Marine Department launches Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to enhance service quality and transparency
The Marine Department (MD) today (June 3) launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems (MFM systems) on their bunker vessels, with a view to enhancing 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.
The Marine Department (MD), Photo source: reference image
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."
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. 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.
"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," the spokesman added.
The application form for the Scheme can be found on the MD's website (www.mardep.gov.hk/en/public-services/one-stop-services-of-green-fuel-bunkering/quality-bunker-operator-scheme/index.html). Interested bunker operators can download the application form from the website or contact the MD's Green Maritime Fuel Team via email (greenfuel@mardep.gov.hk) for details.
Photo source: reference image
