In December 2022 Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority and Port of Rotterdam Authority decided to make it mandatory to use a bunker measuring system on board bunker vessels to measue the exact amount of fuel delivered to sea-going vessels. We publisehed an article about this decision on our website on 25 October 2023: “Bunkering in the ARA Area”. In October 2023 it was announced by the respective port authorities that from 1 January 2026 the use of a bunker measurement system shall be mandatory.
The date of 1 January 2026 is approaching and therefore we pay attention to this important subject again.
Stricter regulations
Starting 1 January 2026, stricter regulations will apply to bunker operations in the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges, two of Europe’s most important fuel hubs. The new framework makes the use of Mass Flow Meters (MFM) compulsory on all bunker vessels supplying residual fuels, distillates, and biofuels.
The decision follows ongoing concerns about discrepancies in delivered fuel quantities. Independent research, including studies by CE Delft, has shown that structural mismatches in supplied quantities are common in the market. To address this, port authorities are moving towards a system that guarantees precise measurement, transparency, and trust in the bunkering process.
What the new rules require
- All bunker vessels must be fitted with an approved MFM system that records exactly how much fuel is transferred from the supplier to the receiving ship.
- Each system must be certified and submitted to the harbor master or port captain before 1 January 2026.
- Operators need a valid bunker license for supplying sea-going vessels with fuel, covering safety, proper handling, and environmental responsibility.
- All bunker operations must be registered in advance through Portbase.
Portbase is the Port Community System within the Dutch seaports (www.portbase.com).
Compliance will be closely monitored. Inspectors will conduct both random and targeted checks on bunker ships. Failure to comply with certification or reporting obligations can result in fines or even revocation of the bunker license.
For Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges, these measures are expected to significantly raise confidence in fuel transactions. By mandating MFMs, both ports are aligning their operations with international best practices while safeguarding fair trade and environmental responsibility.
Information or assistance
NNPC Correspondents remains available around the clock to support with any questions or issues related to the new bunkering rules in Dutch ports. For assistance, please contact correspondents@nnpc-correspondents.nl or call +31 (0)85 48 33 121.