MPA will be first port to implement electronic bunker delivery

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will become the first port in the world to implement electronic bunker delivery notes from the start of next month.

Currently, the maritime industry relies on physical bunker delivery notes, a standard document required by the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships that contains information on fuel oil delivery.

The MPA argues that taking this process digital will boost efficiency and transparency.

Over 100 trials have been conducted since January 2023, involving more than 20 companies in the Singapore bunkering ecosystem.

Licensed bunker suppliers, shipowners, operators and crew are encouraged to utilise the mobile and cloud solutions approved by MPA to complete and issue digital bunkering documents, which the MPA claims can save close to 40,000 man-days per year for the bunker industry.

Singapore, the world’s largest bunkering hub, has tended to take the tech lead over rivals. For instance, it made mass flow meters mandatory years ago, something that European ports such as Rotterdam are only getting around to introducing now.