Mass Flowmeter

Magnets on MFMs: Case of ‘a few bad apples spoiling the basket’

Representatives of Piroj International, Metcore International and an industry expert, all involved in TR 48 development, share respective opinions with Manifold Times.

Published

7 years ago

March 21, 2019

Admin

The use of magnets by certain companies to allegedly influence mass flowmeter (MFM) readings is undermining the integrity of the vast majority of bunker operators who play by the rules and may cause unnecessary reputation damage to Singapore’s bunkering industry.

This was a common view shared by three industry veterans who have been heavily involved in the development of TR48.

Simon Neo, the Executive Director of Singapore-based bunker consultancy firm Piroj International, says there were isolated cases of magnets being used by crew onboard bunker tankers.

“We did hear of magnets being used by certain suppliers but this does not mean all players in Singapore use this,” highlights Neo, who is also the Regional Manager (Asia) at International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA).

He shares that cases have been reported to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) since last year.

“Additionally, it has not been scientifically proven using magnets will benefit the bunker supplier,” he states.

“The transition by the entire Singapore bunkering industry, from sounding-based measurements to using MFMs for the custody transfer of marine fuel, is meant to provide a regulated level playing field for players.

“However, there are still a few bad apples who think they can get away with cheating the system.”

Darrick Pang, Managing Director of Singapore-based marine fuel measurement solutions firm Metcore International Pte. Ltd., says attempts in using magnets further reinforces the need for bunker surveyors to be vigilant in detecting activities that compromise the integrity of bunkering operations.

The Singapore Technical Reference for Bunker Mass Flow Metering (TR 48:2015), under Clause 10.5 ‘Bunkering Operation’, already states the responsibility of surveyors to check for MFM system integrity breaches during operations.

“It is the role of bunker surveyors to be competent in understanding and applying the requirements of TR48 to detect breaches. Having a surveyor’s watchful eye to detect illegal activities would also send a strong signal to veer away from non-compliance,” he said.

On the use of magnets, Pang reminds stakeholders that historical bunkering data is kept on MFM systems over a period of three-months for traceability and accountability under TR 48.

“Magnets will have to be used on MFMs over an extended period of time for meaningful gains, if any,” he said, sharing his take there is no conclusive evidence of fuel loss with the use of magnets.

“There will always be attempts to breach the MFM system; but there are ways and means to analyse the data for irregularities which will expose these illegal activities [if magnets were used during bunkering],” he says.

“Continuous monitoring and control with cooperation from all stakeholders is still as important as the measurement of the meter.”

Moving forward, Seah Khen Hee, who led the Singapore MFM project and is instrumental in developing the principles, requirements and procedures of TR 48, reiterates the technical reference being built on the twin foundations of measurement accuracy and system integrity as respectively stated in Clause 6 and Clause 7.

“Meeting the requirements of these two clauses are fundamental for approval and operation of the MFM system during bunkering activities,” he explains.

“Clause 7 is clear that there should be no tampering or interference of the MFM system before, during, or after measurement; this includes using foreign objects or devices, for example magnets, to alter the results of the measurement or the measuring characteristics of the MFM.

“Any such action [relating to tampering or interference] during bunkering operations not only violate the spirit or intention of the TR 48 standard but can also be considered as attempts at illegal activities where enforcement action either under the licensing regime or other laws may apply.”

Published: 21 March, 2019

Mass Flowmeter

MFM-equipped CPN barge first listed under Hong Kong quality bunker scheme

Chimbusco Pan Nation’s bunker barge “Zhong Ran 23” has become the first vessel in Hong Kong listed on Marine Department’s official List of Quality Bunker Vessels, under a newly-launched scheme.

Published

1 week ago

June 17, 2026

Admin

MFM-equipped CPN barge first listed under Hong Kong quality bunker scheme

Hong Kong-based marine fuel supplier Chimbusco Pan Nation (CPN) on Tuesday (16 June) announced that its bunker barge Zhong Ran 23 has become the first vessel in Hong Kong listed on the Marine Department’s official List of Quality Bunker Vessels.

The list under the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme launched on 3 June.

“The Scheme is a voluntary initiative designed to raise the standard of bunkering accuracy, transparency, and service quality in Hong Kong,” CPN said in a social media post.

“To be listed, a bunker vessel must have its Mass Flow Meter (MFM) system independently certified under ISO 22192, the international benchmark for mass flow metering in bunkering operations.”

CPN added it has operated the MFM system across our fleet of fuel oil barges since 2015.

Manifold Times previously reported Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) launching the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems (MFM systems) on their bunker vessels.

MD said the scheme aims to enhance Hong Kong’s bunkering service quality and the competitiveness of Hong Kong ports, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre and a major bunkering port.

