Singapore set to become first port in the world to debut electronic bunker delivery notes

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Monday (23 October) said it will launch the digital bunkering initiative on 1 November 2023, becoming the first port in the world to implement electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDN).

This was announced by Mr Chee Hong Tat, Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance during the International Safety@Sea Conference yesterday. 

“Bunkering is the process of supplying fuels to ships for their own use. Currently, the maritime industry relies on physical bunker delivery notes, a standard document required by the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships that contains information on fuel oil delivery,” MPA said in a statement. 

“To boost efficiency and transparency during the bunkering process in Singapore, MPA will launch its digital bunkering initiative to implement electronic bunkering processes and documentations, such as e-BDN, from 1 November 2023.”

Over 100 trials have been conducted since January 2023, involving more than 20 companies in the Singapore bunkering ecosystem. Feedback from users will continue to be gathered to improve these solutions with plans to make digital bunkering a mandatory requirement by end 2024. Meanwhile, MPA will continue to explore and work with the industry on other enhancements, including automating the data flow from Mass Flow Meters.

Licensed bunker suppliers, ship owners, operators and crew are encouraged to utilise the mobile and cloud solutions approved by MPA to complete and issue digital bunkering documents, which can save close to 40,000 man-days per year for the bunker industry. 

MPA has approved these solutions to ensure conformance to standards and that they meet cybersecurity, baseline functionality, risk management and regulatory reporting requirements. These digital solutions will automatically relay bunkering-related information required by MPA, thereby reducing compliance costs and improving productivity. The digital approach also streamlines workflow and enhances crew safety by eliminating the need for physical transfer of bunker documents between vessels. 

The industry-led Singapore Standards Council is developing a new Specification for digital bunkering supply chain documentation and revising the existing SS648:2019 Code of Practice of Bunker Mass Flow Metering to support electronic bunkering documentation. MPA is also working with Enterprise Singapore and Workforce Singapore to support maritime companies in the early adoption of digital bunkering and manpower upskilling.

According to MPA’s current list of approved digital bunkering solutions, three providers have been whitelisted so far. MPA has noted that the list will be progressively updated:

Note: For any queries, you may contact [email protected]. 

Manifold Times previously reported International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) stating that the International Maritime Organization has formally confirmed that bunker delivery notes (BDNs) are acceptable in either hard copy or digital form providing they meet the relevant requirements of MARPOL Annex VI with additional protection and verification requirements for electronic BDNs.

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: 24 October, 2023