MPA-SS 648: 2024 – CODE OF PRACTICE FOR BUNKER MASS FLOW METERING (PMC 12/2024)

This circular serves to inform the maritime industry that the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will mandate the use of SS 648: 2024 for the custody transfer of bunker deliveries to ocean-going ships in the Port of Singapore from 1 April 2025. Consequently, the use of SS 648: 2019 will cease from 1 April 2025. 

2        Published by the Singapore Standards Council in October 2024, the SS 648: 2024 serves as the latest version of the SS 648 and is the result of a joint review of the previous version (SS648: 2019) by the MPA, Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), as well as representatives from bunker suppliers/craft operators, bunker buyers, testing and surveying companies, oil majors, equipment vendors, relevant government agencies and industry experts to meet the changing needs of the bunkering industry. 

3        The SS 648: 2024 is divided into 2 parts for ease of operational use. Part 1 covers pre-approval processes such as meter selection, acceptance tests, etc.; while Part 2 covers post-approval processes such as health, safety and environment requirements, metrological requirements, system integrity requirements and metering procedures. Other key changes include:  

1. Updating of the acceptance test to include single tanker meter-in meter-out as an additional option for approval of Mass Flow Metering (MFM) system;
2. Considerations after a software update or upgrade to provide better clarity;
3. Biofuels in the coverage of the standard;
4. Use of data logger and edge device with enhanced requirements for data security, data integrity and data transmission requirements;
5. Replacing minimum measured quantity (MMQ) with new table on minimum bunker quantity (MBQ) for better clarity;
6. Updates of the sampling requirements with new information from SS 600:2022 Code of practice for bunkering by bunker tankers using tank gauging;
7. New content on digital documentation to be cross referenced to new Specification for Digital Bunkering Supply Chain Documentation; and
8. Reorganisation of the content of bunker claims procedures and dispute resolution

Training Requirements for Cargo Officers and Bunker Surveyors 

4        The MPA has worked with SSA and IBIA to develop a refresher course on the new requirements of the SS 648: 2024, which is expected to commence from January 2025. All in-service bunker cargo officers and bunker surveyors are required to complete this refresher course (conducted by SSA and IBIA) by 1 April 2025. Bunker cargo officers and bunker surveyors that have not attained the necessary certification will not be allowed to conduct bunkering operations in the Port of Singapore.

5        For further information on the courses, please contact SSA and IBIA as follows: 

6        Queries relating to this circular can be directed to bsd@mpa.gov.sg.