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DNV FuelBoss coverage expands to include conventional bunker fuels, whitelisting by MPA in process

Development to introduce e-BDN equivalent systems for Singapore’s bunkering sector will likely result in about USD 50 million in savings when considering the annual bunker volume at the republic.
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Classification society DNV’s digital bunkering delivery platform FuelBoss has recently expanded operations to include conventional bunker fuels, learned Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times.

To date, the independent platform has started facilitating conventional marine fuel deliveries in Europe and is in the process of being whitelisted by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

The Port of Singapore, under the purview of MPA, is planning to make digital bunkering a mandatory requirement by end of 2024 through the introduction of e-BDNs within marine fuel transactions.

The development to introduce e-BDN equivalent systems to boost efficiency and transparency for Singapore’s bunkering sector will likely result in savings of USD 1 for every metric tonne of bunker fuel, or about USD 50 million when considering the annual bunker volume at the republic, believes Martin Wold, Head of FuelBoss at DNV.

“FuelBoss acts as an independent, one-stop shop for digital delivery. With FuelBoss and DNV, our customers can be sure they get a future proof solution and trusted partner in terms of handling all types of marine fuels and managing the energy transition by a truly independent service provider,” said Wold.

“We know by experience that new fuels bring additional operational and commercial complexity along with new requirements along the supply chain. Flexibility and scalability are key in solving these requirements, which is built into the very core of our platform.

“Many people ask what the value and return on investment is for digitalisation, and we at FuelBoss tell them it is immediate.

“The value of digitalisation far exceeds the fees of being charged on the systems and in FuelBoss’ case we already have multiple studies proving bunker suppliers can save roughly USD 1 pmt (per metric tonne) for every delivery.

“This is mainly due to increased utilisation of bunker tankers from time saved through the elimination of manual data entry, reduced cost of capital from timely and verifiable documentation, and more time-efficient back-office processing.”

FuelBoss operational page

Overcoming digital pain points

The introduction of e-BDN will result in the bunkering industry adopting to new ways of working. Disruption, however, could be kept to a minimum with the right solution, according to Wold.

“Introducing new ways of working is always challenging. Hence, what is so important when driving digitalisation is having the user in mind to make life onboard bunker vessels easier,” he explains, highlighting the user-friendliness and intuitiveness of FuelBoss.

Wold notes user feedback has shown the solution requires minimal training – just a 30-minute introduction before actual implementation (for bunker crew and receiving vessel).

“This is why we put a lot of effort into having FuelBoss mirror the behaviour of using apps on a phone to complete everyday tasks [i.e. ordering food, transportation] so as to build a smooth user experience.”

Data integration – A common void of bunker suppliers

Experience from speaking with several bunker suppliers, meanwhile, has taught Wold of a common void typically found in bunker suppliers. This is where the importance of engaging a solution with good data integration for enterprise resource planning (ERP) suites come into play.

“From what we have seen almost every supplier has a gap in their IT system set-ups,” he shares.

“On the front end, they have good systems for quotations, enquiries, order confirmations and so on. They also have good systems in the back end for handling invoicing, finance, and risk management.

“However, there is always a gap in the middle for the bunker delivery phase. Lacking digital systems, suppliers use tools like spreadsheets, PDFs and pen and paper; this is the gap FuelBoss fills – to link the front and back ends of a bunker transaction together.”

MFM on bunker tanker

FuelBoss and Veracity link up

Speaking of integration, Wold points out that eBDNs, and their corresponding emissions values, can be further linked between FuelBoss and DNV’s Veracity –  an independent industry platform tracking operational vessel data (OVD) of over 35,000 vessels – to enhance overall value proposition for bunker suppliers to clients.

“The marine fuel delivered by suppliers can be supplemented with data points on carbon intensity and emission certificates,” he states.

“These data points will be important for emissions reporting, and it makes sense to integrate them into Veracity to enable the full automation that we see many shipowners are looking for.

“Bunker suppliers using FuelBoss can actually help enable that for their customers.”

Security and trust – Core values of DNV

Moving forward, Wold notes that standardisation and cyber security are important values for achieving robust digital ecosystems.

“Security is a top priority of DNV. We are one of the largest providers of cyber security services within Europe and we are leveraging inhouse expertise for FuelBoss,” he says.

