Mass Flowmeter

VPS Quick Screen Service summarises top issues during MFM bunkering ops in 2018

‘It is important to gain a deeper understanding over TR 48:2015 non-conformances as not all cases mean we have a big problem,’ says Managing Director, AMEA.

Published

8 years ago

January 10, 2019

Admin

Data from international fuel testing and inspection company Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) mass flowmeter (MFM) Quick Screen Service detected several instances of operators not managing MFMs to the Technical Reference for Bunker Mass Flow Metering (TR 48:2015) during bunkering operations at Singapore port in 2018.

The MFM Quick Screen service for shipowners evaluates the performance of MFM during bunker deliveries in accordance to the Technical Reference for Bunker Mass Flow Metering (TR 48:2015) at Singapore.

“The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Working Group on mass flow metering have done an excellent job to develop TR 48:2015,” Rahul Choudhuri, Managing Director, AMEA, told Manifold Times.

“However, these guidelines are not always followed by bunkering crew during operations on the waterfront.

“Based from collated data of the VPS MFM Quick Screen Service we were able to summarise and get a good idea of the key points stakeholders should look out for during a MFM bunker delivery process.

“These areas are the ones with a higher risk of non-conformance.”

The most reported cases of operators not complying to TR 48:2015 practices in 2018 were over line clearing practices, deliveries under the minimum mass flow rate (Qmin), MFM drive gain/damping, and the flow rate going beneath the low flow cut off value.

These problems, on the surface, may suggest violations during MFM bunkering but this is not always the case, clarifies Choudhuri who used the case of line clearing as an example.

Section 10.5.2.10 of TR 48:2015 states line clearing should not be repeated more than twice after completion of the pumping operation.

“We find it to be mistakes made by the bunker operator in most cases when line clearing is done more than twice, however, we are also aware that some vessels specifically request line clearing to be conducted for an extended period of time after the bunker operation thereby not conforming to TR 48:2015 practises,” he says.

“In light of this, we need to state that extended line clearing creates aeration and therefore affects the final MFM reading. A good line clearing & stripping should be around 10 minutes, and the maximum we have seen is up to 30 minutes.”

Choudhuri next points out the operation of MFM units beneath the Qmin to be the second most common TR 48:2015 issue detected by the VPS MFM Quick Screen Service.

“Mass flowmeters are designed to operate within certain tolerances and delivering bunker fuel beneath the Qmin over a period of time will certainly affect the device’s measurement uncertainty,” he explains.

“The delivery of bunker fuel below Qmin will affect the measurement uncertainty of the MFM.”

However, Qmin caused by e.g. the momentary changing of tanks or low pumping rate, and consistent Qmin over a period of time are two different operations.

“Specifically, shipowners will need to take notice of consistent Qmin over a period of time as this affects the total reading and measurement uncertainty of the MFM,” Choudhuri highlights.

The indication of excessive drive gain or damping where more deflection occurs in the flow tube, and aeration within the MFM system, are among the top TR 48:2015 non-conformances recorded; the scenario occurs when the MFM system detects entrained air, also known as aeration, introduced during the bunkering process.

The transfer of bunker material beneath the low flow cut off value was also within the list of top TR 48:2015 non-conformances registered by the VPS MFM Quick Screen Service.

"The low flow cut off value for fuel oil bunkering operations is usually set to around 10 metric tonnes (mt) per hour or less subject to pipe diameter and this is the lowest level that a MFM can measure to deliver fluid; anything below this value and the whole unit stops measuring which can be bad for the bunker supplier," says Choudhuri.

“But registering a transfer rate beneath the low flow cut off value does not necessary mean the equipment is not functioning well as it can happen when a supplier is conducting a tank to tank change operation while bunkering.”

He concludes: “As discussed in the above scenarios, the results themselves show how diverse the reasons are for TR 48:2015 non-conformances; a deeper understanding is important as not all cases mean we have a big problem.”

“This is also where trained personnel, such as the role of the bunker surveyor, comes in to tell the difference and will continue to exist.

“The surveyor’s role is still very important and these are just some of the issues which may or may not be the supplier's fault; which is why we want these operations to be well managed.

