spring 2007

Spring meetings of the HMC-4 committees were held in Cairo in May, kindly hosted by Sumed.

marine database committee, HMC-4A

The Committee reviewed the results of the 2006 crude oil transport data analysis which showed the lowest ever global mean net standard volume loss of -0.177%, down from -0.184% in 2005. The amount of data collected for 2006 fell to 6.39 billion barrels at bill of lading compared with 6.96 billion barrels in 2005. This is estimated as just over 45% of global crude shipments. The reasons for the reduction in data collected are recognized and it is expected that there will be an increase in 2007.

New members are always welcome and copy of the membership guide is available via the link.

transportation measurement committee, HMC-4B

Presentations were given by Sumed, BP Oil, Apache Corp, Cargo Inspections Group and Q-Analytics and covered Sumed facilities, operations, sampling and laboratories, LNG operations, Egyptian crude exports, VEF issues and an overview of facilities in Romania and Bulgaria.

There were updates on standards activities in the API and EI and in particular a report on the progress with joint API/EI documents and the development of more direct links with ISO. Minutes are available via the link.

autumn 2007

Autumn meetings of the HMC-4 committees were held in New Orleans in November, kindly hosted by Marathon.

marine database committee, HMC-4A

The Committee considered further analysis of the 2006 data and in particular volumes and losses relating to geographical regions.

The database was extended in 2004 to include some product shipments. Product data was also collected in 2005 and 2006 and a first report was presented. Six of the nineteen members will be submitting product data for 2007.

transportation measurement committee, HMC-4B

Sumed and Koch Supply and Trading were welcomed as new members.

Presentations were given by CITGO, Laroute/SGS, ENI, Jiskoot Autocontrol, Stanhope Seta, and PMI and covered CITGO’s facilities and operations, additives, in-line water monitor performance, H2S in liquid measurement and a new PMI FPSO.

Standards activities were reported. Ballot comments on HM50: Petroleum Products, Guidelines for Cleaning of Ship Tanks and Lines were reviewed by the work group and there was a meeting of the API/EI joint work group developingAPI Ch17.11/EI HM52: Gauging and Sampling under Closed or Restricted Conditions.

New task groups were established to develop general guidelines for voyage loss control and monitoring and also to develop a standard audit questionnaire for inspection company auditing.

Minutes will be posted in due course.

HMC-4A Membership Guide

HMC-4B Minutes Spring 2007