Singapore-based X-Press Feeders and AuctionConnect enter five-year partnership

AuctionConnect, an online auction platform for bunker procurement, on Thursday (6 November) said it signed a five-year strategic partnership with Singapore-based feeder carrier X-Press Feeders.

The company said the collaboration marked a significant step forward in the digitalisation of physical bunker trading, confirming that the industry is ready to move decisively toward more transparent and data-driven sourcing.

CEO of AuctionConnect, Kenneth Juhls, said: “We are proud to partner with X-Press Feeders, and this partnership confirms that the industry is ready to take the next important step forward in digitalising the actual trading of physical bunkers. 

“It proves that the platform creates tangible value for both the industry and its users. With the partnership, we will scale the use of AuctionConnect for X-Press Feeders’ global fleet and cover all ports during the coming quarters.”

AuctionConnect and X-Press Feeders have already collaborated successfully in several regions, and the phased rollout will cover all X-Press Feeders fleets in Asia, Middle East, Africa, Caribbean, Latin Americas, Mediterranean and Europe. 

The rollout aligns local teams on a single, data-driven process, using AuctionConnect’s platform for real-time auctions among vetted suppliers to strengthen price transparency and auditability.

Global Head of Operations at X-Press Feeders, Capt. Vijayachelvan Silva Raju, said: “We are very happy with the partnership with AuctionConnect as this allows us to take a significant step forward in our digitalisation journey. 

“We see real value in applying the auction platform for our global procurement activities; specifically, we are seeing improved pricing, built-in compliance and audit trail, and reduced time spent on administration. We see the platform as an integral part of our procurement ecosystem that compliments the strong relationships we have with our suppliers and partners.”

The partnership between AuctionConnect and X-Press Feeders signals a new phase in the bunker-market modernisation, where digital transformation and stronger governance take centre stage. By shifting from manual email and phone-based procurement to standardised, data-driven workflows, carriers gain faster decisions, cleaner audit trails, and a scalable foundation for continuous improvement.

With tangible benefits such as improved bunker pricing, enhanced market insights, robust audit trails, and reduced administrative overhead, X-Press Feeders is able to redirect resources toward strengthening partnerships and driving strategic initiatives.

Related: AuctionConnect hires Kim Sørensen as Chief Product and Technology Officer
Related: Kenneth Juhls exits ZeroNorth to become AuctionConnect CEO
Related: AuctionConnect: Buyers must embrace online auction technology to reduce bunker costs

Photo credit: AuctionConnect
Published: 7 November, 2025