“Today, the bunker surveyor is more relevant than before as we have gone beyond the traditional surveying scope on just check on bunker quantity.

“Many practises in TR 48 are currently under review to upgrade it to a Singapore Standard (SS) and this includes the extended role of the bunker surveyor as well.”

Photo credit: Veritas Petroleum Services
Published: 10 January, 2019

Technology

Malaysia: Maharani Freeport to implement MFM and e-BDN technologies for enhanced bunkering transparency

Initiatives reflect the Freeport’s commitment to delivering transparency, operational integrity and international best practices across its bunkering ecosystem, says MEG spokesperson.

Published

7 days ago

July 15, 2026

Admin

Maharani Freeport, a National Project officially launched by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, in November 2025, will be introducing mass flowmeter (MFM) and electronic bunker delivery note (e-BDN) technologies to its bunkering operations, learns Manifold Times.

These strategic initiatives underscore the port’s commitment in establishing a highly transparent, efficient and trustworthy bunkering environment, aligned with global best practices and addressing critical industry demands, according to a Maharani Energy Gateway (MEG) spokesperson.

MEG is the Master Developer of Maharani Freeport and seeks to position the Freeport as a strategic nexus for shipment, storage and trading operations on a global scale. MEG Synergy is the trading division and a wholly owned entity of MEG; it seeks to position Maharani Freeport as a strategic nexus for shipment, storage, and trading operations on a global scale.

As part of its long-term bunkering strategy, the Freeport is currently in the process of acquiring bunker vessels of various sizes to support marine fuel deliveries and accommodate the evolving requirements of regional and international customers. These vessels will be equipped with MFM technology to ensure accurate, transparent and efficient fuel transfer operations.

Including bunkering and ship-to-ship (STS) trading operations from its High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) Floating Storage Unit (FSU), MEG Synergy already oversees a healthy volume of Bunker cargo deliveries to regional players each month.

MFM for Trust, Transparency and Traceability

MEG highlighted the custody transfer of bunker fuels at the Freeport will be handled by MFM-equipped bunker tankers.

“The adoption of MFM technology to support bunkering operations is a direct response to persistent industry challenges such as quantity discrepancies and delivery disputes,” explained the spokesperson.

“By equipping our bunker vessels with certified mass flowmeters, we aim to ensure precise and verifiable fuel delivery measurements.

“This initiative is pivotal in fostering trust among customers and strengthening the Freeport’s reputation as a professionally managed zone where businesses can operate with confidence. The overarching goal is to create a secure and well-governed environment for commercial activities, reducing operational risks and uncertainties while supporting efficient and transparent trade.”

e-BDN to Digitalise Documentation Workflow

The implementation of electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDN), together with MFM technology, further aligns with the Freeport’s focus on creating comprehensive digital custody transfer records and robust data retention systems, added the spokesperson.

This digital approach, integrated with MFM technology, will streamline operational workflows, reduce administrative burdens and provide an immutable record of transactions to enhance transparency, minimising potential friction and expediting dispute resolution

MEG emphasised that the Freeport’s commitment extends beyond technological enhancements to encompass a comprehensive governance framework.

The port aims to adhere to stringent international standards, including those established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), while offering dispute resolution mechanisms under the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to ensure the swift and fair handling of disagreements.

This holistic approach to operational integrity and governance is designed to address perceived transparency gaps, positioning the Freeport as a reliable and commercially attractive hub for the maritime and commodities sectors.

Note: For enquiries in respect of Maharani Freeport, readers may reach out to:

[email protected]

Photo credit: Maharani Energy Gateway
Published: 15 July 2026

Mass Flowmeter

NorthStandard: No switching off when bunker mass flow meters are switched on

While Mass Flow Meters have significantly improved transparency and accuracy in bunker deliveries, experience shows that they are not immune to misuse, says Alvin Forster.

