Business

Metcore launches MFM+ Program; bunker industry stakeholders can ‘take the challenge by going beyond the norm’

‘Metcore’s MFM+ Program exemplifies serious oil suppliers and buyers who advocate fair trading using a recognised and widely-accepted technology,’ highlights Darrick Pang, Managing Director of Metcore.

Published

4 years ago

October 27, 2021

Admin

Singapore-based mass flow metering system (MFMS) integrator and solution provider Metcore International (Metcore) on Wednesday (27 October) introduced its MFM+ Program to the bunkering industry.

The MFM+ Program was launched on 20 October with Hong Kong-based bunker tanker operators Vermont Marine Bunkering Limited and Bunker Express Company Limited, when both firms attained the MFM+ Program certification for their respective bunker tankers Anelly and Yee Lee.

According to Metcore, the success of using MFMS for bunker measurement revolves around the core principle of building trust with management and operational controls in place.

MFM+ Program’s “beyond the norm” approach goes beyond the baseline requirements of the MFMS.

“The baseline requirements which are typically referenced from the applicable bunker mass flow metering standards, must first be in conformity at the initial phase of the MFM+ Program,” explains Darrick Pang, Managing Director of Metcore.

“Subsequently, the program’s key initiatives are applied to enhance the capability of the MFMS. This is over and above the baseline requirement, to enable ‘peace of mind’ for key stakeholders in bunker supply chain.”

The MFM+ Program enhances measurement capability with key initiatives such as initial and periodic qualification assessments, mass flow metering data analysis and training relevant personnel to better handle the MFMS, ensuring high level of operational competency and continuous monitoring of the metering processes which will eventually lead to a much-trusted measurement, to safeguard the operational integrity of the MFMS.

“The key advantage of utilising the Coriolis mass flow technology is that it provides process traceability by logging measured flow parameters and data throughout the bunker transaction, thereby establishing a proper audit trail for transparent bunker measurement,” states Pang.

“The logged operations data is readily available, post-delivery, for metering data analysis to detect any abnormality which could affect the bunker measurement.”

The company notes it has been supporting the bunker industry in metering data analysis for oil loss management, as well as dispute handling for stakeholders who have MFMS onboard bunker tankers.

As such, it has achieved in-depth understanding and expertise in flow measurements to analyse metering data and profile, which form an integral pillar of the MFM+ Program.

“Moving ahead with global bunkering, the MFM+ Program is ready to support the industry-driven digitalisation effort and blockchain technology, ensuring a level playing field with real-time data logging and monitoring of bunker processes,” highlights Pang.

“It allows the bunkering industry stakeholders to have much needed ‘peace of mind’ and ‘take the challenge by going beyond the norm’.

“Metcore’s MFM+ Program exemplifies serious oil suppliers and buyers who advocate fair trading using a recognised and widely-accepted technology.”

Photo credit: Metcore International
Published: 27 October, 2021

Biofuel

NYK to launch Japan’s first antioxidant for biodiesel bunker fuel in August

When added to biofuel, BioxiGuard slows progression of oxidative degradation and helps deter issues such as metal corrosion, strainer blockage, and cleaning-system fouling often triggered by oxidised fuel.

Published

16 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Admin

Japan’s first antioxidant by NYK for biodiesel bunker fuel set to release in August

Nippon Yuka Kogyo (Nippon Yuka), an NYK Group company specialising in chemical R&D as well as the manufacture and sale of chemical products, on Wednesday (21 May) announced the upcoming release of BioxiGuard, the Japan’s first antioxidant specially developed for marine biodiesel, from 10 August.

NYK said compared with conventional petroleum-based fuels, biofuel contains a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, making it more susceptible to oxidative degradation. Once oxidised, the biofuel can produce acidic substances and sludge, adversely affecting vessel fuel efficiency by reducing the fuel’s calorific value.

