Connect with us

Mass Flowmeter

Integr8: MFM roll-out in Singapore could serve as a model for Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges

Best practices achieved in Singapore was a result of an industry-wide initiative and has been underpinned by government support and regulatory enforcement, says Chris Turner of Integr8.

Admin

Published

on

318

International bunker trading company Integr8 Fuels on Tuesday (24 October) welcomed the recent announcement of the mandatory use of mass flow metres (MFMs) in Ports of Antwerp-Burges and Rotterdam from January 202, but emphasised that robust regulatory and enforcement protocols will prove critical in order to build confidence in the system.

A report from IBIA and BIMCO on 22 May showed that while strong support exists for licencing schemes, mass flow metering, and the transparency this brings between suppliers and receivers, only 80% of those surveyed trusted a correctly installed, certified, and used MFM.

Chris Turner, Bunker Quality & Claims Manager for Integr8, said: “The announcement is great news, but we must also commit to a transparent model strictly aligned to ISO 22192, with the ability to appropriately enforce and sanction. Without this, even with Mass Flow Meters being mandatory in these ports, endemic mistrust will remain, and the opaque nature of supply will persist in the eyes of many.”

Chris T headshot edited

Singapore’s MFM roll-out could serve as a model for the ARA, Chris points out. The best practices achieved in Singapore was a result of an industry-wide initiative and has been underpinned by government support and regulatory enforcement.

Singapore’s approach has been to strive for best practice and deal with poor performance. Its MFM system reduces the chance of manipulation through the following measures:

• A robust Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore approval process

• Application of the SS 524:2021 quality management standard

• Sampling at the vessel manifold

• Traceable calibration

• Consistent documentation

Supported by robust enforcement, the model encourages dispute reporting and performance reviews, with demerit points and possible loss of licenses as penalties for non-compliance.

Licensing Benefits – Improved Compliance

Integr8 data showed that in the last 180 days there were significantly fewer quantity claims in Singapore than the global average (0.9% of Singapore volume vs 1.6% globally).

Chris continued: “Let’s not forget, many of the alternative fuels will be even more expensive, exacerbating potential hidden losses. With carbon taxes and emission trading schemes approaching, it’s even more important for fuel users to have reliable data and the use of MFMs contribute to that.”

Not only do MFMs significantly reduce the likelihood of hidden loses, but the numbers continue to support licenced MFMs when it comes to VLSFO sulphur compliance. 

Data available to Integr8 showed that Singapore’s system appears to go a long way in lowering the chance of sulphur over 0.50% being reported (a x6 reduction compared to ARA), and allegations of sulphur breaching the carriage ban (also a x6 reduction compared to ARA).

All this suggests that if a commitment is taken to drive the quality systems to the right level, MFMs and licencing can have a significant benefit to disputes, hidden losses and quality issues, including critical MARPOL non-compliance.

“We have a super chance to make a lasting difference in the supply landscape, let’s seize it.” Chris concluded.

Related: MFM bunker measurement system to be mandatory in Antwerp-Burges and Rotterdam
Related: TFG Marine: Mandatory MFM move in Antwerp-Bruges and Rotterdam is a ‘step in the right direction’

Photo credit: Integr8
Published: 25 October, 2023

Continue Reading

Mass Flowmeter

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

Port Authority of Ceuta has implemented the mandatory use of international ISO 22192 certified and calibrated Mass Flow Meters for marine fuel supply by barge, effective February 2025.

Admin

Published

on

By

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

The Port Authority of Ceuta on Wednesday (12 February) said it has become the first Mediterranean port to mandate the use of international ISO 22192 certified and calibrated Mass Flow Meters (MFMs) for marine fuel supply by barge, effective February 2025.

It said the device ensures a much more precise marine fuel measurement, providing greater transparency and efficiency. 

“The MFM allows the collection of the most accurate and extensive real-time data on the amount of product being transferred, reducing the margin of error and improving traceability in supply operations,” the port authority said in a statement. 

