ZeroNorth enables Golden Island to become Singapore’s first 100% digital bunker supplier
Access to ZeroNorth Bunker Electronic Bunker Delivery Notes (eBDN) will streamline bunker processes, enabling Golden Island to drive efficiency, transparency, and contribute to decarbonising shipping.
Technology company ZeroNorth on Thursday (30 November) has announced that it has enabled its customer Golden Island Diesel Oil Trading Pte Ltd (Golden Island) to become the first marine fuel supplier in Singapore to go 100% digital in its use of Electronic Bunker Delivery Notes (eBDN).
Golden Island has chosen ZeroNorth Bunker’s eBDN solution, developed by BTS and recently consolidated under the ZeroNorth Bunker brand. The company will be able to provide 100% digital processes to increase transparency and improve collaboration.
“Enabled by ZeroNorth’s technology platform, Golden Island plans to stop issuing physical BDNs from 1 December, as part of the company’s digitalisation initiative to move away from manual, paper-based processes and reduce its environmental impact on the journey to greener operations,” ZeroNorth said in a statement shared with Singapore-based bunkering publication Manifold Times.
ZeroNorth’s eBDN service will digitalise the bunker delivery process for its customers, with Golden Island the first to benefit and swiftly and securely verify purchased fuel quantities, eliminate delays and ensure smooth transactions.
“This move will help Golden Island to streamline the bunkering documentation process, increasing transparency, and driving efficiency and productivity across its marine fuel delivery operations. Digitalisation will enhance crew productivity and operational efficiencies. By eliminating paper forms with ZeroNorth’s solution, Golden Island expects to save at least two hours of manual data entry work each day,” ZeroNorth added.
By digitalising the bunkering process, ZeroNorth will turn millions of data points into actionable recommendations for Golden Island on where it can drive efficiencies and achieve greener operations. With more data being interpreted through the digitalisation of BDNs, increasingly robust insights and analysis of emissions will then be generated for customers, further powering up the marine fuel market’s data flywheel. This will also enhance reporting, as information is standardised and readily available in a digital format.
Tomohiro Yamano, General Manager, Marine Fuel Department at Golden Island, said: “A month after the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) launched its digital bunkering initiative as the first port in the world to implement eBDN, we are proud to be the first company to fully switch to eBDN in the Singapore bunkering market. To achieve this, we required a solution that would facilitate a seamless workflow to enhance the productivity and efficiency of our marine fuel delivery operations.
“We were impressed with ZeroNorth’s deep understanding of the bunker industry and the capabilities of its eBDN solution. Digitalising our bunker processes with eBDN fits in with our digitalisation initiative to enhance and streamline operations, which will in turn also drive easier reporting and analysis of emissions.”
Kenneth Juhls, Managing Director for ZeroNorth Bunker at ZeroNorth, said: “Bunker procurement has been a traditionally cumbersome process, burdened by manual documentation. We’re delighted to be helping Golden Island eliminate these manual processes to streamline documentation, drive efficiencies and boost productivity across its operations as a global eBDN solution on the market.
“Given the integral role marine fuels are set to play in decarbonising shipping, ZeroNorth is proud to help our customers and the wider industry digitalise bunker operations. The data generated will in turn help enable the data flywheel effect, driving actionable recommendations on where further efficiencies can be created for the benefit of both profit and planet.”
The first internal trial for Golden Island using ZeroNorth’s eBDN solution began in November 2022. The company is now ready to adopt it into its operations after a year testing the solution, with assistance and approval from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
Manifold Times previously reported Singapore bunker supplier Golden Island Diesel Oil Trading Pte Ltd (Golden Island) will be fully adopting the electronic Bunker Delivery Note (e-BDN) for commercial bunkering operations from 1 December 2023 onwards.
ZeroNorth also announced it won the Digitalisation Award at the Marine Fuels 360 Awards Gala Dinner on 29 November.
Commenting on the award, Juhls said: “We are proud and humble to get recognised by this award. The full team in ZeroNorth works hard everyday to bring value to our clients through our software solution. We are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with our customers, partners and the industry in our ambition of making global trade green.”
Ofiniti eBDN solution chosen by FincoEnergies for marine biofuel ops in ARA region
Development takes place on the back of complex logistics and opaque operational processes experienced by the marine (bio)fuel market; which Ofiniti’s FuelBoss eBDN solution seeks to simplify.
Rotterdam-based FincoEnergies, an independent, leading supplier of (bio)fuels and decarbonisation services for the transport sector, will be adopting Ofiniti’s FuelBoss eBDN technology, with operational support from VT Group.
