Mass Flowmeter

Metcore: Taking the right approach in using MFM

It is a welcome development that global ports have started implementation of mass flow metering system (MFM system) for bunker fuel measurement. Although there are existing regulations for use of mass flow meters for general custody transfer purposes, they are not well enacted for the bunker fuel application. The critical difference is the approach in system set-up and onsite verification prior to custody transfer measurement, as well as the monitoring and control when the MFM system is in operation.

Published

2 years ago

January 19, 2024

Admin

Mass flow meter (MFM) vendors today have taken steps to build their measurement system for bunker application; in-line with the encouraging results from the Singapore market which initiated the mandated use of mass flow meter (MFM) for bunker fuel measurement. However, the international marine refuelling sector, with the exception of Singapore, is still encountering bunker buyers not readily accepting the meter quantity as final and binding.

“The bunker buying culture of ‘trust’ will need to be far more convincing for buyers to accept the delivery figure from MFM-equipped bunkering vessels,” opines Darrick Pang, Managing Director of Metcore International Pte Ltd, a leading marine solutions provider with technical expertise in MFM systems for bunker applications based in Singapore.

“MFMs for bunkering are not plug-and-play systems because they require a large investment for the initial set-up and needs to be maintained regularly. Nevertheless, the success of transparency brought by the MFM system – without a doubt – can be seen in Singapore.”

“Till today, the international bunker trade is still encountering measurement comparison between the delivery bunker tanker and the receiving vessel. It is time for the delivery vessel to build trust while reducing unnecessary downtime in handling disputes.”

“The approach to MFM usage is more important than merely mandating its use because having a half-done initial certification will not do justice to the capability of the MFM system and the high costs of investment. It is as good as remaining status quo in using the conventional measurement method, since it defeats the purpose of ensuring trust and transparency of installing the MFM on-board the bunker takers for bunker fuel measurement.”

Enhanced Trust and Impartiality

The Singapore-based MFM system measurement solutions provider told Manifold Times it welcomed the development of more global key ports mandating use of MFMs that are trusted by international bunker buyers and shipowners alike.

It is crucial for interested stakeholders to tap onto the recognised ISO 22192:2021 ‘Bunkering of marine fuel using the Coriolis mass flow meter (MFM) system’. Otherwise, the global bunkering sector may run the risk of evaluating the MFM system based on misaligned practices and operating disparate standards at different international ports.

“Existing national or regional legislations may not provide adequate guidelines on system performance testing. Moreover, the effect on metering for each installed system usually differs during the tanker’s delivery operations,” explained Pang.

“The situation calls for a two-pronged approach: firstly, to level-up with ISO 22192 guidelines, specifically the onsite verification requirements, and secondly, to have an independent and third-party conformity assessment body (CAB) to perform on-site verification on the MFM system in its operating conditions, to maintain impartiality.”

Support of Independent Third-Party Accredited CAB

“The support of an independent third-party accredited conformity assessment body (CAB) to safeguard the impartiality of evaluation and system testing activities at the specific vessel’s own operational level will ensure meter integrity,” believes Pang.

“Having a recognised third party’s independent certification, with reference to recognised and globally accepted standards, with an on-site MFM system verification prior to approval, as well as continual operation monitoring and regular control checks, will go a long way to ensure that the MFM system has the full functionality to provide accurate and trusted bunker measurements as a safeguard against potential disputes.”

Besides having the capability to evaluate the MFM and its associated devices, the CABs would endeavour to have in-depth knowledge of the bunker tankers cargo system set-up and bunkering operations to ensure comprehensive conformity to the relevant guidelines and legislated requirements.

The conformity assessment tests for optimal operational maintenance of the MFM systems for bunkering applications enhance trust and traceability for all stakeholders. This approach also provides a balanced view with representations from the various stakeholders without permitting any one interest to predominate. This will steer the maritime industry towards harmonised conformance framework and digitalisation across global ports.

Digitalisation for Transparency and Traceability

“It is more relevant than ever for bunker measurement practices to be harmonised for transparency and traceability across global ports,” explained Daryl Lim, Quality Manager of Metcore International Pte Ltd.

