Bunker fuel measurement becomes mandatory

From 1 January 2026, bunker vessels in the two ports must have a certified system that indicates the exact amount of fuel they are delivering to seagoing vessels.

The port authorities say the measure will help make the bunker market of Antwerp, Zeebrugge and Rotterdam more transparent, efficient and reliable.

Following independent research that suggested there were quantity issues in the bunker market, the two ports announced at the end of last year that they would make a certified onboard measurement system mandatory.

The past few months have been spent understanding stakeholders’ needs and developing a realistic roadmap that complies with legislation in both Belgium and the Netherlands.

Currently just 40 out of 170 bunker vessels in Rotterdam, Antwerp and Zeebrugge are equipped with a bunker measurement system hence the date of January 2026 to allow companies time to prepare and adapt to the new measure.

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.