The trial, powered by Angsana Technology’s digital bunkering solution, unfolded at the Port of Singapore. Participants, including the cargo officer, chief engineer, and bunker surveyor, seamlessly accessed the platform via personalized links and one-time passwords. This allowed them to complete electronic bunkering documentation for both pre-delivery and post-delivery phases. Following completion, the bunkering documents were efficiently transmitted to all relevant parties before the vessels set sail.
The integration of e-BDN has long been a focal point in the digitalization agenda of international shipping. ONE has previously undertaken several rounds of e-BDN trials in collaboration with partners. Notably, at the MEPC80 session in July 2023, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) granted approval for the acceptance of bunker delivery notes (BDNs) in both physical and digital formats, provided they adhere to the stipulated requirements of MARPOL Annex VI.
This milestone e-BDN trial by ONE and Shell precedes MPA’s impending launch of its digital bunkering initiative. From November 1, 2023, electronic bunkering processes and documentations are set to be implemented, potentially saving approximately 39,000 man-days annually within the bunker industry.
Mr. Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, expressed his optimism, stating, “MPA is encouraged by the successful completion of the digital bunkering trial and we look forward to implementing electronic bunkering processes and documentations in the Port of Singapore progressively from November 2023 onwards. Apart from ensuring more secured and transparent operations when used with Mass Flow Meters, e-BDN will help build higher levels of trust amongst bunker buyers, suppliers, and financial institutions, and enable a more efficient and resilient ecosystem. The adoption of digital documentations at scale will help reduce business costs at the port ecosystem level and bring greater value to stakeholders across the entire bunkering value chain.”
Mr. Jeremy Nixon, CEO of ONE, echoed the sentiment, stating, “We are excited to play a role in advancing e-BDN practices. By adopting e-BDN, we will have greater visibility and reliability of our bunkering operations and a more sustainable footprint.”
Operational Efficiency, as facilitated by the Vessel Digitalization Program, stands as one of ONE’s five key decarbonization initiatives aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Through collaborative efforts with industry partners, ONE is steadfast in its commitment to accelerating shipping digitalization and concurrently reducing emissions.