Developed by Nippon Yuka based on property analyses of the biofuel used in NYK-operated vessels, BioxiGuard is specifically formulated to enhance the oxidation stability of biodiesel. When added to biofuel, BioxiGuard slows the progression of oxidative degradation and helps deter issues such as metal corrosion, strainer blockage, and cleaning-system fouling often triggered by oxidised fuel.

According to laboratory tests conducted by Nippon Yuka researchers, the addition of BioxiGuard at a concentration of 1 part per 500 resulted in an approximate 50% reduction in the rate of biofuel degradation compared to untreated biofuel.

This significant improvement underscores the potential for vessel operators to not only extend the useful life of biofuel on board but also maintain more stable and cost-effective vessel operations.

Photo credit: NYK
Published: 22 May, 2025

Wind-assisted

Dealfeng to equip Singapore-based Hung Ze’s chemical tankers with rotor sails

Project marks Chinese firm Dealfeng’s first overseas commercial contract for its wind-assisted propulsion technology which entails equipping a new series of 14,000 DWT chemical tankers with Dealfeng Rotor Sails.

Published

16 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Admin

Singapore-based Hung Ze chemical tankers to be equipped with Dealfeng rotor sails

Dealfeng, a Chinese provider of wind-assisted propulsion systems, on Tuesday (20 May) said it has assigned a cooperation agreement with Singapore-based shipowner Hung Ze Shipping.

The partnership will equip a new series of 14,000 DWT chemical tankers with Dealfeng® Rotor Sails.

Each vessel will feature a 5m x 24m Dealfeng Rotor Sail installed on its forecastle deck. Collaborating with maritime software leader NAPA, the project will utilise route optimisation systems to maximise the efficiency of wind-assisted voyages, further enhancing fuel savings and emissions reduction while improving overall energy performance.

“The first vessel in the series is scheduled for delivery with the rotor sail system in the fourth quarter of 2025. Preliminary calculations indicate that the technology will achieve approximately 8% fuel savings on the vessel’s trading routes,” the company said in a social media post.

The project marked Dealfeng’s first overseas commercial contract for its wind-assisted propulsion technology.

Dealfeng, a clean energy technology company specialising in the R&D, manufacturing, and EPC services of shipborne energy-saving systems, has long focused on developing Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS). Its core product, the Rotor Sail, harnesses wind energy via the Magnus effect to provide auxiliary propulsion for vessels.

Tailored to different ship types, the system offers fuel and carbon emission reductions of 5%–25%, with even greater efficiency under favorable wind conditions. Dealfeng’s Rotor Sail technology has obtained certifications from multiple classification societies and has been successfully deployed across numerous vessels, accumulating years of operational experience that validate its safety, reliability, and effectiveness.

Hung Ze operates a diverse fleet ranging from 5,000 DWT vessels to MR product tankers.

Photo credit: Dealfeng
Published: 22 May, 2025

Newbuilding

Höegh Autoliners latest LNG dual-fuel PCTC en route to Shanghai for bunkering

The 9,100 CEU “Höegh Sunrise”, currently sailing the seas, is on its way to Shanghai for bunkering before sailing to Japan and then towards Europe.

Published

16 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Admin

Höegh Autoliners latest LNG dual-fuel PCTC en route to Shanghai for bunkering

Höegh Autoliners on Tuesday (20 May) said its latest liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel pure car and truck carrier has departed China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard, ready to commence its commercial operations.

The 9,100 CEU Höegh Sunrise, currently sailing the seas, is on its way to Shanghai for bunkering before sailing to Japan and then towards Europe.

The PCTC is the fifth in a series of 12 Aurora Class vessels built by the shipyard in China. The first eight Auroras are or will be equipped with engines primed to run on LNG and low-sulphur oil.

These vessels can be converted to run on ammonia later. By 2027, Höegh Autoliners said the four last vessels of the series will be able to run net zero on ammonia directly from the yard when delivered.

Manifold Times previously reported the naming ceremony of Höegh Autoliner’s fourth Aurora Class newbuild, Höegh Sunlight, at Taicang Haitong Auto Terminal.