GCMD Study Highlights MFM Measurement Challenges from Biofuel Blends

Blending fatty acid methyl ester-based biofuels with conventional residual marine fuels can alter physical properties enough to push the mixture outside the certified operational parameters of mass flow meters, according to findings released by the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation.

The study notes that combining FAME components with standard marine grades, such as very low sulphur fuel oil and high sulphur fuel oil, significantly reduces fuel viscosity. This reduction can lead to operational conditions falling below the validated measurement ranges of mass flow meter systems widely utilized during bunkering operations.

These technical discrepancies present direct operational hurdles for vessel operators seeking to verify the exact volume and mass of bio-blended stems delivered at the manifold. Mass flow meters are calibrated to maintain measurement precision within specific parameter thresholds, which can be compromised when blending changes baseline fuel characteristics.

As the maritime sector increasingly turns to bio-blends to reduce emissions footprints, ensuring accurate quantity custody transfer remains a primary commercial concern. The findings underscore the technical complexities shipowners face in obtaining reliable bunkering verification when taking on alternative marine fuel mixtures.