Zhoushan becomes first port in China, third in world to implement e-BDN bunker ops

Zhoushan became the first port in China and third in the world to implement electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDN) after issuing its first on Tuesday (1 July), learned bunkering publication Manifold Times.

On the evening of 1 July, under the supervision of Zhoushan Port authority, PetroChina Fuel Oil successfully completed a bunkering operation by refuelling bulk carrier AM Ocean Pride with 500 metric tonnes (mt) of fuel oil and 60 mt of diesel at the Xiushandong anchorage.

The crew of bunkering vessel YI FENG RUN 66 signed and confirmed all documents online through the “Zhoushan Bonded Ship Fuel Bunkering Electronic Signature and Handover System” (e-BDN system). The chief engineer on AM Ocean Pride simultaneously completed the corresponding electronic signature.

Concurrently, Sinopec Zhejiang Zhoushan Petroleum and its bunker barge DONG FANG ZHAO YANG delivered 1,500 mt of fuel oil to Pacific Glory at the same anchorage using Zhoushan port’s e-BDN system.

As such, both PetroChina Fuel Oil and Sinopec Zhejiang Zhoushan Petroleum have completed their first e-BDN deliveries at the China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free-Trade Zone.

“The successful implementation of e-BDN is a significant breakthrough for Zhoushan, accelerating the creation of a global bonded bunkering center. This marks the first time Zhoushan has successfully issued and delivered e-BDNs, completing the ‘last mile delivery’ for the full digitalisation of Zhoushan’s bonded bunkering business,” said the Zhoushan Port authority.

“Zhoushan has officially entered a new stage of digitalisation, becoming the first port in the country to promote the use of digital delivery for the entire process of bonded bunkering at the port level.”

The two companies that developed and operated the first batch of e-BDN systems in Zhoushan are TradeGo and Zhejiang Free Trade Zone Bulk Commodity Digital Trade & Technology Co., Ltd. (大宗数科).

A spokesperson from the Port Affairs Management Bureau of the Zhoushan Hi-Tech Zone Administrative Committee said: “The first batch of e-BDN systems will be used on five internationally certified bunker barges and will gradually be extended to all fuel barges in the future.

“In terms of infrastructure, we will further increase the installation ratio of high-precision Mass Flow Meters (MFMs), optimise the functions of the e-BDN system, and gradually promote the certification of barge MFM systems. We will also promote the use of e-BDN to enhance the digitalisation level of bunkering for customs clearance, providing global shipowners with a more convenient, transparent, and efficient bunkering service experience.

“In terms of policy support, we will accelerate the introduction of provincial standards for MFMs, establish an innovative free trade zone bonded bunkering service evaluation system, and implement a dispute resolution guarantee mechanism. We will also set up special support services for e-BDN and provide guarantees for its comprehensive promotion.”

Related: Singapore: TradeGo becomes fifth whitelisted e-BDN solution provider

Photo credit: Zhoushan Hi-Tech Zone Administrative Committee
Published: 2 July 2025