A bunker barge operated by Chimbusco Pan Nation (CPN) has made history as the first vessel to receive certification under Hong Kong’s newly launched mass-flow meter (MFM) scheme, marking a concrete step forward in the port’s effort to improve fuel delivery transparency.
According to Ship & Bunker, CPN’s bunker barge Zhong Ran 23 is now the first vessel listed under the voluntary Hong Kong Quality Bunker Operator Scheme. CPN confirmed the milestone in a statement published on its website on Tuesday.
What Is the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme?
The scheme was launched by Hong Kong’s Marine Department on June 3. Its purpose is to encourage bunker suppliers operating in the port to install and actively use MFM systems, with the broader goal of improving accuracy and transparency in bunker deliveries.
To qualify for the scheme, bunker vessels must meet several requirements:
- MFM systems must be inspected and certified by an accredited third-party organisation
- Certification must conform to ISO 22192 standards
- Vessels must satisfy the Marine Department’s technical and operational criteria before being added to the official list of quality bunker vessels
CPN’s Track Record with MFM
CPN noted in its statement that the company is not new to mass-flow metering. According to Ship & Bunker, CPN has had MFM systems installed and operational across five of its bunker barges since 2015, giving the company over a decade of experience with the technology ahead of the scheme’s introduction.
Does This Matter to You?
For anyone involved in bunkering at Hong Kong — whether on the supply or receiving side — this development signals a shift toward greater measurement accountability at one of Asia’s key bunkering hubs. The introduction of a certified MFM vessel list gives charterers, vessel operators, and fuel buyers a clearer reference point when evaluating the reliability of fuel deliveries received in the port.
The voluntary nature of the scheme means adoption will vary among suppliers, but the certification of the first vessel sets a visible benchmark. As more barges potentially join the list, the scheme could begin to shape commercial expectations around delivery standards in Hong Kong.
Ship & Bunker reports that the scheme remains voluntary at this stage, with no indication in available sources that mandatory participation is planned.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
