23 December 2022 (Lloyd's List) - ANTWERP-BRUGES Port Authority and Port of Rotterdam Authority will make it mandatory to use a bunker measuring system (such as a mass flow meter) on board bunker vessels to measure the exact amount of fuel delivered to sea-going vessels. This follows an independent study in both Antwerp and Zeebrugge, and Rotterdam, which showed regular quantity issues in the bunker market. The measure aims to make bunkering at the ports more transparent, efficient and reliable During the first half of 2023, the port authorities will first identify suitable bunker measuring systems, before setting the timeline when the procedures will be put into force in Antwerp, Rotterdam and Zeebrugge. “The port authorities are aware that this measure will have a major impact on the bunker market. Therefore, they choose an ambitious yet realistic deadline,” the port authorities said in a joint statement. The different companies in the bunker chain will be given sufficient time to adapt to this measure. The requirement will also be included in the licence for bunker fuel suppliers. At present, 40 out of 170 bunker vessels in Rotterdam, Antwerp and Zeebrugge are equipped with a bunker measuring system. “The introduction of a bunker measuring system will greatly improve efficiency. After all, data from transactions can be read digitally and immediately processed in the accounts,” the statement said. Globally, only Singapore has implemented mandatory mass flow meters for bunkering at its ports. Both the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the Port of Rotterdam Authority have been told that there would be regular problems regarding the supply of bunker fuels. To investigate the extent and nature of these complaints, the port authorities commissioned independent research firm CE Delft to investigate the experiences of the parties involved in the bunker market. This study was conducted through interviews and surveys. The conclusion is twofold: there are similarities between the two ports and there are structural quantity problems in the bunker market. Between 80% and 90% of survey respondents recognised the issues outlined. Some 65% of stakeholders interviewed and more than 90% of survey respondents see the introduction of the mandatory use of an official bunker measuring system on board bunker vessels as a solution to quantity problems.