MPA to launch digital bunkering scheme in November

THE Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will launch a digital bunkering initiative on Nov 1 to enhance the efficiency of bunkering processes.

The initiative will make Singapore the first port in the world to use electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDN), said Acting Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat, who is also the Senior Minister of State for Finance. He was speaking at the International Safety@Sea Conference on Monday (Oct 23).

Bunkering is the process of supplying fuel to ships. Currently, the maritime industry relies on physical bunker delivery notes from ships to document information on fuel-oil delivery.

If the bunker suppliers, ship owners, operators and crew use the mobile and cloud solutions approved by MPA to complete and issue digital bunkering documents, it could save close to 40,000 man-days per year for the industry, said MPA.

Since January this year, more than 100 trials using e-BDN have been conducted among about 20 companies in the bunkering ecosystem.

The government authority added that it is still gathering feedback from the trials to improve the digital solutions. It also plans to make digital bunkering a mandatory requirement by the end of 2024.

“Meanwhile, MPA will continue to explore and work with the industry on other enhancements, including automating the data flow from mass flow meters.”

It also noted that it has ensured these approved digital solutions meet cybersecurity, baseline-functionality, risk-management and regulatory-reporting requirements. Industry players can find the current list of solutions at go.gov.sg/digital-bunkering

“These digital solutions will automatically relay bunkering-related information required by the MPA, thereby reducing compliance costs and improving productivity.

SEE ALSO

MPA calls for proposals to accelerate adoption of electric harbour craft

Shipping industry off track to meet 5% zero-emission fuel target by 2030

Singapore to appoint developer for low-carbon ammonia power generation and bunkering

“The digital approach also streamlines workflow and enhances crew safety by eliminating the need for the physical transfer of bunker documents between vessels.”

MPA highlighted that various stakeholders are facilitating the digital transition.

The Singapore Standards Council is developing a new specification for digital bunkering supply chain documentation. The industry-led body is also revising the existing Code of Practice of Bunker Mass Flow Metering to support electronic bunkering documentation.

“MPA is also working with Enterprise Singapore and Workforce Singapore to support maritime companies in the early adoption of digital bunkering and manpower upskilling,” MPA added.