It is only a matter of time when mass flowmeter (MFM) technology gets implemented at Singapore fuel terminals, says the Business Process Consultant – Bunkering & Fuel Supply Chain at MFM manufacturer Endress+Hauser.
‘We strongly feel that next thing to come are installations of MFM systems at the terminal not only for loading bunker fuel to barges but also to receive fuel or any other fluids from the ship that needs to be stored at the terminal,’ Mohamed Abdeni told delegates at IBIA Annual Convention 2017.
‘We are quite sure this is going to be; just a question of time to reach the next stage.’
According to Mohamed, the current method of having manual sounding operations conducted before and after unloading product into a terminal is inefficient and prone to human error.
Further, he noted Singapore MFM-equipped bunker tankers frequently encountering ‘significantly different’ bunker cargo readings when compared to delivered figures provided by the terminal.
‘So, if one fuel supplier loses fuel during loading at the terminal he will not be able to make the delivery with the correct volume intact; so it is going to be a loss and this will lead to high difficulties on managing inventory over time,’ explains Mohamed.
Terminals which receive fuel also experience entrained air during the end of the operation (when the delivery ship needs to empty its cargo tanks) and this will lead to additional measurement errors on the terminal side.
On the other hand, the use of MFM technology by terminals will harmonise the measuring method along the bunker fuel supply chain and lead to a fairer trade at Singapore, he believes.
‘For sure there is operational efficiency and if this is at such a level where there can be mutual trust, there will be no more need for sounding before and after cargo operations,’ says Mohamed.
'On the other side, terminal operators could also decide to accept MFM readings installed onboard the barge that is receiving the bunker fuel.
‘Real time data can also be introduced and seen online during operations for both the ship and terminal operators. These systems can also be integrated today on control or business systems; even in the future the data can be sent to the authorities if required.
‘These gains will enhance transparency, create visibility for all stakeholders and reduce disputes at the end of the day.
‘It will also help bunker operators better manage their inventory.’
Offers PureSOx connectivity programme allowing customers to remotely monitor scrubber performance.
Self-powered and wireless full-set device can achieve the long-term and maintenance-free detection of ammonia leakage during the ocean voyage.
Composite tech offers a competitive alternative to marine LNG fuel tanks, principally for small, short sea shipping applications where weight is an issue.
A unique digital predictive maintenance product, the MVP for scrubbers will provide continuous fleet-wide insight into vessel compliance and scrubber utilisation.
‘We are looking forward to a highly successful co-operation in the years to come and we are currently lining up the first installation opportunities with CHI,’ says Anemoi.
Allows chartering department to estimate fuel performance of vessel before chartering-in commitment.
Buyers can nominate deliveries on platform and plan operations together with suppliers following ‘one single truth’ concept with all players aware of what has been agreed when and by whom, says DNV spokesman.
Rotterdam’s intention to mandate the usage of MFMs goes down well with licensed bunker supplier VT Group; MFM providers supportive of move but stressed continuous monitoring is needed for optimum performance.
Cost of alternative bunker fuels, bunker operations and technology advancement are some considerations to be examined by the maritime industry, says Neo, director of SDE International Pte Ltd.
Kim Hyung Joon and Han Donghoon were planning to join the Singapore entities of Hartree Group - either Hartree Partners Singapore Pte Ltd or Hartree Marine Fuels - in October, discovered management.
‘When you think of Helmsman on the next occasion, think of us as lawyers with expertise in various fields. Come to us before a problem develops. It’s the process that matters,’ says Tang Chong Jun, Executive Director.
Bernard Chew was a former shareholder of MB Marine and was an authorised signatory of the company’s cheques at the material time, according to court documents obtained by Manifold Times.
