventory control system. The production method originated from Japan and is being used to track production and order new shipments of parts and materials.

“We have a pre-production line for meters which are built without process connections and transmitters,” he said.

“When the customer places an order, we take the pre-fabricated sensor and “marry” it with the electronics, weld on the process connections and calibrate the device before being shipped.

“Our popular models are organised in a separate production line where Endress+Hauser Flow is able to complete order-to-shipments within 24 hours.”

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MFM Production – Swiss precision continues on the factory line

Benedikt Löffler, Quality Manager at Endress+Hauser Flow, was on hand to offer Manifold Times more details of pre and postproduction of the devices.

According to him, each Endress+Hauser MFM undergoes a water calibration to determine the calibration factor and to confirm the specified precision of up to 0.05% accuracy using traceable calibration rigs accredited by the Swiss Accreditation Service before leaving the factory.

Further, each Endress+Hauser MFM is equipped with sensors produced entirely in Switzerland.

“Every year, Endress+Hauser performs more than 30 certification audits to ensure products leaving the factory line are on-spec, but it doesn’t just stop here,” said Löffler.

“Suppliers have a high impact on our quality, so we maintain close relationships and perform audits with our suppliers with a focus on long-term relationship.

“A high variability of MFM products and human factors within the production line also mean training of workforce is a key element. We also support this by digitising production information to ensure traceability and facilitate access to information and by striving to retain our employees and their knowledge for many years.”

However, Swiss quality doesn’t stop after MFM devices leave the factory line, he says while stressing the importance of regular service by local third-party vendors and authorities to ensure Swiss quality being passed down the bunkering value chain.

“Compared to mechanical meters, the MFM has no so-called ‘moving parts’ which would alter the calibration factor. There is no need for replacing components of the measuring system over time. That means no frequent maintenance is required for MFMs,” he noted.

“But bunkering is a custody transfer process, and this means frequent verifications of the MFM system integrity must be defined by the local authority. This includes confirmation of the required measuring uncertainty and check that the system was not tampered.

“Measuring performance of a MFM can be confirmed on different levels of confidence starting with zero-point check up to Master Meter verification.

“With the built-in Heartbeat Technology, Endress+Hauser offers a unique way of MFM verification bridging the time between the officially scheduled verification intervals. This adds another layer of confidence.

“But ultimately, combining master meter verification with the frequent zero-point and Heartbeat Verification definitely increases the level of confidence”.

Related: Endress+Hauser factory tour series: Finer points of MFM design, explained by R&D

 

Photo credit: Endress+Hauser
Published: 5 August 2024

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Genevos and Koedood Marine Group team up on maritime hydrogen fuel cell deployment

Collaboration will explore how ready-to-use marine fuel cell systems can support shipowners and shipyards in the transition towards zero-emission operations.

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Genevos and Koedood Marine Group team up on maritime hydrogen fuel cell deployment

Marine fuel cell systems provider Genevos recently said the company signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with engine supplier Koedood Marine Group to explore the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell systems for inland and coastal maritime transport. 

The LOI was signed by Phil Sharp, co-founder and CTO of Genevos, and Mühlheim, Business Development Director of Koedood Marine Group during the 2026 Advanced Maritime Technology Show in Amsterdam.

Building on Koedood’s proven experience in hydrogen maritime projects – including its ongoing work with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and TNO on hydrogen engine development – the collaboration will explore how ready-to-use marine fuel cell systems can support shipowners and shipyards in the transition towards zero-emission operations. 

“Koedood has a strong reputation in the maritime sector and a deep understanding of vessel operators’ needs. This LOI is an important step in exploring how Genevos’ hydrogen fuel cell systems can be deployed more widely across inland and maritime applications, helping shipowners reduce onboard emissions with robust, practical and scalable clean power solutions,” said Sharp.

The collaboration aligns with growing market demand for rapidly deployable hydrogen solutions and the wider need to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission technologies across the maritime sector. 

“With this collaboration, we are further strengthening our portfolio of maritime energy solutions. Together with Genevos, we are exploring how we can support our customers in the adoption of hydrogen technology,” said Mühlheim.

 

Photo credit: Genevos
Published: 20 July, 2026

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DNV awards TADC to Econowind for VentoFoil 3-Series

System actively harnesses wind power to generate forward thrust, helping to reduce bunker fuel consumption and mitigate FuelEU penalties.
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DNV awards TADC to Econowind for VentoFoil 3-Series

Dutch wind-assisted propulsion technology firm Econowind on Wednesday (15 July) said it has received a Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) from classification society DNV for its VentoFoil 3-Series boundary layer suction wing. 

The company said the certification confirms compliance with DNV’s ST-0511 standard for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems and enables easier integration of VentoFoils on DNV-classed vessels worldwide. 

Econowind added that the approval accelerates the deployment of wind propulsion across the shipping industry.

“DNV is one of the world’s leading classification societies. This TADC gives DNV-classed shipowners confidence that VentoFoils meet the highest industry standards,” said Chiel de Leeuw, Chief Commercial Officer at Econowind. 

