Singapore Port First in the World to Use MFM System for Bunkering

The Port of Singapore is the first in the world to mandate the use of mass flow metering (MFM) system for bunkering.

This was announced by Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Minister for Transport, at the Singapore Bunkering Symposium today. The bunkering symposium is one of the key events of the Singapore Maritime Week 2014, jointly organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the National Metrology Centre of A*STAR.

In his opening address, Minister Lui said that as the first port in the world to mandate the use of mass flow meters for bunkering, “we will set a new benchmark for bunkering practices worldwide“.

He highlighted that the use of MFM system for bunkering in the Port of Singapore will not only enhance transparency in the bunkering process, but also improve operational efficiency and increase the productivity of the entire industry.

MPA Chief Executive, Mr Andrew Tan said, “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. 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.”

The MFM system enhances transparency, increases productivity and minimises illegal bunkering activities. 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, and safeguard Singapore’s reputation as the world’s top bunkering port.

Implementation of MFM system:

With effect from 1 January 2017, it is mandatory for bunker suppliers to use the MFM system for bunker delivery of Marine Fuel Oil (MFO) in the Port of Singapore. All existing bunker tankers operating in port must be fitted with a MPA-approved MFM system for MFO delivery in the Port of Singapore by 31 December 2016.

All new bunker tankers applying for Harbour Craft (Bunker Tanker) licence after 31 December 2014 will be required to be fitted with a MPA – approved MFM system for MFO delivery.

Incentive scheme to assist the industry:

To assist the industry to offset a portion of the cost of the MFM system adoption, MPA will be offering a lump sum incentive of S$80,000 for each existing bunker tanker delivering MFO in the Port of Singapore. The incentive will be given out upon MPA’s approval of each fitted MFM system.

Partnerships:

To ensure that the MFM system is suitable to be used for bunkering, MPA and SPRING Singapore jointly initiated a MFM Working Group to develop and validate the use of MFM system for bunkering in 2009. The Working Group, which consists of members from Weights and Measures Office (WMO) of SPRING Singapore, National Metrology Centre @A*Star (NMC), MPA and various stakeholders in the bunkering industry, had conducted extensive trials using MFM system since 2011.

MPA has undertaken close consultation with the industry through the Singapore Shipping Association and the International Bunker Industry Association in implementing the mandatory MFM, and many of its members are supportive.

In conjunction with this symposium, the NMC announced the opening of its Liquid Flow Laboratory to conduct further R&D in high viscosity fluids and signed a research collaboration agreement with Mogas Flow Lab Pte Ltd on the establishment of a primary mass flow standard and facilities for mass flow measurement of marine fuel oil.

Bunkering remains an important sector of the Singapore maritime industry. In 2013, the Port of Singapore recorded bunker sales volume of 42.7 million tonnes, retaining its position as the world’s top bunkering port.

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mpa, April 8, 2014