The Ports of Antwerp-Bruges and Rotterdam announced that they would make it a requirement for bunker vessels to have a certified bunker measurement system on board.

This follows independent research in Antwerp Zeebrugge and Rotterdam, which revealed recurring quantity issues in the bunker market.

In a statement, the port noted that in the past months, the port consulted with various stakeholders to understand their needs and wishes.

 [Source: Ports of Antwerp-Bruges]

"Together, the parties outlined a realistic roadmap to implement the bunker measurement system. In addition, the practicalities of introducing the system had to be thoroughly checked with regard to the differing legislative frameworks in Belgium and the Netherlands," the announcement said.

It noted that currently, 40 out of 170 bunker vessels in Rotterdam, Antwerp and Zeebrugge are equipped with a bunker measurement system.

The port authorities are, therefore, aware that this measure will have a major impact on the bunker market.

"By selecting January 1, 2026, as the start date, the various companies in the bunker chain have sufficient time to adapt to the new measures," the Port of Antwerp-Bruges said.

The announcement said this future requirement was already included in the permits for bunker vessels in the port of Antwerp-Bruges.

The permit for bunker transporters in Rotterdam is yet to be updated.

The two ports will give a status update on October 19 and 20.