MPA to launch digital bunkering from 1 November

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will implement the use of electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDN) from 1 November, making Singapore the first port in the world to launch digital bunkering.

PHOTO: Dense rows of vessels on the waters of Singapore. Getty Images

Singapore's acting transport minister Chee Hong made the announcement at the International Safety@Sea Conference on Monday. 

Under the new initiative, bunker suppliers, ship owners, operators and crew members will be encouraged to use the mobile and cloud-based applications to issue digital bunkering documents. Such applications must be approved by the MPA.

The MPA has conducted over 100 trials since January to test the e-BDN system. More than 20 Singapore-based bunkering companies participated in these test runs. According to the MPA, user feedback will be incorporated to enhance and hone the current process before it is mandated by the end of 2024.

Apart from this, the MPA is also working closely with the industry on other improvements like automating data flow from mass flow meters (MFMs).

At present, the maritime sector uses physical bunker delivery notes, a standard document that carries information on fuel oil delivery. The notes are a requirement under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.   

In July, the 80th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) paved the way for e-BDNs, approving the use of e-BDNs for bunker delivery.

With this new initiative, the MPA will roll out digital bunkering to implement electronic bunkering processes and documentation, including the e-BDN. 

By Manjula Nair

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