However many safeguards are put in place, there are all the time some who will exit of their technique to try to cheat the system.
On the first January 2017, the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore launched the necessary supply of marine bunker gas through Mass Flow Meter (MFM). This transition from sounding-primarily based measurements to MFMs was designed to supply a regulated degree enjoying area for all stakeholders and assist keep away from any malpractice.
The following case, reveals the way it would not all the time work out as deliberate….
How Illegal Bunkering Practices Cost Owners $336,930
Between October 2018 to April 2019, the press reported using magnets to affect MFM readings in favour of the bunker provider.
In June 2021, the Singapore courtroom sentenced two bunker provide firm administrators with a 35-month and 34-month jail sentence, on account of their position in a conspiracy to tamper with the MFM techniques onboard a bunker tanker.
The courtroom was proven that by intentionally inserting an industrial-grade magnet [camouflaged to match its surroundings] at a sure level on the MFM, it considerably influenced the recorded mass stream fee (MFR) on the Bunker Metering Computer (BMC).
This motion resulted within the BMC erroneously recording the next MFR, falsely indicating a larger mass of marine gas being delivered into the receiving vessels.
This unlawful motion resulted in a complete lack of US$336,930 for 14 vessels throughout that interval.
A request by the authorities to have the MFM vendor assessment the information from the BMC on the 2 supply barges revealed at the very least 66 bunkering operations throughout which the MFM had been tampered with.
How VPS Bunker Surveyors Help Avoid Malpractice
This case completely highlights the business worth of using the companies of extremely expert and competent bunker surveyors. VPS surveyors are knowledgeable in precisely monitoring gas supply in strict accordance with the Singapore Standard, SS:648, to assist keep away from such malpractice.
VPS will even test for any breach of system integrity and the standing of the crucial alarm. Having a surveyor’s watchful eye to detect unlawful actions additionally sends a powerful sign to barge and vessel crew to not undertake any supposed non-compliance.
VPS BQS gives each buyer with educated {and professional} surveyors who observe strict work procedures and documentation to precisely management the bunkering operations. Our zero tolerance coverage to deprave practices implies that any criminal activity is minimized, if not eradicated.
Abdul Ghani
VPS Senior Sales Manager, Singapore