“It simplifies the approval process for both retrofits and newbuilds. VentoFoils are ideal for late-stage design integration and retrofit projects. This is an important milestone for Econowind and for the wider adoption of wind-assisted ship propulsion.”

The 3-Series VentoFoil is Econowind’s best-selling suction wing to date, with over 150 units sold. The system actively harnesses wind power to generate forward thrust, helping to reduce fuel consumption and mitigate FuelEU penalties. The system includes a tilting foundation, allowing the wings to be tilted down during port operations or in adverse weather conditions, making it a flexible solution.

The TADC applies to the 16-meter VentoFoil 3-Series product design and supports easy integration into DNV-classed vessels without repeating the full design assessment process. This enables shipowners, shipyards, and project teams to move more efficiently from concept to installation, reducing project complexity and accelerating deployment. 

Hasso Hoffmeister, Senior Principal Engineer at DNV Maritime, said: “It is a great pleasure to award Econowind this new certificate. WAPS have been going from strength to strength over the past few years, from 2022 the number of vessels in operation has increased five times, and we’ve now topped the century mark. 

“And with the current advances in technology, materials, and production capacity in the segment, we expect this to accelerate. So, while the wind always changes, the shipping industry is likely to be sailing strong for years to come.”

Econowind expects the DNV Type Approval Design Certificate to accelerate adoption of the VentoFoil, particularly among shipowners seeking proven, independently certified technology that can support fuel savings, emissions reductions, and decarbonization goals.

MS Heinz of HS Schiffahrt is among the first vessels to sail under this TADC.The company said the approval builds on Econowind’s growing installed base and further strengthens confidence in wind-assisted ship propulsion as a practical solution to address energy scarcity and high fuel prices. 

In addition to the 3-Series, Econowind offers the 5-Series for the deep-sea market.

 

Photo credit: Econowind
Published: 17 July, 2026

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Malaysia: Maharani Freeport to implement MFM and e-BDN technologies for enhanced bunkering transparency

Initiatives reflect the Freeport’s commitment to delivering transparency, operational integrity and international best practices across its bunkering ecosystem, says MEG spokesperson.
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Maharani Freeport, a National Project officially launched by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, in November 2025, will be introducing mass flowmeter (MFM) and electronic bunker delivery note (e-BDN) technologies to its bunkering operations, learns Manifold Times.

These strategic initiatives underscore the port’s commitment in establishing a highly transparent, efficient and trustworthy bunkering environment, aligned with global best practices and addressing critical industry demands, according to a Maharani Energy Gateway (MEG) spokesperson.

MEG is the Master Developer of Maharani Freeport and seeks to position the Freeport as a strategic nexus for shipment, storage and trading operations on a global scale. MEG Synergy is the trading division and a wholly owned entity of MEG; it seeks to position Maharani Freeport as a strategic nexus for shipment, storage, and trading operations on a global scale.

As part of its long-term bunkering strategy, the Freeport is currently in the process of acquiring bunker vessels of various sizes to support marine fuel deliveries and accommodate the evolving requirements of regional and international customers. These vessels will be equipped with MFM technology to ensure accurate, transparent and efficient fuel transfer operations.

Including bunkering and ship-to-ship (STS) trading operations from its High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) Floating Storage Unit (FSU), MEG Synergy already oversees a healthy volume of Bunker cargo deliveries to regional players each month.

MFM for Trust, Transparency and Traceability

MEG highlighted the custody transfer of bunker fuels at the Freeport will be handled by MFM-equipped bunker tankers.

“The adoption of MFM technology to support bunkering operations is a direct response to persistent industry challenges such as quantity discrepancies and delivery disputes,” explained the spokesperson.

“By equipping our bunker vessels with certified mass flowmeters, we aim to ensure precise and verifiable fuel delivery measurements.

“This initiative is pivotal in fostering trust among customers and strengthening the Freeport’s reputation as a professionally managed zone where businesses can operate with confidence. The overarching goal is to create a secure and well-governed environment for commercial activities, reducing operational risks and uncertainties while supporting efficient and transparent trade.”

e-BDN to Digitalise Documentation Workflow

The implementation of electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDN), together with MFM technology, further aligns with the Freeport’s focus on creating comprehensive digital custody transfer records and robust data retention systems, added the spokesperson.

This digital approach, integrated with MFM technology, will streamline operational workflows, reduce administrative burdens and provide an immutable record of transactions to enhance transparency, minimising potential friction and expediting dispute resolution

MEG emphasised that the Freeport’s commitment extends beyond technological enhancements to encompass a comprehensive governance framework.

The port aims to adhere to stringent international standards, including those established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), while offering dispute resolution mechanisms under the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to ensure the swift and fair handling of disagreements.

This holistic approach to operational integrity and governance is designed to address perceived transparency gaps, positioning the Freeport as a reliable and commercially attractive hub for the maritime and commodities sectors.

Note: For enquiries in respect of Maharani Freeport, readers may reach out to:

[email protected]

Related: Interview: Maharani Energy Gateway – Forging a new energy nexus in the Straits of Malacca
Related: New Johor bunkering hub: Maharani debuts as Malaysia’s first duty-exempted energy freeport

 

Photo credit: Maharani Energy Gateway
Published: 15 July 2026

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