The development takes place on the back of complex logistics and opaque operational processes experienced by the marine (bio)fuel market; which Ofiniti’s FuelBoss eBDN solution seeks to simplify.
“Schedules are becoming increasingly tighter as demand for sustainable biofuels grows,” explains Leon Arets, Trading & Operations Director at FincoEnergies.
“We’re adopting a platform that enhances structure and responsiveness. This digital leap allows us to not only scale efficiently but also deliver greater transparency and operational excellence to our clients.”
A spin-off from global assurance and risk management leader DNV, Ofiniti brings together deep industry know-how with cutting-edge technology. Its flagship platform, FuelBoss, is designed to replace cumbersome manual processes with streamlined digital workflows that boost efficiency and data reliability.
“Our work with LNG suppliers laid the groundwork,” notes Oliver Brix Sparsø, Global Director of Sales at Ofiniti. “But this collaboration with FincoEnergies and VT Group marks the first large-scale commitment to digital delivery workflows for biofuels. It’s a turning point for the region.”
FincoEnergies’ mission, Decarbonising the transport industry together, is grounded in collaboration and innovation. The partnership with Ofiniti and VT Group exemplifies this spirit, combining technological leadership with operational expertise.
“As operators, we continuously look for ways to improve life on board and support our partners,” adds Wouter van Reenen, Business Development Manager at VT Group. “FuelBoss is a strong fit for our operations and those of our chartering clients.”
StormGeo adds Bearing AI to partner network, boosting AI-powered voyage optimisation
StormGeo’s Voyage Optimization Service will integrate Bearing AI’s advanced vessel performance models to deliver more precise fuel consumption predictions, efficient route planning, and reduced emissions.
Oslo-based StormGeo, a global leader in weather intelligence and decision support solutions, on Thursday (12 June) announced a strategic partnership with Bearing AI, a pioneer in AI-driven vessel performance modelling.
This collaboration marks a significant step forward in maritime efficiency, bringing together StormGeo’s decades-long experience in voyage optimisation with Bearing AI’s advanced machine learning capabilities.
Through this partnership, StormGeo’s Voyage Optimization Service will integrate Bearing AI’s advanced vessel performance models to deliver more precise fuel consumption predictions, efficient route planning, and reduced emissions.
“Our partnership with Bearing AI represents a new chapter in voyage optimization,” said Petter Andersen, Senior Vice President – Shipping at StormGeo.
“By integrating AI-driven vessel performance models into our trusted framework, we are offering the best of both worlds – StormGeo’s proven shipping expertise and long history with weather intelligence and Bearing AI’s adaptive technology. The result is a superior solution for shipping companies looking to optimise routes, improve fuel efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance.”
StormGeo’s Voyage Optimization Service already empowers maritime operators with intelligent routing based on real-time weather, oceanographic conditions, and fuel efficiency models. With the addition of Bearing AI’s models, shipowners and operators can expect:
Optimised route planning – Enhanced data accuracy enables dynamic adjustments for the safest, most fuel-efficient voyages and more precise ETA predictions.
Lower carbon emissions – Precise modeling supports compliance with IMO regulations, including CII and EEXI, helping companies meet sustainability goals.
“We’re excited to partner with StormGeo to provide shipping companies with a future-ready solution that maximizes both profitability and sustainability,” said Dylan Keil, CEO at Bearing AI.
“Our AI-powered solution combines data from different sources with adaptable machine learning technologies to build models that predict vessel performance in a wide range of operating conditions – complementing StormGeo’s performance models. StormGeo’s global reach, commitment to technological innovation, and trusted reputation make them an ideal partner for our technology.”
The partnership aligns with the industry’s shift toward digitalisation while reinforcing StormGeo’s position as a trusted, forward-thinking partner in voyage intelligence.
OCI Fuels has partnered with maritime technology firm ZeroNorth to use its Electronic Bunker Delivery Note (eBDN) solution across its operations, said the latter on Thursday (12 June).
The development also marked the first fully digital delivery of green methanol taking place in the Port of Rotterdam.
“This marks the first of many digital green fuel deliveries – and points to the broader change happening in the bunker industry,” noted Nicolai Bendixen, Managing Director at ZeroNorth Bunker.
“As the industry adapts to new fuels, regulatory pressure, and growing expectations around transparency, solutions like eBDN will play a key role. We’re proud to support this transformation and grateful to partner with OCI FUELS in making it happen.”
The delivery saw OCI Fuels and barge operator UniBarge supply green methanol using the eBDN solution.
By replacing manual paperwork with a digital process, the system streamlines operations and improves transparency for all parties involved.