The use of mass flow metering system (MFMS) for bunker operations has gained traction around the world, following its mandatory implementation in the Port of Singapore. It has set the benchmark for global bunkering, including the Port of Hong Kong. The latest development has gone “beyond the norm” with the launch of Metcore’s MFM Plus (MFM+) Program in Hong Kong.
Metcore’s MFM+ Program was launched on October 20th, 2021 together with the two Hong Kong based bunker barge operators – Vermont Marine Bunkering Limited and Bunker Express Company Limited, their 1st MFM+ bunker barge “Anelly” and “Yee Lee” respectively, are also providing bunker delivery service for oil majors in the Port of Hong Kong
The success of using MFMS for bunker measurement revolves around the core principle of building trust with management and operational controls in place. MFM+ Program’s “beyond the norm” approach goes beyond the baseline capability of the MFMS. The baseline requirements which are typically referenced from the applicable bunker mass flow metering standards, must be in conformity at the initial phase of the MFM+ Program. Subsequently, the program’s four pillars of performance are applied to enhance the capability of the MFMS. This is over and above the baseline requirement, to enable “peace of mind” for key stakeholders in bunker supply chain.
The MFM+ Program enhances measurement capability with key initiatives such as training relevant personnel to better handle the MFMS, while ensuring high level of operational competency with periodic assessments and metering data analysis. The program required continuous monitoring of the metering processes which will eventually lead to a much-trusted measurement, to safeguard the operational integrity of the MFMS.
The key advantage of utilising the Coriolis mass flow technology is that it provides process traceability by logging measured flow parameters and data throughout the bunker transaction, thereby establishing a proper audit trail for transparent bunker measurement. The logged operations data is readily available, post-delivery, for metering data analysis to detect any abnormality which could affect the bunker measurement. Metcore has been supporting the bunker industry in metering data analysis for oil loss management, as well as dispute handling for stakeholders who have MFMS onboard bunker tankers. Metcore has in-depth understanding and expertise in flow measurements to analyse these metering data and profile, which form an integral pillar of the MFM+ Program.
Moving ahead with global bunkering, the MFM+ Program is ready to support the industry-driven digitalisation effort and blockchain technology, ensuring a level playing field with real-time data logging and monitoring of bunker processes. It allows the bunkering industry stakeholders to have much needed “peace of mind” and “take the challenge by going beyond the norm”. Metcore’s MFM+ Program exemplifies serious oil suppliers and buyers who advocate fair trading using a recognised and widely-accepted technology.
Metcore International Pte Ltd was founded in 2014 and is a leading marine solutions provider based in Singapore. It provides independent and trusted technical expertise for complete fuel measurement solutions in the bunkering industry. It has expanded globally into Europe, the Middle East and East Asia. Services include meter verification, MFMS acceptance testing, metering data analysis and oil loss management. It has accumulated vast experience and expertise from the testing of MFMS worldwide for custody transfer measurement. Metcore’s vision is to provide the bunkering stakeholders with “peace of mind” for entrusting their MFMS.
Metcore’s team of experts evaluates and validates MFMS onboard bunker tankers, leading to their acceptance by national regulators for bunker custody transfer application. Metcore initiated the very first master mass meter proving standard in the world, uniquely designed for bunker tankers MFMS verification.
Metcore is proud to have been appointed as an Authorised Verifier by Enterprise Singapore, under the Weights & Measures Programme since April 2020, offering direct mass measurement proving services with the newly acquired Coriolis master mass meter.
MFM+ Program goes “beyond the norm” to continuously monitor the processes which lead to the outcome of a measurement to safeguard the operational integrity and security of the MFMS. Metcore’s expertise lies in the holistic approach for the integration and testing of MFMS onboard bunker tankers. For “peace of mind” safeguarding all your bunkering needs, please contact us.
