MPA Singapore Extends Mandatory Use of MFM System

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will extend the mandatory use of mass flow metering (MFM) system to all bunker tankers delivering distillates in the Port of Singapore from July 1, 2019.

In practice, this means that as of July 1, 2019, all existing distillates bunker tankers supplying to ocean-going ships in the Port of Singapore must be fitted with MPA-approved MFM system.

All new bunker tankers applying for the Harbour Craft (Bunker Tanker) licence will be required to be fitted with the MPA-approved system as well.

“The industry has given positive feedback on the mandatory use of MFM for marine fuel oil. As the world’s top bunkering port, it is important that we continue to set the highest bunkering standards to ensure fuel quality and reliability and this can be achieved through the use of MFM.

“This will also prepare the industry for an expected increase in delivery of distillates with the introduction of a 0.5% global sulphur cap from 1 January 2020 by the International Maritime Organization,”Assistant Chief Executive (Operations) of MPA, Capt M. Segar said at the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) Asia Gala Dinner held last night.

The use of the MFM system has been launched with the objective of enhancing transparency in the bunkering process, as the use of MFM provides both the bunker buyers and suppliers more specific data on the quantity of bunker delivered.

Since 2014, MPA has invested close to SGD 17 million to help the industry adopt the use of the MFM system for delivery of bunker in the Port of Singapore.

To defray part of the cost of installing the MFM system, companies may apply for co-funding of up to SGD 60,000 from MPA for each existing bunker tanker delivering distillates in the Port of Singapore. The port authority has set aside SGD 9 million to co-fund this initiative.