Port of Antwerp-Bruges — 2023-10-11
Members Corner
From January 1, 2026, the use of a bunker measuring system for bunker ships in the ports of Antwerp-Bruges and Rotterdam will be mandatory. From then on, bunker ships in the two ports must have a certified system that indicates exactly how much fuel they supply to seagoing vessels. With this measure, the port authorities want to make the bunker market in Antwerp, Zeebrugge and Rotterdam more transparent, efficient and reliable.
At the end of last year, the two ports announced that they would make certified bunker measurement systems on board bunker ships mandatory. This is based on independent research in Antwerp, Zeebrugge and Rotterdam, which showed that there are regular quantity problems in the bunker market.
In recent months, the ports have consulted with various stakeholders to map out all needs and wishes. The parties jointly mapped out a realistic step-by-step plan to implement the bunker measurement system. The practical effects of the introduction of that system also had to be carefully assessed against the different legislative framework in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Currently, 40 of the 170 bunker ships in Rotterdam, Antwerp and Zeebrugge are equipped with a bunker measurement system. The port authorities are therefore aware that this measure has a major impact on the bunker market. By choosing January 1, 2026, the various companies in the bunker chain will have sufficient time to adapt to the measure. This future obligation has already been included in the permits for bunker ships in the port of Antwerp-Bruges. The permit for bunker transporters in Rotterdam will still be adjusted.
The two ports will further explain the progress at the ARACON trade conference, which will be held on October 19 and 20.