Connect with us

Mass Flowmeter

Feature: Other ports play catch-up while Singapore takes lead in MFM bunkering

The development further questions if trust and reliability prevails regardless of different MFM systems used when bunkering at other ports.
Admin

Published

7 years ago

on

MFM Bunkering ManifoldTimes

Singapore’s mass flowmeter (MFM) bunkering project, initiated by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and national standards body SPRING Singapore in 2009, which also resulted in the development of the Technical Reference for bunker mass flow metering (TR48:2015), has reached commercial maturity at the republic.

It has started a slew of international ports, bunkering firms and shipping companies independently studying the feasibility of using MFM systems for bunkering – in some cases – implementing their own versions of how MFM bunkering should work.

Though in the right direction, the move could introduce trust and reliability concerns due to inexperienced parties new to MFM bunkering operations entering the market.

“The use of MFM for bunkering is gaining traction at various international ports looking to emulate what Singapore has done and shipowners are putting much more trust in using the technology,” says Darrick Pang, Managing Director of Metcore International Pte. Ltd., in an interview with Manifold Times.

Pang is a member of the Technical Committee and Working Group* that developed TR 48:2015 and led its Task Group on System Integrity. 

He is also the Chairman for the National Mirror Committee** of both OIML R117 (Dynamic measuring systems for liquids other than water) and ISO 21562 (Ships and marine technology – Bunker fuel mass flow meters on receiving vessel – Requirements).

“The success of MFM bunkering is not only the meter itself but a whole framework that incorporates elements such as system set up, zero verification, periodic checks and class certification maintained to TR48 standards,” explains Pang.

“This includes having a robust system which consists of MFM compliance, monitoring and control, the creation of a formalised MFM dispute handling process, and structured training to ensure all parties understand and know how to work within the MFM framework.”

The increasing use of MFMs for bunkering at other ports had Pang questioning the trust and reliability of these non-TR 48:2015 compliant systems – especially when the human element applies.

“MFM systems can be breached by dishonest operators of MFM-equipped bunker tankers,” he shared.

“Security of the MFM system is the hardest challenge. Generally, MFMs can be easily setup and used in other industries but for the ‘creative’ bunkering industry there is still some way to go in maintaining system integrity.

“Singapore has a port regulator which proactively takes steps to enforce fair bunkering practises; what about the other countries?

“For our overseas clients, we work closely with Lloyd’s Register to ensure overall system integrity complies with TR 48:2015.”

Moving on, Pang highlights TR 48:2015 to be only applicable to MFM systems being installed on a bunker tanker.

“MFMs are not plug and play where you can simply install a MFM unit on a shipowner’s receiving vessel and say that the results are as accurate as TR 48:2015 approved bunker tankers, even if it is the same model used in Singapore.”

“Shipowners keen on installing MFM on their vessels for use as a check meter during bunkering operations should instead explore implementing guidelines from ISO (International Organization for Standardization) which oversees the installation of MFMs on receiving ships.

“This ISO standard is still under development and will take a while before it can be used on receiving vessels, due to the challenges which needs to be ironed out.

“However, it should be noted that final and binding figures [unless contractually agreed otherwise] still remains on the bunker tanker.”

Simon Neo, Regional Manager (Asia) at International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), agrees that it is more challenging to achieve reliable measurements using MFMs installed onboard receiving ships to measure bunkered fuel.

Neo is the Project Leader for ISO 13739 (Petroleum products — Procedures for transfer of bunkers to vessels) and sits in the Technical Committee for Bunkering, MFM Working Committee and Technical Committee for LNG Bunkering.

“The biggest issue with MFM installations on the ship side is the challenge of having enough space for a proper setup to meet recommended flow requirements,” says Neo.

“The MFM is a piece of equipment that offers precise measurement of bunker fuel under the right conditions, but in the interest of good measurement practice during bunkering the MFM is always recommended to be on the bunker tanker side.”

“Basically in all bunker operations be it in Singapore or anywhere in world, unless there is a contractual agreement between the bunker seller and buyer that says something else, final and binding figures for delivered volumes will be from the bunker tanker,” explains Neo.

“Likewise in bunker deliveries via MFM in Singapore, the bunker tanker’s MFM record of delivered quantity (under the TR 48:2015) will be final and binding, even if a receiving vessel may have their own MFM onboard.

“Under TR 48, the meter will need to go through various stages of test and certifications including checks on system integrity and security and approval before they can be certified for use onboard the bunker tanker.

“MFM is not a piece of plug and play equipment as mentioned by Mr. Pang. That is why the whole system needs to be properly secured on the bunker tanker to ensure correct quantity recorded. So, it is not just a matter of installing a MFM on any ship and saying: ‘It’s the same as TR48.’

“MFM is a technology which is accurate but without a complete ecosystem that comprises of system security and integrity, the human factor can come into play.

“That is why a complete system, which encompasses the whole MFM system being installed on the bunker tanker, is crucial.”

Installing the MFM itself on a vessel, whether on a bunker tanker or receiving vessel, does not automatically make it TR 48:2015 compliant.

