Digital Bunkering

The purpose of Digital Bunkering is to improve documentation efficiency, data accuracy, and information visibility, which are achieved through the following functionalities and features:   

(a) Documentation efficiency - streamlined electronic workflows, automated routing of forms and checklists, automated submission of regulatory information, and electronic singing and stamping of documents.  

(b) Data accuracy - automated data filling and entry validation using industry regulations/standards such as MARPOL and SS709, minimising data entry errors and repudiation. 

(c) Information visibility and security - secured sharing of information, single source of truth, proper authentication, authorisation and access control, verifiability of records, and cybersecurity certification and assurance testing. 

By digitalising the conventional bunkering workflow and documentations such as electronic bunker delivery note (eBDN), bunker requisition form, checklists, and other forms, the digital bunkering initiative is expected to help the bunkering industry save close to 40,000 man-days annually.

With effect from 1 April 2025:

1. Bunker suppliers in Singapore will provide digital bunkering services and issue electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDNs) as a default following successful trials conducted since November 2023. Singapore is the first port in the world to implement e-BDN, anchoring its position as a trusted and efficient global bunkering hub.

    

2. eBDNs can be verified through a centralised e-BDN record verification system by MPA for additional transparency and transaction integrity in bunkering operations. Key stakeholders (i.e. banks, vessel owners etc.) can verify the authenticity of e-BDNs received from bunker suppliers against the information transmitted to MPA. Click here to access the e-BDN record verification system from the digitalPORT@SG portal.

    

3. The verification of mass flow meters (MFM) by MPA is now reduced from twice to once a year to help further reduce business costs. This is in line with the updated SS648:2024 standards and is expected to save the industry approximately $300,000 a year. Risk-based audits will continue as the bunker industry undertakes this transition.