Singapore shipping line Pacific International Lines (PIL), together with Singapore Trade Data Exchange (SGTraDex), on Friday (23 February) signed three separate MOUs with PIL’s bunker suppliers including TFG Marine, KPI OceanConnect and bp respectively, at maritime conference TechWaves.
The MOUs pave the way for PIL and SGTraDex to explore opportunities with each bunker supplier in bunkering supply chain digitalisation, furthering the adoption of eBDN solutions and enhancing the bunkering ecosystem.
PIL, a shareholder of SGTraDex, also recently announced that they were the first shipping line to complete full integration with SGTraDex.
Mr. Chia Yujin, Head, Sustainability, Decarbonisation and Marine Fuels, Pacific International Lines, said, “As an early adopter of the technology, PIL believes that SGTraDex can improve efficiency and reliability of transactions in the marine fuels market. Through our efforts and close collaboration with our trusted partners, we now have in place all the digital enablers to adopt SGTradex as a solution to simplify transactional processes with our stakeholders in the marine fuel value chain.”
“With the confidence and convenience that SGTraDex can bring to buyers of marine fuels, we look forward to seeing more bunkering hubs adopting this solution, thereby paving the way for a more efficient maritime ecosystem.”
Bunker supplier TFG Marine signed an MOU with shipping lines Golden Ocean and Frontline committing to advancing adoption of eBDNs and related documents for their bunker deliveries in Singapore alongside SGTraDex.
With the launch of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)’s digital bunkering platform in November 2023, Singapore was the first Port globally to implement e-BDNs to facilitate bunker deliveries to reduce the admin burden of filling in physical forms and ensure transaction transparency.
ADP Clear Pte Ltd, Angsana Technology Pte Ltd, Bunkerchain and ZeroNorth have since been whitelisted as e-BDN platform providers.
In a recent exclusive interview with Singapore-based bunkering publication Manifold Times, DNV announced that it was in the process of being whitelisted by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
The conference also featured addresses by maritime industry leaders and stakeholders.
Singapore Standards Council (SSC) shared an upcoming standard focused on the digitalisation of bunkering supply chain documentation, while Equatorial Marine Fuel Management Services (EMF) shared their journey with eBDNs and the future of digital bunkering.
Jurong Port Universal Terminal (JPUT) and Jurong Port outlined their respective initiatives on smart terminals and ship supplies digitisation.
Mr. Tan Sian Lip, Co-Convenor for the Working Group on Electronic Documentation for Bunkering, said: “It is important for us to adopt a holistic approach to drive the digitalisation of the maritime sector, which must include the development and implementation of robust standards and to ensure interoperability between different systems.”
“That is why the Singapore Standards Council is working closely with various industry stakeholders to introduce a new standard for digital bunkering documents, and help business adopt more secure and efficient reporting processes. The standard will be open for public feedback in the next few months, and we encourage all industry players and relevant businesses to share their inputs on the draft standard.”
A panel discussion moderated by the International Chamber of Commerce explored the paperless future of maritime, focusing on key documents such as electronic Bills of Lading, Bunker Delivery Notes, and Delivery Orders.
A diverse group of panellists from Singapore Standards Council, EMF, JPUT, Blackstone & Gold and SMU deliberated on strategies to expedite the industry's transition towards digitalisation, the impact of digitisation on their respective organisations and institution as well as the implications for those employed in Singapore’s maritime and trade finance sectors.
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Photo credit: SGTraDex
Published: 27 February, 2024