Asia/Pacific News
MPA: From 2017 Mass Flow Meters Will Be Mandatory in Singapore
From January 1, 2017 it will be mandatory to use a mass flow metering (MFM) system for Marine Fuel Oil (MFO) bunkering in Singapore, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced today.
And from January 1, 2015, all new bunker tankers applying for a Harbour Craft (Bunker Tanker) licence will be required to be fitted with a MPA-approved MFM system for MFO delivery.
MPA said it will be offering a lump sum incentive of S$80,000 ($63,500) per MFO bunker tanker to help offset the cost of the new systems, which will be awarded upon MPA's approval of each fitted MFM system.
A New Benchmark for Bunkering
Speaking today at Singapore Maritime Week 2014's Singapore Bunkering Symposium, Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Minister for Transport, said the move will set a new benchmark for bunkering practices worldwide.
"To safeguard Singapore's reputation as a top bunkering port in the world, we are taking the lead in being the first to mandate the use of mass flow meters," said MPA Chief Executive, Mr Andrew Tan.
"It is a significant milestone for the bunkering industry in Singapore and it will strengthen our position in the long term as a reliable and trusted port for bunkering operations."
MPA says the MFM systems will not only reduce illegal bunkering activities, but also enhance transparency in the bunkering process, improve operational efficiency, and increase the productivity of the entire industry.
"MPA is confident that the adoption of MFM system for bunkering in the Port of Singapore will provide better assurance to both the bunker buyers and suppliers on the quantity of bunker delivered," MPA wrote.
The new rules mean that by December 31, 2016 all existing bunker tankers operating in port must be fitted with a MPA-approved MFM system for MFO delivery.
After December 31, 2014, all new bunker tankers applying for Harbour Craft (Bunker Tanker) licence will be required to be fitted with a MPA-approved MFM system for MFO delivery.
