Ocean Network Express (ONE) is accelerating its digitalization efforts with the latest successful trial with Shell, with assistance from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), for the adoption of the electronic Bunker Delivery Note (e-BDN).
The e-BDN trial, which used Angsana Technology’s digital bunkering technology, took place on 9 September 2023, 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 the platform and complete the electronic bunkering documentation for pre-delivery and post-delivery. The bunkering documentation was completed and sent out to all parties before the vessels sailed.
“MPA is encouraged by the successful completion of the digital bunkering trial and we look forward to implementing electronic bunkering processes and documentation in the Port of Singapore progressively from November 2023 onwards,” stated Teo Eng Dih, chief executive of MPA.
The adoption of e-BDN has long been a focal point for the digitalization of international shipping. ONE has already undertaken a number of rounds of e-BDN trials in collaboration with partners.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) authorized the adoption of bunker delivery notes (BDNs) in both hard copy and digital versions at the MEPC80 session in July 2023, providing they fulfill the necessary standards 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 documentation on 1 November 2023, saving the bunker industry about 39,000 man-days per year.
Teo Eng Dih commented, “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 documentation at scale will help reduce business costs at the port ecosystem level and bring greater value to stakeholders across the entire bunkering value chain.”
