Mass Flowmeter

Singapore Standards Council launches new Singapore Standard SS 648 to replace TR 48

SS 648, the first standard of its kind in the world, has an expanded scope and application to cover marine fuel oil and distillates as compared to TR 48, says SSC.

Published

7 years ago

November 7, 2019

Admin

The Singapore Standards Council on Thursday (7 November) launched a new Singapore Standard, SS 648 – Code of Practice for Bunker Mass Flow Metering (MFM).

The development enhances the operational aspects for MFM bunkering and support the changing needs of the bunker industry as it transits to a low sulphur fuel oil regime in January 2020 to meet International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations, it says.

SS 648, the first standard of its kind in the world, has an expanded scope and application to cover marine fuel oil and distillates as compared to TR 48 developed in 2015.

Replacing TR 48, the new standard supports the industry’s shift towards environmental sustainability.

SS 648 also includes new requirements for multi-meter installation, which will enable bunker suppliers to better meet the needs of bunker buyers by enabling the delivery of different grades of bunker fuels. This is achieved through the use of multi-meter systems that will reduce cross contamination with proper segregation.

Developed under the auspices of the Technical Committee (TC) for Bunkering, managed by the Standards Development Organisation at Singapore Chemical Industry Council (SDO@SCIC), the development of SS 648 is an industry-led effort.

The Working Group comprises key representatives from the bunker supply chain, including bunker suppliers, tanker operators, bunker surveyors, ship owners/ buyers, and relevant authorities.

Choy Sauw Kook, Director-General (Quality & Excellence), Enterprise Singapore, said, “SS 648 is a result of close engagement and dialogue sessions with stakeholders from the bunker supply chain to address new challenges that arose from practical usage following the implementation of TR 48. SS 648 supports companies in the bunker supply chain by ensuring bunker operations are trusted, efficient, and aligned to IMO regulations. Enterprise Singapore will continue to support MPA and industry stakeholders in maintaining the competitiveness of Singapore enterprises, enabling business growth in this sector, and strengthening our status as a global maritime hub.”

Captain Daknashamoorthy Ganasen, Senior Director (Operations & Marine Services Division), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), said, “To enhance integrity and transparency of bunker operations in the port of Singapore, MPA mandated the use of mass flow meter for the deliveries of marine fuel oil since 1 January 2017 and the deliveries of distillates since 1 July 2019. While we received positive feedback on quantity assurance, we continue to work closely with our stakeholders to prepare the bunkering industry for IMO 2020 and beyond. It is therefore important that the relevant standards, such as TR 48 and its upgraded version, SS 648 stay relevant and up to date.”

Darrick Pang, Managing Director of Metcore International Pte Ltd., said, “Over the years, the standard has provided local industry players a level playing field and the opportunity to export our MFM bunkering technical knowledge, skills and expertise beyond Singapore. Metcore International, collaboratively with Lloyd's Register, has certified over a dozen bunker tankers installed with MFM in Europe, the Middle East, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Moving forward, we expect more interest with the much improved SS 648 from our overseas partners and we are eagerly looking for the next opportunity to market Singapore's capability and proficiency in bunker fuel measurement.”

Captain Samir Fernandez, Global Head of Commercial Operations, Maersk Oil Trading Singapore, said, “The predecessor of SS 648, TR 48, has set the highest standards of transparency and accuracy for custody transfer of bunker fuels. It is not just about fitting a better piece of equipment, but aims to encompass a total system of trust within an industry otherwise fraught with ambiguity. The new Singapore Standard matches Maersk’s core value of Constant Care so closely that Maersk Oil Trading is aiming to become the first physical supplier in the world to enforce SS 648 procedures on our barges globally.”

Seah Khen Hee, Chairman, Technical Committee for Bunkering, said, “Metrology and system integrity are the twin foundations of SS648 providing the base for MFM system approval and the bunker custody transfer process as detailed in the metering procedure. Extending these principles to bunker fuel transfer or delivery at oil terminals in a new Singapore Standard is the next major initiative to strengthen the Singapore’s bunker supply chain, and build trust and confidence in the Singapore bunker industry.”

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 7 November, 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

2 weeks 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

4 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