“Most importantly, DNV is an independent classification society trusted for 160 years. Our core value resonates well with the direction the bunker industry is now taking, where digitalisation is one of first steps towards increased transparency and accountability.”

To date, FuelBoss has completed more than 2,500 liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunker deliveries across Europe, US and Asia, and has recently expanded operations to include conventional fuels.

DNV has since partnered with a local player in Singapore to adapt and roll out FuelBoss on board their bunker vessel. Bunkering trials using the digital tool are expected to take place soon.

“The expansion of FuelBoss to cover all marine fuels comes at a timely juncture ahead of MPA’s mandate for e-BDNs by the end of 2024,” explains Wold.

“With a proven track record for FuelBoss in other regions, we are both eager and humble to work with and learn from the stakeholders in Singapore, to reap the benefits of digitalisation and support the transition towards a multi-fuel future.

Related: FuelBoss paves way into Singapore’s LNG and future marine fuels bunkering sector
Related: Singapore: DNV and Pavilion Energy partner to bring fully digital LNG bunkering
Related: Claritecs, Teqplay, DNV/FuelBoss: Bunkering cost reductions possible through digital technology and collaboration
Related: DNV GL: FuelBoss pushes digitalization of bunkering services
Related: DNV GL launches ‘FuelBoss’ – an integrated hub for LNG Bunkering

 

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 22 February 2024

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Singapore: Ofiniti, ONE trial direct platform integration to streamline bunker workflows

Ofiniti started a trial in Singapore, integrating FuelBoss directly with a bunker buyer’s own platform, with Ocean Network Express as its first buyer-side integration partner.

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July 22, 2026

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Singapore: Ofiniti, ONE trial direct platform integration to streamline bunker workflows

Ofiniti, the digital platform for maritime fuel operations, on Tuesday (21 July) said it has started a trial in Singapore, integrating FuelBoss directly with a bunker buyer’s own platform.

The company announced Singapore-headquartered container shipping firm Ocean Network Express (ONE) as its first buyer-side integration partner. 

“It is no coincidence we start in Singapore, as the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) remains at the forefront of digitalisation of all things bunkering,” the company said in a social media post.

In November 2023, MPA launched its digital bunkering platform, becoming the world’s first port to implement e-BDN. 

Ofiniti said every bunker delivery still runs on retyped data. 

“The buyer’s system says one thing, the supplier says another, and someone reconciles the gap by email, phone, or PDF. On every stem,” the company said. 

“We built FuelBoss to change this reality.”

With the integration, operational data now flows without manual re-entry, fewer reconciliation errors and faster processing and data, instead of documents, are readily available for procurement and claims workflows. 

“One connection will not transform the industry on its own, but digitalisation gets built one integration at a time. We are grateful to ONE for being willing to go first,” Ofiniti added.

Manifold Times previously reported ONE completing its successful trial of the electronic Bunker Delivery Note (e-BDN) with Shell. 

The e-BDN trial, using the digital bunkering solution developed by Angsana Technology, was conducted on 9 September 2023 at the Port of Singapore, with support from the MPA.

In March 2025, Ofiniti acquired Singapore-based Angsana Technology, with the entire Angsana team joining Ofiniti as part of the acquisition.

Related: MPA Chief Executive: Port of Singapore begins digital bunkering initiative today
Related: Singapore set to become first port in the world to debut electronic bunker delivery notes
Related: ONE completes e-BDN adoption trial with Shell in Port of Singapore
Related: Ofiniti acquires Singapore-based Angsana Technology to advance digital bunkering solutions

 

Photo credit: Ofiniti
Published: 22 July, 2026

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Malaysia: Maharani Freeport to implement MFM and e-BDN technologies for enhanced bunkering transparency

Initiatives reflect the Freeport’s commitment to delivering transparency, operational integrity and international best practices across its bunkering ecosystem, says MEG spokesperson.
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July 15, 2026

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Maharani Freeport, a National Project officially launched by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, in November 2025, will be introducing mass flowmeter (MFM) and electronic bunker delivery note (e-BDN) technologies to its bunkering operations, learns Manifold Times.

