The ports commissioned a study from CE Delft
The port authorities of Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges 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.
A bunker measuring system measures the amount of fuel delivered in real time rather than calculating it from tank level measurements on board the bunker vessel (the methodology currently used as standard).
During the first half of 2023, the port authorities will first identify suitable bunker measuring systems as well as determining the date on which the obligation to bunker with a bunker measuring system on board bunkering vessels will enter into force in Antwerp, Zeebrugge and Rotterdam.
The port authorities claimed that the deadline is “ambitious yet realistic” and noted that it will have a “major impact on the bunker market”.
The requirement will be included in the licence for bunker fuel suppliers. Currently, 40 out of 170 bunker vessels in Rotterdam, Antwerp and Zeebrugge are equipped with a bunker measuring system.
The ports stated: “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.”
Both port authorities were told by different sources that there would be regular problems regarding the supply of bunker fuels. Leading them to commission independent research and consultancy firm CE Delft to investigate the experiences of the parties involved in the bunker market.
Following the study, which was conducted through interviews and surveys, the conclusion is that there are similarities between the two ports and there are structural quantity problems in the bunker market.
According to the survey, 65% of stakeholders interviewed and over 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.
The ports’ harbour masters are now working together to introduce a uniform requirement for a bunker measuring system in consultation with Belgian and Dutch stakeholders.
