American energy major ExxonMobil is launching a mass flow metering system (MFMS) for marine gas oil (MGO) in Singapore, after the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) mandated that all distillates must be delivered via a MFMS from 1 July 2019. The first barge deliveries are set to start in May 2018, the company said.
The mandate means that from 1 July 2019, all existing distillates bunker tankers supplying to ocean-going ships in the Port of Singapore must be equipped 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 MFM system.
According to MPA, the use of the MFM system will improve transparency in the bunkering process, operational efficiency and increase the productivity of the bunkering industry. The use of MFM for distillates aims to provide better assurance to both the bunker buyers and suppliers on the quantity of bunker delivered.
In this respect, ExxonMobil worked closely with the MPA during a trial concluded in October 2017 which brings the firm in a position to launch its MFMS for MGO deliveries ahead of the deadline. Luca Volta, Marine Fuels Venture Manager, ExxonMobil, stated:
Our mass flow metering systems have a proven track record for transparency, helping ensure that vessel operators receive reliable and consistent bunkering.
ExxonMobil started delivering heavy fuel oil (HFO) in Singapore via MFMS in 2012. Since then, over 10 million tonnes have been bunkered using the system.
