Metcore & Sohar Port

yvonnelow0
Sep 17
4 min read

Our Journey of Collaboration since 2023 …

Fueling Trust through Efficiency, Transparency and Innovation

The Beginning | A Shared Vision for Transparency

In today’s maritime industry, trust is the new currency. The twin pressures of decarbonisation and digitalisation are transforming bunkering - making transparency and accountability essential for how ports and suppliers operate.

It is within this context that Metcore International Pte Ltd [“Metcore”] embarked on its collaboration with Sohar Port and Freezone [“Sohar Port”] in 2023 - when Sohar Port sought to explore best practices from leading global bunkering hubs. Singapore’s experience - where MFM [Mass Flow Metering] system became mandatory in 2017 - provided a valuable reference point.

Metcore, having played a pivotal role in Singapore’s MFM journey, was invited to share its expertise. From the outset, the alignment was clear:

Sohar Port aimed to position itself as a trusted regional bunkering hub.
Metcore brought the technical know-how, experience and standards expertise to support this ambition.

A journey built on shared values, knowledge transfer and a commitment to shape the future of bunkering in the Middle East.

Journey begins …

Our first meeting @ Metcore's office in 2023

Building Foundations | Training & Knowledge Transfer

The first tangible step in this collaboration was a series of training workshops and stakeholder dialogues. These sessions brought together port authorities, bunker suppliers, surveyors and shipowners.

The focus was not just on the technical workings of MFM systems but also on the governance and operational discipline needed to ensure trust:

Why standards and certification are as important as the technology itself.
How digitalisation can reduce risk and enhance operational efficiency.

The workshops created a common language across the supply chain – enabling Sohar Port’s stakeholders to build confidence in MFM adoption.

Workshop conducted @ Sohar Port with the stakeholders in 2024

Strategic Alignment | Standards, Certification & Trust

Metcore’s role has always gone beyond the meter itself. Our work with Sohar Port focused on how to embed measurement integrity into every layer of the Mass Flow Meter System ecosystem. This included:

Advising on international standards such as ISO 22192.
Sharing lessons learned from Singapore’s mandatory MFM framework.
Highlighting the importance of independent certification to prevent misuse and ensure consistency.

By combining global best practices with Sohar’s regional ambitions, the partnership created a blueprint for a bunkering system built on trust and efficiency.

Milestones on the Journey

Since 2023, several milestones have marked the collaboration:

Workshops & Capacity Building – engaging stakeholders in training and dialogue.
Knowledge Transfer on Standards – introducing international frameworks.
Exploration of Digital Tools – such as electronic bunker delivery notes (eBDNs).

A group shot @Metcore's office in April 2024

Signing of our first collaboration @Metcore's office in April 2024

OMAN Maritime on 28 April 2025

Why This Collaboration Matters

The Sohar–Metcore collaboration is not just a bilateral initiative; it reflects broader industry trends:

Decarbonisation pressures – As alternative fuels like methanol and ammonia enter the market, accurate measurement becomes critical. With fuels costing 2–3 times more than conventional bunkers, even small discrepancies can create significant disputes.
Digitalisation in bunkering – Ports worldwide are moving towards data-driven operations. Sohar Port’s adoption of digital tools aligns with this global momentum.
Regional leadership – By embedding MFM and robust governance, Sohar positions itself not only as a service provider but as a trusted partner for shipowners operating in the Middle East.

Looking Ahead | A Future-Ready Bunkering Hub

The journey has only just begun!

The collaboration between Sohar Port and Metcore is now entering a new chapter with the award of the Mass Flow Meter Consultancy Services, granted to Metcore by Sohar Port. The signing ceremony took place on 16 September 2025 during the Sohar Maritime Excellence Showcase, part of London International Shipping Week 2025, between Sohar Port’s Harbour Master - Captain Batti and Metcore’s Managing Director - Mr. Darrick Pang.

It is a milestone that reflects our shared commitment to raising the bar for transparency and operational excellence in bunkering.

Marking a milestone together!

“Partnering with Metcore supports our commitment to transparency, accuracy, and compliance in marine fuel operations. Implementing certified Mass Flow Meter systems reinforces SOHAR’s position as a digitally advanced and trusted bunkering hub — setting new benchmarks in safety, efficiency, and global best practice.”

— Emile Hoogsteden, CEO, SOHAR Port

“At Metcore, we have always believed that transparency and trust are the cornerstones of a strong marine fuel supply chain. Partnering with SOHAR on this journey has been especially meaningful for us — not just in implementing certified Mass Flow Meter systems, but in helping to shape a framework that sets a new standard for the region.

It is inspiring to see SOHAR leading the way in digitalisation and operational excellence and we are proud to play a small part in supporting your vision of making Oman a trusted and future-ready bunkering hub. This recognition encourages our team to keep pushing for measurement integrity, safety, and global best practices across the industry.”

— Darrick Pang

By embedding transparency into its bunkering DNA, Sohar Port is laying the foundation for a future-ready ecosystem – one that balances operational efficiency with environmental responsibility, while strengthening its position as a trusted hub in the global maritime landscape.

The Metcore Perspective

For Metcore, the collaboration with Sohar Port reinforces our mission to bring measurement integrity and trust to every corner of the bunkering industry. It also highlights the value of partnerships that bring together international expertise and regional strengths.