Mass Flowmeter

Endress+Hauser unveils its new LNG bunker metering solution

The MFM manufacturer has developed a standardised LNG bunkering solution to provide the most accurate real-time metering of LNG transfers using MFMs.

Published

1 year ago

November 16, 2023

Admin

Endress+Hauser unveils its new LNG bunker metering solution

Swiss-based mass flowmeter (MFM) manufacturer Endress+Hauser Group shared with Singapore-based bunkering publication on its new bunker metering system for liquefied natural gas (LNG):

Every day, large quantities of hydrocarbons are transported, stored, treated, received, and finally sold to a wide variety of consumers in the marine industry. Bunker metering solutions ensure that the amount of hydrocarbons transferred is measured with the highest possible accuracy. At the same time, the use of LNG as a marine fuel has been increasing in recent years, especially since ship owners and operators are striving to comply with the latest emissions reduction regulations set by the IMO and EU. As a sulphur-free fuel, LNG is a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

EH LNG bunkering solution — *Endress+Hauser LNG bunkering solution*

Standardised LNG bunker metering solution

The infrastructure for LNG bunkering is still developing, but it is growing rapidly as more ports and shipping companies adopt LNG as a marine fuel. Endress+Hauser now offers a standardised LNG bunker metering solution to provide the most accurate real-time metering of LNG transfers. This is supplemented by a variety of options to meet the needs of bunkering operations, maritime operators, and ship builders. The package consists of Proline Promass Coriolis MFMs (mass flowmeters), temperature and pressure sensors, Raman optical analyzers for LNG composition analysis and a regulatory-compliant monitoring system. It guarantees accurate metering of LNG and boil-off-gas (BOG) under cryogenic conditions.

EH LNG bunkering solution4 — *Coriolis flowmeter Proline Promass Q is the specialist for accurate measurement of cryogenic liquids like LNG*

When bunkering with LNG, determining its energy content poses a challenge due to the handling of cryogenic fluids at extremely low temperatures of –160 °C (–256 °F). In addition, the LNG composition often varies due to mixing from different sources and ageing under storage conditions. Providing reliable measurement of the quality of the material transferred is an essential component in the LNG bunker delivery transaction. It is also essential for maintaining safe marine operations.

Analysis in situ and in real time

Gas chromatography (GC) has typically been used to measure the composition of LNG. However, gas chromatographs require that LNG be vaporised and the gas pressure regulated prior to analysis. Vaporizers normally demand frequent downtimes for maintenance to avoid incomplete vaporisation or pre-vaporization. The new solution from Endress+Hauser provides equivalent LNG measurement accuracy with significantly lower operating costs and requires less technical expertise. Furthermore, it has by far the smallest footprint compared to traditional systems. In addition, it is the only one on the market today that can analyse LNG in situ and in real time with our patented Raman technology.

Powerful process analytical tools

EH LNG bunkering solution3 1 — *Raman Rxn-41 probe enables direct insertion for composition measurement*

Raman spectroscopy not only reduces the complexity of the LNG monitoring system and has faster start-up stabilisation times, but it proves to be more repeatable, responds more quickly to process changes and requires no maintenance throughout the assessment period. It uses a laser to produce light at visible or near-infrared wavelengths and a Raman analyzer looks for specific wavelengths and intensities to create a chemical profile of the sample. The combination of a Raman Rxn-41 probe and a Raman Rxn4 analyzer results in a powerful process analytical tool for real-time composition analysis of LNG and mixed refrigerants, using quantitative Raman spectral analysis.

EH LNG bunkering solution2 — *Raman Rxn4 analyzer provides real-time and in situ gas analysis*

The Raman Rxn4 analyzer is essentially immune to LNG flow variations and configurable with up to four probes for multiple location analysis. The Rxn-41 probe is a rugged insertion probe designed to be inserted directly into the LNG stream so that it takes the reading in situ, with the moving liquid constantly refreshing the sample. The two components are fully integrated into the LNG bunkering solution to provide customers with a complete system from a single vendor with the lowest OPEX of any solution on the market today.