Lim was among the panel of speakers at ARACON 2023 and discussed with conference delegates from the marine fuel industry about various issues related to the certification of MFM Systems for bunker applications as well as the direction of bunkering to enhance trust and transparency. He shared the experience of using MFM systems for bunker applications with reference to ISO 22192.

metcore

“Moving forward, harmonising of practices using standards with competent and independent conformity assessment approach would enhance trust, transparency and traceability when using the adequately certified MFM system for measurement of bunker fuel; especially in operations requiring continuous reliance on the latest technology in the measurement of marine fuel,” opined Lim

“Supported by the recognised third party’s independent certification, on-site MFM system verification and regular monitoring of operational controls – all these best practices for digitalisation will serve to strengthen the trust and acceptance of the MFM system’s measurement,” concluded Pang.

Photo credit: Metcore International
Published: 19 January 2024

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Mass Flowmeter

MFM-equipped CPN barge first listed under Hong Kong quality bunker scheme

Chimbusco Pan Nation’s bunker barge “Zhong Ran 23” has become the first vessel in Hong Kong listed on Marine Department’s official List of Quality Bunker Vessels, under a newly-launched scheme.

Published

5 days ago

June 17, 2026

Admin

MFM-equipped CPN barge first listed under Hong Kong quality bunker scheme

Hong Kong-based marine fuel supplier Chimbusco Pan Nation (CPN) on Tuesday (16 June) announced that its bunker barge Zhong Ran 23 has become the first vessel in Hong Kong listed on the Marine Department’s official List of Quality Bunker Vessels.

The list under the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme launched on 3 June.

“The Scheme is a voluntary initiative designed to raise the standard of bunkering accuracy, transparency, and service quality in Hong Kong,” CPN said in a social media post.

“To be listed, a bunker vessel must have its Mass Flow Meter (MFM) system independently certified under ISO 22192, the international benchmark for mass flow metering in bunkering operations.”

CPN added it has operated the MFM system across our fleet of fuel oil barges since 2015.

Manifold Times previously reported Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) launching the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems (MFM systems) on their bunker vessels.

MD said the scheme aims to enhance Hong Kong’s bunkering service quality and the competitiveness of Hong Kong ports, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre and a major bunkering port.

Under the Scheme, bunker operators of traditional maritime fuel and biodiesel that install and use MFM systems on their bunker vessels, with the MFM systems inspected and certified by an accredited body in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 22192 Standard or equivalent requirements, can apply to the MD for inclusion in the scheme’s “List of Quality Bunker Vessels”, provided they meet the relevant technical and operational requirements.

Photo credit: Chimbusco Pan Nation
Published: 17 June, 2026

Mass Flowmeter

Hong Kong backs MFM adoption with voluntary scheme to boost bunkering competitiveness

Hong Kong’s Marine Department launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems on their bunker vessels.

Published

3 weeks ago

June 4, 2026

Admin

Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) on Wednesday (3 June) launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems (MFM systems) on their bunker vessels.

Details of the bunker vessels successfully included in the List will be published on a dedicated page on the MD’s website for reference by shipping companies and relevant stakeholders.

Participation in the Scheme is voluntary. In addition to receiving recognition from the MD, participating bunker operators will benefit from enhanced corporate image and competitiveness through the adoption of MFM systems, thereby boosting customers’ confidence and helping to create new business opportunities.

A spokesman for the MD, said: “As an international maritime centre supported by our country, Hong Kong has a strategic location adjacent to major international fairways. Coupled with years of development in marine fuel bunkering, Hong Kong possesses rich experience and talent in the field. For many years, Hong Kong has consistently ranked as the seventh-largest bunkering port globally, the second-largest in our country, and the largest in the Greater Bay Area, providing reliable and competitive fuel bunkering services to ocean-going vessels from around the world.

“As the international shipping industry has an increasing demand for accuracy and transparency in bunkering services, service quality and measurement precision in bunkering operations have become important indicators of a bunkering port’s competitiveness. The Scheme will enhance bunkering accuracy and transparency, further enhancing the quality of Hong Kong’s bunkering services.

The spokesman added that comprehensive port services are one of Hong Kong’s key advantages as an international maritime centre.

“We will also mandate the use of MFM systems on all methanol bunker vessels this year to ensure that Hong Kong continues to provide high-quality bunkering services in the era of green maritime fuels.”

Note: The application form for the Scheme can be found on the MD’s website. Interested bunker operators can download the application form from the website or contact the MD’s Green Maritime Fuel Team via email ([email protected]) for details.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 4 June, 2026

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.

Published

3 months ago

March 23, 2026

Admin

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.

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