“The implementation of this technology will minimise discrepancies and disputes between suppliers and shipowners regarding the amount of fuel received, ensuring more reliable and efficient management of bunkering operations.”

“Furthermore, waiting times will be reduced, and productivity will increase, making the Port of Ceuta more competitive and profitable for all the stakeholders.”

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

It added introducing the requirement for all deliveries to use MFMs reinforced Port of Ceuta's commitment to the modernisation and digitalisation of the bunker sector, aligning with the demands of the global market and contributing to the sustainability of maritime transport. 

“This milestone represents a significant progress in our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency," said the Port Authority of Ceuta. 

“By adopting MFM technology, we are reinforcing our position as a leading Mediterranean port and ensuring a high-quality, transparent service for all our clients.”

 

Photo credit: Port Authority of Ceuta
Published: 13 February, 2025

Continue Reading

Bunker Fuel

IBIA: Dutch authorities to enforce ISO 13739 bunker sampling in Rotterdam by 2026

IBIA Secretariat has received information that Netherlands’ Inspectorate for Environment and Transport is planning for the port to strictly enforce rules for fuel oil sampling on board the receiving vessel.

Admin

Published

on

By

IBIA: Dutch authorities to enforce ISO bunker sampling standard in Port of Rotterdam

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

Continue Reading

Mass Flowmeter

TFG Marine completes MFM installation on bunkering vessel “MT Hakkasan”

Firm announced the addition of another vessel to its fleet equipped with a fully calibrated, ISO 22192-certified mass flow meter, in Port Louis, Mauritius.

Admin

Published

on

By

TFG Marine completes MFM installation on bunkering vessel “MT Hakkasan”

Global marine fuel supply and procurement firm TFG Marine TFG Marine on Thursday (23 January), announced the addition of another vessel to its fleet equipped with a fully calibrated, ISO 22192-certified mass flow meter, in Port Louis, Mauritius.

The installation was done after months of collaboration with Swiss-based mass flow meter partner, Endress+Hauser Group, and certification specialists, Metcore International Pte Ltd. 

“The MT Hakkasan, a supply vessel operated under our TFG Marine-GRM (Group Roland Maurel) joint venture, is the first of its kind to feature this cutting-edge technology at the rapidly growing Indian Ocean bunkering hub,” TFG Marine said.

This latest installation further demonstrates our commitment to equipping our fleet with mass flow meter technology, enabling us to deliver marine fuel with the highest levels of efficiency, accuracy, and transparency from another one of our operating sites.

We look forward to continuing to roll out this advanced technology, providing our global customer base with a superior bunkering experience, wherever we operate.

Manifold Times previously reported TFG Marine carrying out preparatory inspection works with Endress+Hauser on the MT Hakkasan, the first of TFG Marine-GRM joint-venture’s bunkering vessels in the region to be fitted with a fully calibrated and ISO 22192 compliant MFM.

Related: TFG Marine and Endress+Hauser to install MFM on bunkering vessel in Mauritius

 

Photo credit: TFG Marine
Published: 24 January, 2025

Continue Reading
Advertisement
  • Sea Trader & Sea Splendor
  • EMF banner 400x330 slogan
  • Zhoushan Bunker
  • Aderco Manifold Website Advert EN
  • v4Helmsman Gif Banner 01
  • SBF2
  • RE 05 Lighthouse GIF
  • Consort advertisement v2

OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS

  • HL 2022 adv v1
  • SEAOIL 3+5 GIF
  • E MARINE LOGO
  • Triton Bunkering advertisement v2
  • Singfar advertisement final


  • Trillion Energy
  • Synergy Asia Bunkering logo MT
  • PSP Marine logo
  • Auramarine 01
  • Cathay Marine Fuel Oil Trading logo
  • Central Star logo
  • Innospec logo v6
  • Mokara Final
  • MFA logo v2
  • Kenoil
  • LabTechnic
  • Headway Manifold
  • VPS 2021 advertisement
  • 400x330 v2 copy
  • Advert Shipping Manifold resized1

Trending