Ocean Network Express (ONE) is intensifying its digitalisation efforts for the adoption of the electronic Bunker Delivery Note (e-BDN).
This initiative is backed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
The e-BDN trial, which used Angsana Technology’s digital bunkering technology, took place on 9 September, in the Port of Singapore.
As part of the trial, the Cargo Officer, Chief Engineer, and Bunker Surveyor used their unique link and one-time password to access into the platform and complete the electronic bunkering documentation for pre-delivery and post-delivery. The bunkering documentation were completed and distributed to all parties before the vessels sailed.
The use of e-BDN has long been a focus point for the digitalisation of international shipping. ONE has already undertaken a number of rounds of e-BDN studies in collaboration with partners.
At the MEPC80 session in July 2023, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) approved the acceptance of bunker delivery notes (BDNs) in both hard copy and digital formats, provided they meet the relevant requirements of MARPOL Annex VI.
The e-BDN trial by ONE and Shell also comes ahead of the MPA’s introduction of its digital bunkering project, which will adopt electronic bunkering procedures and documentations on 1 November, saving the bunker business about 39,000 man-days per year.
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Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, commented: “MPA is encouraged by the successful completion of the digital bunkering trial and we look forward to implementing electronic bunkering processes and documentations in the Port of Singapore progressively from November 2023 onwards.
“Apart from ensuring more secured and transparent operations when used with Mass Flow Meters, e-BDN will help build higher levels of trust amongst bunker buyers, suppliers, and financial institutions, and enable a more efficient and resilient ecosystem.
“The adoption of digital documentations at scale will help reduce business costs at the port ecosystem level and bring greater value to stakeholders across the entire bunkering value chain.”
Jeremy Nixon, ONE CEO, said: “We are excited to play a role in advancing e-BDN practices. By adopting e-BDN, we will have greater visibility and reliability of our bunkering operations and a more sustainable footprint.”
This month, ONE announced the launch of its new Southeast Asia to India and Gulf (SIG) connection.
