Singapore Leads with Electronic Bunker Delivery Notes to Improve Bunkering Efficiency
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will launch its digital bunkering initiative on November 1, 2023, marking Singapore as the first port globally to implement electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDN). The new system aims to streamline and enhance the efficiency of the bunkering process, which involves fueling ships. Currently, the industry uses physical bunker delivery notes to document fuel-oil delivery, but the digital system will replace this with mobile and cloud solutions that approved participants can use.
The transition to e-BDN is expected to save the maritime industry approximately 40,000 man-days annually. Since January 2023, over 100 trials have been conducted with around 20 companies in the bunkering ecosystem. The MPA is still gathering feedback from these trials to improve the digital solutions, with plans to make digital bunkering mandatory by the end of 2024.
Additionally, the new system enhances workflow, reduces compliance costs, and improves productivity by automatically relaying essential information to the MPA. The initiative also eliminates the need for physical transfer of bunker documents, improving crew safety.
The MPA is working with the industry on further improvements, such as automating data flow from mass flow meters, and ensuring that the digital solutions meet cybersecurity and regulatory standards. The Singapore Standards Council is also revising industry guidelines to support the adoption of electronic bunkering documentation.
