IBIA and BIMCO Launch Follow-Up Survey on Bunker Licensing and Mass Flow Meters

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), with support from BIMCO, has launched a new survey to evaluate the impact of bunker licensing schemes and Mass Flow Meter (MFM) technology on transparency, fuel quality, and regulatory consistency in global bunkering.

The initiative follows the 2022 survey, which highlighted ongoing industry challenges around fuel quality, quantity disputes, and the practical implications of MFM adoption. The earlier survey found that while the introduction of MFMs, especially in Singapore, reduced disputes related to fuel quantity, concerns about fuel quality and its effect on ship machinery remained significant. Respondents also expressed broad support for expanding the use of MFMs and licensing systems to enhance reliability and trust at ports worldwide.

The new study will be led by IBIA’s Bunker Licensing and MFM Working Group. It will examine progress made since 2022, assess persistent challenges, and collect views on the potential for mandatory MFM requirements, extending licensing schemes to additional ports, and advancing global standardisation and digitalisation of bunkering practices.

Alexander Prokopakis, Executive Director of IBIA, said: “The feedback from our 2022 survey showed a clear industry desire for greater transparency and confidence in the bunkering process. This follow-up survey will allow us to better understand the current state of the industry and identify the steps needed to ensure safe, reliable, and future-ready bunkering practices worldwide.”

David Loosley, Secretary General and CEO of BIMCO, added: “As biofuels and other expensive alternative fuels are gradually and increasingly introduced, it reinforces the need to ensure accuracy and transparency in the quantity and quality of the fuels being delivered. The Port of Singapore, as well as the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp, are demonstrating their commitment to the mandatory and enforceable use of Mass Flow Meters; we believe this, supported by industry initiatives, is a very positive step forward for the future supply of bunkers to the shipping industry.”