Marine Fuels 360: Buy-side of bunkering ecosystem keener in digital adoption then supply-side, observes ZeroNorth
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by Admin
Bunker buyers of shipowners are more open towards adopting digital technology in their workflow when compared to bunker suppliers, finds the Managing Director for ZeroNorth Bunker of maritime technology platform ZeroNorth.
Kenneth Juhls was amongst panellists in the Bunker Buyers’ Dialogue session at Marine Fuels 360 on Tuesday (28 November) when he responded to a question on shipping’s next data revolution.
“I don’t think the shipping industry and the bunker industry is very mature in the adoption of data solution to be blunt,” he said. “However, as mentioned before, I do see a positive movement.”
Juhls, who has been involved a maritime digitalisation working group attended by all sides of the shipping and bunkering sectors, made some observations.
“In my humble view, the buy-side is more digital prone because they see a clear benefit of transparency as they can buy better. There’s a clear business case as they need audit trails to support procurement strategies,” he explained.
“But the supply-side tends to be less prone in adopting digital solutions and the ones who are doing that often develop their systems in house.”
Juhls, meanwhile, believed a recent Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) initiative for electronic bunker delivery note (eBDN) may serve as a catalyst to accelerate maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation at the republic.
“As you all are aware, MPA has made it mandatory for eBDN to be included as part of Singapore’s bunkering ecosystem by end 2024. There is clear value of getting validated and streamlined data processed through internal systems and regulatory authorities,” he noted.
“Decarbonisation, upcoming regulations, and regulatory reporting will also drive companies to digitalise the maritime ecosystem; otherwise, it’s going to be a huge burden for everybody.
“The major players who move fast will get a competitive advantage. So, I think you really need to invest either in house or partner up with someone that has critical mass to really help you on that journey.”
Related: Singapore: MPA publishes guidelines for bunker suppliers in preparation of e-BDN launch
Other related: ZeroNorth enables Golden Island to become Singapore’s first 100% digital bunker supplier
Other related: Singapore: Golden Island switching to 100% e-BDN operations from 1 December
Other related: Photo essay: e-BDN trial of “One Truth” at Singapore port
Other related: Hong Lam Marine ‘fully supportive’ of e-BDN implementation for Singapore bunkering sector
Other related: Singapore set to become first port in the world to debut electronic bunker delivery notes
Other related: ONE completes e-BDN adoption trial with Shell in Port of Singapore
Photo credit: Informa
Published: 4 December 2023