Outstanding measuring accuracy

Another key component of the package is Proline Promass Q. The Coriolis MFM is designed as a specialist for accurate measurement of cryogenic liquids like LNG. Its incredible temperature stability results in best possible accuracy of the measured quantity, especially under cryogenic conditions. Thanks to its revolutionary 4-tube technology and an extended measuring range for sizes up to DN 250 (10"), customers benefit from low pressure loss and outstanding measuring accuracy (±0.35% mass) for both minimal and very high flow rates. The reduced pressure loss also avoids unwanted cavitation effects or gas breakout.

The innovative meter design combined with our patented MFT (Multi-Frequency Technology) helps to reduce errors from entrained gas. Promass Q offers additional features like integrated Heartbeat Technology, which provides the onboard diagnostics and verification that enhance product and process safety. The complete sensor of the flowmeter, including measuring tubes and electronics, can be verified without interrupting the process by the push of a button, even from the control room.

Photo credit: Endress+Hauser
Published: 16 November, 2023

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Methanol

Singapore: Golden Island to start green methanol bunkering trials with IMO type 2 newbuilding

“Golden Antares” is scheduled to depart a Chinese shipyard by end April; it will lift green methanol cargo from China back to Singapore.

Published

4 weeks ago

April 2, 2025

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Singapore bunker supplier Golden Island Pte Ltd is planning to start bunkering trials of green methanol with its newbuild Singapore-flagged 7,999 dwt IMO type 2 bunker tanker from July, learns Manifold Times.

“The Golden Antares is scheduled to depart a Chinese shipyard by end April,” shared Tomohiro Yamano, General Manager, Marine Fuel Department.

“We are planning for it to lift the product from Towngas (Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited) which has obtained ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS certifications for green methanol before sailing back with the cargo to Singapore for bunkering trials.”

“We are also working together with Mitsubishi Corporation to purchase green methanol from them.

“With the above steps in place, we ensure green methanol marine fuel provided by Golden Island offers Carbon Intensity (CI) savings of more than 75% when compared against the CI of Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) material.”

Yamano-san noted the mass flowmeter (MFM) equipped newbuilding has a 6,500 metric tonne (mt) carrying capacity for methanol.

The cargo will be deposited to a Stolthaven Singapore operated terminal prior to the start of MFM trials in July.

“Singapore’s maritime sector is rapidly evolving and improving to keep up with the times,” he said.

“In late 2023, Golden Island became the first Singapore bunker supplier to adopt 100% e-BDN operations. We were also pioneers to test B30 product in the same year.

“Now, we want to promote change towards sustainable shipping by being amongst the first bunker suppliers to offer a green methanol marine fuel package for receiving vessels lifting bunkers at the republic.”

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), through the Singapore Standards Council (SSC), on 10 March published a new Technical Reference (TR) 129 on Methanol Bunkering to provide a comprehensive framework for the safe and efficient use of methanol as an alternative fuel for bunkering operations.

Yamano-san confirmed green methanol marine fuel supplied by the company will adhere to protocols set by TR 129.

MPA has also recently opened applications for licences to supply methanol as a marine fuel in Singapore. This follows the finalisation of Singapore’s methanol bunkering licensing framework and standards, which incorporated input from over 50 proposals received under MPA’s Expression of Interest (EOI) launched in December 2023, as well as methanol bunkering trials and operations conducted in Singapore since 2023.

Photo credit: Golden Island
Published: 2 April 2025

Bunker Fuel

Global Fuel Supply launches physical bunker fuel supply operation in West Africa

GFS’ newly chartered bunker tanker “Rlo Explorer” will be stationed at Luanda anchorage in Angola; company is also deploying flowmeter technology for precise fuel measurement and rolling out e-BDN.

Published

2 months ago

February 21, 2025

Admin

bunker tanker, M/V Rlo Explorer MarineTraffic / RLO Tankers

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

Mass Flowmeter

IBIA supports Port of Ceuta move to implement mandatory MFMs for bunkering ops

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.

Published

2 months ago

February 17, 2025

Admin

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.

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