TR 48:2015 needs to be supported by an entire infrastructure framework ranging from meter selection, system tests, regulatory approval, down to the resolution of disputes and bunker claims procedures; but more importantly it should be supported by strict governance of the port regulator to provide shipowners with peace of mind when receiving bunkers at port. 

References
* Technical Committee for Bunkering 
Scope of the Technical Committee for Bunkering:

  • Review and development of bunkering standards
  • Monitoring of ISO/TC 28 Petroleum products and lubricants
  • Active participation in ISO/TC 28/SC 2 Measurement of petroleum and related products and ISO/TC 28/SC 4 WG 6 Classification and specifications for marine fuels

Working Groups under Technical Committee for Bunkering:

  • Working Group for Mass Flow Metering – Aims to develop a technical reference that specifies the coriolis mass flow meter equipment, the step-by-step procedures and the documentation of the flow meter based bunker delivery process
  • Working Group for SS 524 Quality Management for Bunker Supply Chain
  • Working Group for SS 600 Code of Practice for Bunkering

** National Mirror Committee (NMC) is a committee established to mirror the structure of an international policy/technical committee, with the role of determining national standards.

*** The National Technical Committee (TC) for LNG Bunkering is formed under SPRING Singapore's National Standardisation Programme. The TC for LNG Bunkering, which comprises industry stakeholders and technical experts on LNG bunkering, is the developer of Singapore Technical Reference (TR) 56 for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Bunkering that includes LNG specifications as a marine fuel, LNG bunkering procedures and safety requirements, and crew competency requirements for LNG bunkering.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 26 February, 2019
 

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Technology

Endress+Hauser launches new TECH Centre in Singapore

Centre will serve as a platform for application development and solution validation, supporting customers with calibration, application support and process training for industries including oil and gas and marine.

Admin

Published

2 months ago

on

March 23, 2026

By

Untitled design 30

Swiss-based mass flowmeter (MFM) manufacturer Endress+Hauser on Thursday (19 March) said it has opened its new Technological and Calibration Hub (TECH Centre) in Singapore.

The integrated hub brings together a flow calibration facility, process training unit, and interactive technology demonstrations under one roof – enabling companies to develop, test, and validate solutions in real-world environments. 

The Singapore TECH Centre will serve as a platform for application development and solution validation, supporting customers with calibration, application support and process training for industries including water and wastewater management, life sciences, food and beverage, oil and gas, marine, chemical, and infrastructure.

By combining calibration, training and live demonstrations, the TECH Centre supports closer collaboration with customers throughout the lifecycle of their processes, strengthening Endress+Hauser’s ability to address practical, industry-specific challenges across Singapore and Southeast Asia.

“The new TECH Centre allows us to work closer with customers and turn real-world application challenges into practical solutions,” said Mr Richard Yu, Managing Director, Endress+Hauser Singapore.

From a global perspective, the TECH Centre reflects Endress+Hauser’s approach to staying close to customers by anchoring technical capabilities where industries operate and grow.

“Customer proximity is about relevance. The Singapore TECH Centre helps us translate global expertise into local, application-specific value,” said Dr Henry Chia, Corporate Sales Director, Endress+Hauser.

The opening ceremony was attended by Swiss Ambassador to Singapore Mr Frank Grütter, representatives from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), industry partners and members of the media.

Speaking at the event, Grütter described Endress+Hauser as a “hidden Swiss champion” and highlighted the company’s long-term commitment to innovation and quality.

Beyond customer engagement, the TECH Centre supports the development of high-value technical roles in areas such as calibration, application engineering and customer training, contributing to skills development and strengthening the broader industrial ecosystem.

“We congratulate Endress+Hauser on the opening of its TECH Centre in Singapore. Building on nearly three decades here, this investment reflects the company’s continued confidence in Singapore as a hub for innovation and customer collaboration. The centre will serve as an important site where new applications are developed to support growth of relevant industries across Southeast Asia,” said Mr Soo Haw Yun, Vice President, Global Enterprises Division, Singapore EDB.

With an established presence in Singapore since 1989, the TECH Centre further underscores Endress+Hauser’s long-term commitment to the country as a location for specialised technical capabilities, supporting the advancement of Singapore’s advanced process industries through enhanced calibration, training and application expertise.

Related: Endress+Hauser and Bunkerchain prepared for end-to-end digital transactions of e-BDN integration ops in 2025
Related: Endress+Hauser and SICK launch strategic partnership for process automation

 

Photo credit: Endress+Hauser
Published: 23 March, 2026

Continue Reading

Bunker Fuel

China: Zhoushan port records 8 million mt annual bunker volume for 2025

This marked a year-on-year increase of 10.6% from 7.26 million mt in 2024 and the first time the port has hit the 8 million mt mark for the first time, says Zhoushan Hi-Tech Zone Administrative Committee.

Admin

Published

5 months ago

on

January 8, 2026

By

Zhoushan port records 8 million mt annual bunker volume for 2025

Zhoushan Hi-Tech Zone Administrative Committee on Wednesday (7 January) said Zhoushan recorded a bonded bunkering volume of 8.03 million metric tonnes (mt) in 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of 10.6%.

