Asia/Pacific News
ExxonMobil Launch First Independently Accredited MFM System for Bunkering in Hong Kong
Exxon Mobil Corp. (ExxonMobil) Tuesday in an emailed press release announced the Hong Kong launch of the first independently accredited mass flow metering system (MFMS), which the company says is intended to "enhance the integrity, security and efficiency of fuel quantity measurement."
Accredited by Lloyd's Register, the system is said to enable vessel operators approximately three hours and $5,000 per refueling operation, in addition to increasing the transparency and efficiency of the bunkering process.
"The expansion of ExxonMobil's accredited mass flow metering system capability will help to ensure buyers receive the fuel they pay for," said Deepankar Banerjee, Asia Pacific Fuels Sale Manager for ExxonMobil.
"ExxonMobil continues to lead the industry in the implementation of mass flow metering systems, bringing an accredited system to Hong Kong after its success in Singapore."
The MFMS is reported to have been installed on the time chartered bunker vessel Anshing, and will assist in the delivery of bunker fuel oil, specifically ISO 8217:2012 grades for RMG 380 and RMK 500.
The MFMS is said to provide several benefits for vessel operators, suppliers, and regulatory bodies, such as improved accuracy in comparison to typical tank dipping, increased efficiency through measuring fuel mass instead of volume measuring, and more accuracy in relation to variables including density and temperature.
Lloyd's Register is reported to have accredited the Hong Kong MFMS in partnership with Singapore's National Metrology Centre (NMC) of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and Metcore International Pte Ltd.
The seals used by the system are also said to have been validated by independent parties in order to prevent any system misuse.
Last week, Ship & Bunker reported that over 21 percent of bunker tankers in Singapore are now fitted with a Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) approved mass flow metering (MFM) system, where MFMs will be mandatory for MFO bunkering from January 1, 2017.
