The Maritime and Port of Authority (MPA) has released two new standards for its bunkering sector as it looks to improve operations through digitisation and cooperation with partners.
In a statement, the MPA said the new standards, Singapore Standard 660 (SS 660) and Technical Reference 80 (TR 80), will ensure “quality assurance and confidence” in the bunker supply chain.
Both new standards will be part of the MPA’s wider Bunker Mass Flow Metering (MFM) system, which itself can save shippers and ports S$199 million ($146 million) a year. Furthermore, a study commissioned by Enterprise Singapore and the Singapore Standards Council said the use of common standards can lead to 76% savings, particularly by negating the need for dispute resolutions, according to the MPA.
SS 660 includes the quantity measurement requirements during bunker cargo delivery from an oil terminal to a bunker tanker using the MFM system. The MPA said it aims to harmonise the quantity measurement methods at oil terminals and bunker tankers for better accuracy and inventory management.
Additionally, it covers quality requirements, which specify taking a representative fuel sample at the custody transfer point to determine compliance with the agreed fuel specifications to assure the bunker quality delivered to bunker suppliers.
TR 80 reflects the requirements and procedures for meter verification using a master MFM to verify and check the stability and performance of a duty meter installed on a bunker tanker or at an oil terminal. The master MFM is qualified for measuring performance that is three times better than a duty meter and the meter verification process is performed by an independent authorised party for integrity purposes.
Choy Sauw Kook, Director-General (Quality & Excellence), Enterprise Singapore, said, “Standards assure the integrity of value chains by harmonising technical terms, measures and industry benchmarks, and provide transparency and stakeholders’ accountability.
“They have contributed to the digitisation efforts of the bunkering industry and strengthened Singapore’s position as a trusted bunkering hub. Enterprise Singapore and the Singapore Standards Council will continue to work with industry and the MPA to develop standards to support the transformation efforts of the maritime industry.”
Daknashamoorthy Ganasen, MPA’s Senior Director (Operations and Marine Services), also commented: “The implementation of TR 48 has enhanced trust in Singapore’s bunkering sector.
“The pioneering method of bunker measurement has increased the transparency and accuracy of bunker custody transfer, as well as improved the operational efficiency of bunkering at the Port of Singapore. We are confident that the new standards, which support the use of mass flow meters, will boost bunker quantity assurance and reinforce Singapore’s position as a leading bunkering hub of the world.”
