The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), with support from BIMCO, has launched a follow-up survey to assess the impact of bunker licensing schemes and Mass Flow Meter (MFM) technology on transparency, fuel quality, and regulatory alignment across the maritime sector.

The initiative builds on a survey conducted in 2022, which provided insights into industry challenges related to fuel quality, quantity discrepancies, and the operational impacts of adopting MFM technology.

According to IBIA, the 2022 survey findings highlighted that while MFM adoption, particularly in Singapore, has reduced disputes over fuel quantity, concerns regarding fuel quality and its effect on machinery remain prevalent. The survey also revealed industry support for the wider implementation of MFM and licensing schemes as a means of improving transparency, reliability, and trust at ports globally.

The follow-up survey, led by the IBIA Bunker Licensing & MFM Working Group, seeks to examine progress made since 2022, identify ongoing challenges, and gather industry perspectives on the potential adoption of mandatory MFM technology, the expansion of licensing schemes to additional ports, and the benefits of 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 & 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."

The online survey is said to take approximately 10 minutes to complete, with all responses remaining strictly confidential.