These strategic initiatives underscore the port’s commitment in establishing a highly transparent, efficient and trustworthy bunkering environment, aligned with global best practices and addressing critical industry demands, according to a Maharani Energy Gateway (MEG) spokesperson.

MEG is the Master Developer of Maharani Freeport and seeks to position the Freeport as a strategic nexus for shipment, storage and trading operations on a global scale. MEG Synergy is the trading division and a wholly owned entity of MEG; it seeks to position Maharani Freeport as a strategic nexus for shipment, storage, and trading operations on a global scale.

As part of its long-term bunkering strategy, the Freeport is currently in the process of acquiring bunker vessels of various sizes to support marine fuel deliveries and accommodate the evolving requirements of regional and international customers. These vessels will be equipped with MFM technology to ensure accurate, transparent and efficient fuel transfer operations.

Including bunkering and ship-to-ship (STS) trading operations from its High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) Floating Storage Unit (FSU), MEG Synergy already oversees a healthy volume of Bunker cargo deliveries to regional players each month.

MFM for Trust, Transparency and Traceability

MEG highlighted the custody transfer of bunker fuels at the Freeport will be handled by MFM-equipped bunker tankers.

“The adoption of MFM technology to support bunkering operations is a direct response to persistent industry challenges such as quantity discrepancies and delivery disputes,” explained the spokesperson.

“By equipping our bunker vessels with certified mass flowmeters, we aim to ensure precise and verifiable fuel delivery measurements.

“This initiative is pivotal in fostering trust among customers and strengthening the Freeport’s reputation as a professionally managed zone where businesses can operate with confidence. The overarching goal is to create a secure and well-governed environment for commercial activities, reducing operational risks and uncertainties while supporting efficient and transparent trade.”

e-BDN to Digitalise Documentation Workflow

The implementation of electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDN), together with MFM technology, further aligns with the Freeport’s focus on creating comprehensive digital custody transfer records and robust data retention systems, added the spokesperson.

This digital approach, integrated with MFM technology, will streamline operational workflows, reduce administrative burdens and provide an immutable record of transactions to enhance transparency, minimising potential friction and expediting dispute resolution

MEG emphasised that the Freeport’s commitment extends beyond technological enhancements to encompass a comprehensive governance framework.

The port aims to adhere to stringent international standards, including those established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), while offering dispute resolution mechanisms under the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to ensure the swift and fair handling of disagreements.

This holistic approach to operational integrity and governance is designed to address perceived transparency gaps, positioning the Freeport as a reliable and commercially attractive hub for the maritime and commodities sectors.

Note: For enquiries in respect of Maharani Freeport, readers may reach out to:

[email protected]

Related: Interview: Maharani Energy Gateway – Forging a new energy nexus in the Straits of Malacca
Related: New Johor bunkering hub: Maharani debuts as Malaysia’s first duty-exempted energy freeport

 

Photo credit: Maharani Energy Gateway
Published: 15 July 2026

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Norwegian Cruise Line to enhance bunker procurement process with ZeroNorth

By leveraging ZeroNorth’s Bunker Procurement Solution, NCLH will create greater efficiencies across the bunker procurement process while enhancing transparency, supplier collaboration, and decision-making.

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July 10, 2026

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Norwegian Cruise Line to enhance bunker procurement process with ZeroNorth

Maritime technology solutions provider ZeroNorth on Thursday (9 July) said it is partnering with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings to enhance bunker procurement processes through digital innovation.

“By leveraging ZeroNorth’s Bunker Procurement Solution, NCLH will create greater efficiencies across the bunker procurement process while enhancing transparency, supplier collaboration, and decision-making,” the company said in a social media post. 

ZeroNorth added that fuel procurement is one of the most complex functions in operating a global cruise fleet. 

“Balancing market dynamics, supplier options, operational schedules, and cost considerations require timely insights and the right technology,” it said. 

Lory Urdaneta, Senior Director Energy Strategy at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, said: “At Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, we are committed to embracing innovative technologies that strengthen our operations and deliver long-term value. 

“Our partnership with ZeroNorth is an important step in enhancing our bunker procurement process through greater transparency, data-driven decision-making, and operational efficiencies. We look forward to working together to drive innovation and support the continued evolution of our procurement capabilities.”

 

Photo credit: ZeroNorth
Published: 10 July, 2026

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