The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will be introducing a co-funding scheme to help bunker tanker delivering distillates in the Port of Singapore adopt mass flowmeter (MFM) technology for bunkering.
To defray part of the cost in installing the MFM system, companies may apply for co-funding of up to SGD $60,000 from MPA for each distillate bunker tanker; MPA has set aside SGD $9 million ($6.78 million) to co-fund this initiative.
The typical cost of a MFM system for such distillate bunker tankers can range from SGD $110,000 to $155,000 depending on the meter size, according to a source with knowledge of the matter.
MPA Thursday said it will extend the mandatory use of MFM technology to all bunker tankers delivering distillates in the Port of Singapore from 1 July 2019.
“The industry has given positive feedback on the mandatory use of MFM for MFO (marine fuel oil,)” said Assistant Chief Executive (Operations) of MPA, Capt M Segar, at the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) Asia Gala Dinner held last night (26 April 2018).
“As the world’s top bunkering port, it is important that we continue to set the highest bunkering standards to ensure fuel quality and reliability and this can be achieved through the use of MFM.
“This will also prepare the industry for an expected increase in delivery of distillates with the introduction of a 0.5% global sulphur cap from 1 January 2020 by the International Maritime Organization. We will continue to work closely with all our stakeholders to prepare the bunkering industry for the future.”
In short, the development means all existing distillates bunker tankers supplying to ocean-going ships in the Port of Singapore must be fitted with MPA-approved MFM system with effect from 1 July, 2019.
All new bunker tankers applying for the Harbour Craft (Bunker Tanker) licence will be required to be fitted with the MPA-approved MFM system.
To ensure that the MFM system is suitable for delivery of distillates, the MFM Working Group – jointly initiated by MPA and Enterprise Singapore and consisting of members from Weights and Measure Office (WMO) of Enterprise Singapore, National Metrology Centre @ A*Star (NMC) and various stakeholders in the bunkering industry – had tested the system on five bunker tankers.
The five tankers are Marine Pamela, Ocean Pioneer, Patimah, Sentek 25 and Wisdom, and tests were completed in October 2017.
Published: 27 April, 2018
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