The committee said this is the first time the port has hit the 8 million mt mark for the first time, potentially ranking among the top three bunkering ports globally. 

Manifold Times previously reported Zhoushan delivering 7.26 million mt of marine fuel in 2024.

The committee highlighted the efforts to improve service, cost, and efficiency, while implementing 41 targeted measures in 2025. 

Efforts were made in key areas such as accelerating green transformation, optimising digital supervision, facilitating anchorage bunkering, and consolidating cost advantages, driving comprehensive improvement in the quality and efficiency of industrial development. 

In line with the global trend of green transformation of marine fuel, the city has introduced management measures for green bunkering operations, a joint supervision mechanism for bunkering vessels, and an action plan for green transformation of bunkering, thus improving the regulatory and service system. 

Zhoushan port records 8 million mt annual bunker volume for 2025

The city achieved nearly 120,000 mt of biofuel bunkering. Zhoushan also put into operation an LNG bonded warehouse, commenced construction of the first methanol bunkering vessel, and established the first liquid ammonia bunkering company, accelerating the development of alternative bunker fuels such as LNG, methanol, and ammonia.

The city has continuously explored reforms and innovations in a bunker measurement system, releasing the first provincial standard for mass flow meters in China. 

It has conducted compliance inspections, statutory verifications, and pilot certifications for the installation and use of mass flow meters on barges, and implemented an online e-BDN system, successfully completing trials and entering routine operation. 

This has significantly simplified the processes of metering, handover, and verification, making the city the first in the country to achieve fully digital handover of the bonded fuel bunkering process. 

In July 2025, Zhoushan became the first port in China and third in the world to implement electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDN) after issuing its first. 

A series of convenient anchorage measures were implemented. Provincial and municipal customs, maritime, and border inspection departments issued a package of facilitation support measures. 

They assessed and optimised nighttime supply conditions, added priority anchorages for bunkering, expanded the number of night time supply barges, and innovatively implemented a “one-window” service for refuelling vessels throughout the customs area, separate supervision and verification for large and small vessels, and simultaneous bunkering and cargo operations (SIMOPS). 

These measures further simplified customs clearance procedures at Zhoushan Port and effectively improved anchorage turnover efficiency and carrying capacity. 

With that, the bunker volume at Zhoushan anchorage reached 2.85 million mt in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 19.1%, becoming the core driving force for market growth. Among them, the bunker volume at Xiushan East anchorage reached 1.48 million mt, a year-on-year increase of 33.45%.

As for infrastructure, the city has accelerated storage and transportation projects for commissioning and expansion, adding 2.53 million cubic metres (m3) of oil and gas storage capacity.

The committee added that specialised policies, such as the “Implementation Opinions on Supporting the High-Quality Development of Zhoushan’s Bonded Marine Fuel Bunkering Industry,” was also introduced to drive cost reduction and efficiency improvement for enterprises.

Related: China: Zhoushan Port achieves 7.26 million mt annual bunker volume for 2024
Related: IPEC 2025: Zhoushan moves digital bunkering initiative to full-scale implementation
Related: Zhoushan becomes first port in China, third in world to implement e-BDN bunker ops
Related: IPEC 2025: Chinese stakeholders inked deals on alternative bunker fuels and e-BDN
Related: China: First LNG bonded bunker warehouse in Zhoushan begins operation

 

Photo credit: Zhoushan Hi-Tech Zone Administrative Committee
Published: 8 January, 2026

Continue Reading

Bunker Fuel

Vilma Oil Med boosts bunkering operations at Port of Ceuta

Expansion includes an increase in storage capacity, a broader bunker fuel offering including HSFO, VLSFO and MGO and a IMO II chemical tanker capable of supplying biofuels up to B100.

Admin

Published

5 months ago

on

January 7, 2026

By

Vilma Oil Med boosts bunkering operations at Port of Ceuta

Global marine fuel supply and procurement firm TFG Marine on Tuesday (6 January) said Spanish bunkering company Vilma Oil Med has expanded its bunkering operations at the Port of Ceuta, further strengthening its presence in the Strait of Gibraltar.

The expansion includes an increase in storage capacity to approximately 120,000 cubic metres, enhanced ex pipe delivery capability, a broader marine fuel offering including HSFO, VLSFO and MGO, and the addition of a new IMO II chemical tanker capable of supplying biofuels up to B100.

All deliveries will continue to be carried out using fully calibrated, ISO 22192 certified Mass Flow Meter systems. 

Ernesto Fernandez-Maquieira, Director, Vilma Oil Med, said: “We are pleased to grow our offering in the region and remain committed to continued investment in Ceuta, recognising its strategic importance in the Strait of Gibraltar and working closely with our partners to support its development as a competitive and innovative bunkering destination.” 

Manifold Times previously reported TFG Marine acquiring a majority stake in Vilma Oil Med.

Related: TFG Marine becomes majority owner of Spanish bunkering firm Vilma Oil Med
Related: TFG Marine to acquire majority ownership of Spanish bunkering firm Vilma Oil Med

 

Photo credit: TFG Marine
Published: 7 January, 2026

Continue Reading

Trending