Commodities group Trafigura and maritime technology provider ZeroNorth entered a strategic alliance on Wednesday (9 July).

The development involves a roll out of ZeroNorth’s platform across Trafigura’s controlled fleet of more than 350 vessels, including its voyage optimisation systems, emissions analytics and vessel reporting tools.

Additionally, Trafigura will take an equity stake in ZeroNorth, further deepening the ties between the two companies.

ZeroNorth’s technology uses advanced artificial intelligence and real-time data, including live weather conditions, vessel specifications, ship performance data and bunker fuel availability to optimise operational performance continuously.

The implementation of ZeroNorth’s solutions is expected to deliver reductions in both marine fuel consumption and carbon emissions across Trafigura’s chartered fleet.

As part of the agreement, Trafigura will also join ZeroNorth’s group of strategic partners, contribute practical industry insights to product development and play an active role in shaping the company’s long-term direction.

Andrea Olivi, Global Head of Shipping at Trafigura, commented: “This partnership marks an important step in Trafigura’s commitment to improving efficiency and sustainability across its maritime operations. The ZeroNorth platform will help us optimise fleet performance through enhanced monitoring of fuel and emissions while improving data collection and quality. It will also strengthen our relationships with vessel owners through more effective communication and information sharing.”

Søren C. Meyer, CEO at ZeroNorth said: “We’re proud to partner with Trafigura – one of the largest players in global commodity trading and shipping. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing the use of technology and high-quality data, sending a clear signal to the industry about the vital roles these play in the energy transition. Trafigura’s insight, scale, and ambition will be invaluable to our strategic direction and will help accelerate the impact of our platform across the industry.”

Photo credit: ZeroNorth
Published: 10 July 2025

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

Bunker Holding on Friday (27 June) announced the appointment of Kenneth Juhls as the CEO of AuctionConnect, effective 1 July 2025. 

AuctionConnect, an independent company owned by Bunker Holding, digitalise complex processes in bunker auctions, turning real time data into operational insights and smarter decision-making. 

Bunker Holding said the appointment marked a significant strategic step for AuctionConnect as it transitions into a phase of growth and scale. 

“Kenneth Juhls is a standout profile in the maritime digital space. His deep industry knowledge, strategic clarity, and commercial edge make him the ideal person to take AuctionConnect to the next level. We are proud to have attracted such a strong profile, and we look forward to seeing him shape the next phase of AuctionConnect’s growth journey,” said Michael Krabbe, Chairman of AuctionConnect. 

Kenneth Juhls brings more than 25 years of industry experience from shipping and trading. Most recently Kenneth Juhls assumed the role of Senior Vice President and Global Head of Customer Success and Partnerships at ZeroNorth and before that as Managing Director of ZeroNorth Bunker leading the development and scaling of their digital bunker optimisation platform. 

He also serves as their chair of the IBIA Digitalisation Working Group and board member of the IBIA European Board. His leadership will be key in positioning AuctionConnect as a go-to platform that simplifies fuel procurement, drives transparency and trust, and solves real-world challenges for users across the bunker industry.   

At AuctionConnect, Kenneth Juhls will take the helm at a time where the energy transition poses new challenges and opportunities for the industry. He will apply his strategic, industry and commercial experience to sharpen the platform’s commercial focus, build out partnerships, and strengthen user experience. 

“AuctionConnect is already a strong platform with a proven customer base and real traction in the market. Our industry is transforming, and I strongly believe strong data, digital tools and platforms will help all market participants navigate the increasing complexity. I look forward to engaging with all parts of the industry to drive real and meaningful change, form partnerships and first and foremost deliver value to our customers. I am excited to build on the strong foundation already in place,” says Kenneth Juhls. 

With this appointment, Per Funch-Nielsen steps down as CEO of AuctionConnect. Chairman of AuctionConnect, Michael Krabbe, says “Per has been instrumental in developing the platform and we extend our sincere thanks for his strong commitment and leadership. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

Photo credit: Bunker Holding
Published: 30 June, 2025