Bunker Buyer News

The Standard Club has quoted a  a circular earlier this year by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) for the mandatory use of the mass flow metering (MFM) system for marine fuel oil (MFO) deliveries in Singapore with effect from 1 January 2017. The circular covers the set of core requirements for metering system qualification, installation, testing, procedures and documentation for MFO deliveries via the MFM system in the port of Singapore. From 1 June 2016, all bunker suppliers, bunker craft operators and bunker surveyors are already required to comply with the requirements and procedures of TR 48:2015 for all MFO deliveries via the MFM system in the Port of Singapore.

The world’s first National Technical Reference for Bunker Mass Flow Metering (TR48 : 2015) was launched in support of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)’s and industry’s initiative to use the mass flow metering (MFM) system for marine fuel oil deliveries in Singapore with effect from January 1, 2017. MPA said the 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. Bunkering in Singapore has grown tremendously since standardized bunker delivery procedures were adopted in the early 1990s. MPA has reported record bunker sales volume of 45.16 million metric tons in 2015, making Singapore the world's largest bunkering port.

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) says it has appointed Robin Meech as its new vice-chairman for a one year term of office. An independent and well respected bunker industry consultant, Robin Meech is a former bunker buyer and author of several books for the marine fuel sector. Meech replaces Jens Maul Jorgensen who became IBIA chairman on 1 April, 2014. Welcoming Robin Meech’s appointment IBIA chief executive Peter Hall said:

 “Robin Meech has been involved with IBIA for many years and always brings a knowledgeable commercial perspective to the association. IBIA adds that Robin Meech is managing director of Marine and Energy Consulting Ltd, an independent practice established in 2001 focusing on the marine sector with an emphasis on the transport of energy.

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) informs of the appointment of Jens Maul Jorgensen as its Chairman for 2014/15. He replaces Simon Neo who has completed his one year term of office. IBIA say that Jens Maul Jorgensen is Director of Bunkers for German dry bulk shipowner, Oldendorff and has 24 years of shipping industry experience, now leading a team of six purchasers and 14 inspectors worldwide servicing 566 vessels. Jens Maul Jorgensen added:

 “Off-spec bunkers are a serious problem which the industry needs to get to grips with.

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular announcing that, effective 1 October, its bunker sample collection and distribution requirements are being changed to provide for collection of five (5) bunker samples. If the ship owner or operator or bunker buyer requires an additional sample, this requirement is to be specified in the contractual agreement for purchase of the bunkers, so as to prevent possible misunderstandings and disputes. (HK Law)

Bunker Logistics, a provider of bunker procurement software, announced the successful implementation of its BunkerDashboard Bunker Procurement Software at Teekay Shipping Corporation. By automating the procurement process and integrating it with robust tools, the solution helps users and distributed teams improved their knowledge base, collaborative efforts, productivity and performance. Additionally, the BunkerDashboard helps in supplier management, claim monitoring, improving reporting and trending while adding data integrity and security. “The industry is changing – higher prices, more regulations, lesser quality of fuel, environmental concerns all combine to make it more important to implement a solution to help manage and measure bunker purchases and performance, said Mitchell J.