Published

3 weeks ago

July 3, 2026

Admin

NorthStandard: No switching off when bunker mass flow meters are switched on

While Mass Flow Meters have significantly improved transparency and accuracy in bunker deliveries, experience shows that they are not immune to misuse, writes Alvin Forster, Senior Loss Prevention Executive – Americas & UK of global marine insurer NorthStandard:

Bunker quantity disputes remain one of the most frequent and contentious causes of claims and charterparty disputes. Traditional measurement methods based on tank soundings, ullage measurements and calibration/sounding tables have long been criticised for susceptibility to error and manipulation. In response, some of the major bunkering ports have mandated the use of Mass Flow Meters (MFMs) as the primary means of measuring the quantity transferred.

MFMs have significantly improved transparency and accuracy, but experience has shown that they are not immune to misuse or deliberate manipulation. Recent enforcement actions, most notably in Singapore, demonstrate that unscrupulous suppliers may attempt to defeat even sophisticated measurement systems.

Singapore pioneered the mandatory use of MFMs. Since 1 January 2017, MFMs have been compulsory for the delivery of marine fuel oil in the Port of Singapore, with the delivered quantity on the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) derived exclusively from the MFM totaliser.

The regime has continued to evolve. From 1 April 2025, Singapore mandates compliance with SS 648:2024, which tightens requirements around data security, system integrity, piping arrangements, certification, and the use of data loggers and edge devices, reflecting lessons learned from earlier enforcement cases.

Mass appeal for MFMs

From 1 January 2026, MFMs have also been made mandatory on bunker vessels delivering fuel oil, diesel and biofuels at the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp‑Bruges. The systems must be certified and broadly aligned with ISO 22192, mirroring the Singapore model. The use of MFMs is mandatory across port terminals in Türkiye and at the Port of Ceuta in the Gibraltar Strait, while they are also used in Gibraltar by yacht bunker supplier CEPSA, and others.

These developments signal a significant shift in the European bunker market, which has traditionally been reliant on shore tank measurements and barge gauging.

Elsewhere, Sohar Port and Freezone have introduced measures that effectively mandate the use of MFMs for bunker supplies. Hong Kong is also looking to introduce regulations that mandate their use, but only for methanol.

Further afield, an increasing number of suppliers are adopting the use of MFMs in ports and hubs where there is no mandate.

Locations where MFMs are currently used on a non-mandatory basis include Fujairah, Zhoushan, Busan, Houston and Prince Rupert (Canada).

Manipulation against the flow

Despite the broadening appeal, and the tamper‑resistant design work that has gone into MFM solutions, there have been instances that show they can still be manipulated through physical or operational interference.

The most well‑known example concerns the bunker tankers Southernpec 6 and Southernpec 7 in Singapore. Between 2016 and 2019, industrial‑strength magnets were placed on the MFM sensors to distort measurement signals, causing the meters to record more fuel than was actually delivered. The fraud resulted in buyers being cheated of over US$300,000 worth of marine fuel oil.

Another recurring manipulation method involves irregular piping arrangements between the MFM and the ship’s manifold. Investigations in Singapore revealed cases where bunker barges had connections allowing fuel to be siphoned back to barge tanks during delivery, inflating MFM readings without the receiving vessel receiving the corresponding quantity.

Such arrangements directly contravene certification requirements but may be difficult for ship crews to detect without detailed inspection.

MFMs have defined operational limits, calibrated for liquid at constant flow. When removing the final amounts from a tank, flow rates may fall outside these parameters, and risk producing unreliable readings.

Guidance for Shipowners and Operators

Despite the increased use of MFMs and the introduction of mandates in some ports, the crew of the receiving vessel should remain vigilant with respect to the way these systems can be manipulated and take measures to protect their position. As a matter of routine, crew should:

Always take ship’s bunker tank soundings and witness barge measurements before and after bunkering, even where MFM figures are contractually binding, and retain records.
Inspect visible sections of MFM systems, including seals, cabling, and piping.
Request to see the MFM bunker system certificate and confirm the unit’s serial number.
Engage reputable, experienced bunker surveyors.
Issue letters of protest promptly where discrepancies arise between ship calculations and MFM figures, even if suppliers refuse to countersign.
Ensure crews are familiar with bunkering procedures and aware of common manipulation indicators.

Crew should also be aware of the limitations in accuracy when comparing tank measurements with MFM readings. Even when both measurement technologies are accurate, differences can still exist between them.

Photo credit: NorthStandard
Published: 3 July, 2026

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

1 month 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