Asia/Pacific News
Singapore Launches World's First National Standard for Bunker Mass Flow Metering
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) Tuesday announced the launch of the world's first National Technical Reference for Bunker Mass Flow Metering (MFM), TR48 : 2015.
"This TR sets out clear requirements for measurement and system integrity that provides a fair basis for custody transfer between the bunker supplier and bunker buyer in Singapore," said MPA.
"This TR is crucial for the support of the further growth of Singapore's bunkering industry."
The move proceeds the mandatory use of MFM technology for all for marine fuel oil (MFO) deliveries in Singapore, which as previously reported by Ship & Bunker takes effect from January 1, 2017.
"The Technical Committee for Bunkering pioneered TR 48, a new bunker fuel measurement standard, for the benefit of the bunkering industry in Singapore," said Mr Seah Khen Hee, Chairman, Technical Committee for Bunkering, which helped developed the TR in conjunction with the Chemical Standards Committee (CSC).
"This TR ushers bunker fuel measurement into the digital age and will help Singapore's efforts to maintain its position as the world's top bunkering port in terms of tonnage."
The MPA says the adoption of a transparent technical standard will drive growth and productivity at the port.
"The mass flow metering system has a number of key benefits; most importantly transparency, efficiency and security. It can also help marine vessel operators save up to an estimated three hours and US$5,000 per refuelling," said Mr Wong Suan, Regional Sales Manager of ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, whose company fitted the first MPA approved MFM in 2012.
The standard was said to have been arrived at after extensive consultation with stakeholders, and included MPA-coordinated trials to determine the performance of the MFM system.
Last year Ship & Bunker reported that MPA was also looking to mandate the use of MFMs for MGO bunkering.