Under the Scheme, bunker operators of traditional maritime fuel and biodiesel that install and use MFM systems on their bunker vessels, with the MFM systems inspected and certified by an accredited body in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 22192 Standard or equivalent requirements, can apply to the MD for inclusion in the scheme’s “List of Quality Bunker Vessels”, provided they meet the relevant technical and operational requirements.

Photo credit: Chimbusco Pan Nation
Published: 17 June, 2026

Mass Flowmeter

Hong Kong backs MFM adoption with voluntary scheme to boost bunkering competitiveness

Hong Kong’s Marine Department launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems on their bunker vessels.

Published

3 weeks ago

June 4, 2026

Admin

Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) on Wednesday (3 June) launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems (MFM systems) on their bunker vessels.

Details of the bunker vessels successfully included in the List will be published on a dedicated page on the MD’s website for reference by shipping companies and relevant stakeholders.

Participation in the Scheme is voluntary. In addition to receiving recognition from the MD, participating bunker operators will benefit from enhanced corporate image and competitiveness through the adoption of MFM systems, thereby boosting customers’ confidence and helping to create new business opportunities.

A spokesman for the MD, said: “As an international maritime centre supported by our country, Hong Kong has a strategic location adjacent to major international fairways. Coupled with years of development in marine fuel bunkering, Hong Kong possesses rich experience and talent in the field. For many years, Hong Kong has consistently ranked as the seventh-largest bunkering port globally, the second-largest in our country, and the largest in the Greater Bay Area, providing reliable and competitive fuel bunkering services to ocean-going vessels from around the world.

“As the international shipping industry has an increasing demand for accuracy and transparency in bunkering services, service quality and measurement precision in bunkering operations have become important indicators of a bunkering port’s competitiveness. The Scheme will enhance bunkering accuracy and transparency, further enhancing the quality of Hong Kong’s bunkering services.

The spokesman added that comprehensive port services are one of Hong Kong’s key advantages as an international maritime centre.

“We will also mandate the use of MFM systems on all methanol bunker vessels this year to ensure that Hong Kong continues to provide high-quality bunkering services in the era of green maritime fuels.”

Note: The application form for the Scheme can be found on the MD’s website. Interested bunker operators can download the application form from the website or contact the MD’s Green Maritime Fuel Team via email ([email protected]) for details.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 4 June, 2026

Technology

Endress+Hauser launches new TECH Centre in Singapore

Centre will serve as a platform for application development and solution validation, supporting customers with calibration, application support and process training for industries including oil and gas and marine.

Published

3 months ago

March 23, 2026

Admin

Swiss-based mass flowmeter (MFM) manufacturer Endress+Hauser on Thursday (19 March) said it has opened its new Technological and Calibration Hub (TECH Centre) in Singapore.

The integrated hub brings together a flow calibration facility, process training unit, and interactive technology demonstrations under one roof – enabling companies to develop, test, and validate solutions in real-world environments.

The Singapore TECH Centre will serve as a platform for application development and solution validation, supporting customers with calibration, application support and process training for industries including water and wastewater management, life sciences, food and beverage, oil and gas, marine, chemical, and infrastructure.

By combining calibration, training and live demonstrations, the TECH Centre supports closer collaboration with customers throughout the lifecycle of their processes, strengthening Endress+Hauser’s ability to address practical, industry-specific challenges across Singapore and Southeast Asia.

“The new TECH Centre allows us to work closer with customers and turn real-world application challenges into practical solutions,” said Mr Richard Yu, Managing Director, Endress+Hauser Singapore.

From a global perspective, the TECH Centre reflects Endress+Hauser’s approach to staying close to customers by anchoring technical capabilities where industries operate and grow.

“Customer proximity is about relevance. The Singapore TECH Centre helps us translate global expertise into local, application-specific value,” said Dr Henry Chia, Corporate Sales Director, Endress+Hauser.

The opening ceremony was attended by Swiss Ambassador to Singapore Mr Frank Grütter, representatives from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), industry partners and members of the media.

Speaking at the event, Grütter described Endress+Hauser as a “hidden Swiss champion” and highlighted the company’s long-term commitment to innovation and quality.

Beyond customer engagement, the TECH Centre supports the development of high-value technical roles in areas such as calibration, application engineering and customer training, contributing to skills development and strengthening the broader industrial ecosystem.

“We congratulate Endress+Hauser on the opening of its TECH Centre in Singapore. Building on nearly three decades here, this investment reflects the company’s continued confidence in Singapore as a hub for innovation and customer collaboration. The centre will serve as an important site where new applications are developed to support growth of relevant industries across Southeast Asia,” said Mr Soo Haw Yun, Vice President, Global Enterprises Division, Singapore EDB.

With an established presence in Singapore since 1989, the TECH Centre further underscores Endress+Hauser’s long-term commitment to the country as a location for specialised technical capabilities, supporting the advancement of Singapore’s advanced process industries through enhanced calibration, training and application expertise.

Photo credit: Endress+Hauser
Published: 23 March, 2026