MPA Chief Executive: Port of Singapore begins digital bunkering initiative today 

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Monday (1 November) launched its digital bunkering platform, becoming the world’s first port to implement e-BDN. 

Eng Dih Teo, Chief Executive of MPA, said this comes following over 100 trials with more than 20 companies since January 2023. 

“Just as vehicles must be refuelled or recharged, vessels take in bunker fuel in between ports. Unlike our everyday digital transactions, bunkering vessels involves a tedious process of filling and exchanging more than 10 paper documents per bunkering operation – including physical bunker delivery notes, a standard document required by the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships containing info on fuel delivery.” he said in a social media post. 

“Thankfully, with Member States’ support, the 80th Session of the International Maritime Organization Marine Environment Protection Committee approved the use of electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDN) in July.”

Eng noted that the lengthy processes can be avoided for Singapore, as Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has developed mobile and cloud solutions with industry for electronic exchange of bunkering documentation.

“This allows cargo officers to complete and exchange bunkering documentation without cross-boarding their receiving vessels, enhancing safety. It also increases efficiency by automating manual tasks, and providing transparency of transactions,” he said. 

For a start, he said MPA has whitelisted digital bunkering solutions from Angsana Technology Pte Ltd, BTS Pte Ltd and Bunkerchain, and more service providers are expected to come onboard. Due diligence was done to ensure solutions meet cybersecurity, functionality, interoperability and reliability criteria.

“We will explore enhancements, including automating data flow from Mass Flow Meters, and work with Singapore Standards Council to develop a new Specification for digital bunkering supply chain documentation to revise the current SS648:2019 Code of Practice of Bunker Mass Flow Metering to support electronic bunkering documentation.”

He added that licensed bunker suppliers, ship owners, operators and crew are encouraged to use these solutions, which is expected to save about 40,000 man-days yearly for Singapore’s shipping community.

“As a global bunkering hub, Singapore will work with stakeholders to raise efficiency, reduce business costs and enhance fuel operations to better serve ships of the world,” Eng said. 

Manifold Times previously reported the involvement of Singapore-based bunker tanker owner/operator and marine fuel supplier Hong Lam Marine, Ocean Network Express and Shell in a successful e-BDN trial.

Related: Singapore: MPA publishes guidelines for bunker suppliers in preparation of e-BDN launch
Related: Singapore set to become first port in the world to debut electronic bunker delivery notes
Related: Hong Lam Marine ‘fully supportive’ of e-BDN implementation for Singapore bunkering sector
Related: ONE completes e-BDN adoption trial with Shell in Port of Singapore
Related: IBIA: International Maritime Organization confirms acceptance for electronic BDNs (update)
Related: IBIA: MEPC 80 confirms acceptance for electronic bunker delivery notes
Related: IBIA: IMO sub-committee accepts use of electronic BDNs after long discussion

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 1 November, 2023