Maritime navigation for bunker tanker operators and shipowners is set to enter a new era with the International Hydrographic Organization’s upcoming S-100 data framework, a cutting-edge data framework poised to transform how ships navigate and operate globally, learns Manifold Times.

Replacing the decades-old S-57 standard for Electronic Navigational Charts developed in the 1990s, S-100 offers unprecedented flexibility and integration of diverse maritime data.

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) explained the new framework will combine critical information like weather, under-keel clearance, tides, and surface currents into a single, standardised system.

“S-100 for bunkering operators is going to be truly transformational because it can bring together various data sets into a standardised format, aiding in pre-planning for bunkering operations,” shared Thomas Mellor, Head of Technical Partnerships, UKHO during the sidelines of Sea Asia 2025.

“The integration of multiple data sets into one system will reduce stress and the risk of accidents or oil spills, making it easier to assess the safety and feasibility of bunkering operations.”

According to Mellor, S-100's ability to dynamically adjust depth contours based on tide and water levels is a significant advantage over S-57. S-100 is not static and can be extended for future technological developments without affecting current product specifications.

The development of the S-100 data framework is still in the test and development phase, with the first S100-compatible ECDIS systems expected to be seen in the market by 2027-2028.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) approved a new performance standard for S-100 in November 2022 which will come into force on January 1, 2026, meaning that S-100 compliant ECDIS will be legal and compliant to use from this date onwards.

On January 1, 2029, the IMO will retire the old S-57 ECDIS performance standard, moving ships to adopt S-100 compatible systems for new ECDIS systems installed (including retrofits).

“For shipowners transitioning from S-57 to S-100,  crew training on the  use of the new system will be key to getting the most out of the equipment,” stated Mellor.

“The UK Hydrographic Office will look to support the transition with new training materials provided to support users of S-100 electronic navigational products.”

Photo credit: UK Hydrographic Office
Published: 8 April 2025

Hamburg-based technology platform OceanScore has launched a platform to facilitate the trading of biofuel surpluses and deficits under the FuelEU Maritime Regulation pooling scheme, learns bunkering publication Manifold Times.

The platform is designed to be simple and user-friendly, allowing bunker companies to find buyers for their surplus biofuels and shipping companies to find suppliers. It is free-to-use, with a low fee for signing on, and is intended to complement OceanScore's main software solutions.

Further, the new platform complements current marketing practises used by European Union (EU)-based biofuels suppliers and bunker trading firms in lieu of FuelEU Maritime, informs Albrecht Grell, Managing Director, OceanScore.

“EU-based biofuel companies are now employing two strategic options to convince a shipping company to buy biofuels,” he told Manifold Times in an interview.

“The first option is just good marketing, good product and good prices.

“The second option is a discount-based strategy targeting vessels that have defined and very reliable European trading patterns. This means that when the vessels burn biofuel, they create a lot of compliance surplus as the vessels are always in Europe.

“To these vessels, quite a few European bunkering companies are selling biofuels at a discount. In return, there is an agreement for the shipping company to include these vessels into a compliance pool managed by the bunkering firms, so that the latter can sell their customers’ compliance surplus to others.”

According to Grell, OceanScore's platform is simpler and more user-friendly compared to competitors. The platform does not require complex onboarding or KYC processes, making it accessible to a wider range of companies.

The firm does not tokenise compliance pooling, keeping the process straightforward. The platform is designed to be a meeting place for buyers and sellers, without unnecessary complications.

“How do we make money? We don't, frankly, with that platform, we don't make money because we make our business more on the general software that we sell towards managing FuelEU and EU ETS for shipping companies,” he said.

“Our main business is really our Compliance Manager that helps shipping companies run their commercial processes to manage EU ETS and FuelEU. This FuelEU Pooling Marketplace is just an add on service – but it benefits from the market leading position we have built in the EU ETS and FuelEU space with more than 1500 vessels using our platform.”

Moving forward, Grell addressed concerns about data security and privacy, especially for bunker trading firms using the platform.

He explained that the platform is an advertising platform, with only a sample of prices is visible to the public. Customers must go through OceanScore's authentication process to access the platform, and transactions are handled off-platform to maintain confidentiality and privacy.

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Photo credit: OceanScore
Published: 7 April 2025

In the complex world of maritime shipping, Taiwan's largest bulk carrier company U-Ming Marine is navigating uncharted waters of sustainability, learns bunkering publication Manifold Times.

Led by CK Ong, the company’s President is pioneering an approach to decarbonisation that challenges traditional industry norms, particularly in the dry bulk shipping sector.

“Unlike container shipping with its predictable routes, dry bulk carriers operate more like maritime taxi services, making green technology investments significantly more challenging,” explained Mr Ong in an interview on the sidelines of Sea Asia 2025.

Yet, U-Ming Marine has committed to four liquified natural gas (LNG)-powered vessels, accepting a 20-30% increase in capital and operating costs.

“Our company's strategy hinges on collaborative partnerships,” Mr Ong told Manifold Times.

By working closely with mining companies, U-Ming shares the financial burden of sustainable shipping. This innovative approach has allowed it to develop the four LNG dual-fuel ships within its 70-vessel fleet, all built with a commitment towards enhancing fuel efficiency.

“Someone has to take the first step,” Mr Ong explains, highlighting the urgent need for action against climate change.

The company recognises that environmental challenges cannot be solved by a single entity. Instead, success requires cooperation amongst stakeholders - from cargo owners and ship operators to technology providers.

Currently, the maritime market doesn't necessarily reward lower emissions as most customers don't prioritise a ship's environmental impact when selecting carriers.

However, U-Ming Marine sees beyond immediate economic considerations. The company’s approach is driven by a deeper understanding of environmental responsibility, said Mr Ong.

While the current LNG infrastructure isn't perfect, U-Ming sees it as the most mature and eco-friendly alternative when compared to traditional bunker fuels.

The company will continue to explore future technologies such as ammonia and methanol, always with an eye toward reducing maritime carbon emissions.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 7 April 2025