The Port of Singapore implements digital bunkering

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on 27 October 2023 issued a circular announcing the implementation of digital bunkering in the Port of Singapore starting from 1 November 2023.

The circular outlines the use of electronic bunkering processes and documentation, such as electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDNs) and automatic sharing of bunkering-related information with MPA.

The MPA has also approved a Unified Interpretation (UI) to regulations 18.5 and 18.6 of MARPOL Annex VI, which makes clear that the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) required by regulation 18.5 is acceptable in either hard copy or electronic format provided it contains at least the information specified in Appendix V to MARPOL Annex VI and is retained and made available on board in accordance with regulation 18.6.

In addition, an electronic BDN should be protected from edits, modifications, or revisions and authentication be possible by a verification method such as a tracking number, watermark, date and time stamp, QR code, GPS coordinates, or other verification methods.

The circular also provides guidelines for bunker suppliers and surveyors to ensure the smooth transmission of data and documents between the bunker barge and the vessel receiving the bunkers.

The circular emphasizes that MPA shall not be responsible or liable for any expenses, losses, or damages incurred by, or action taken against, the user(s) of whitelisted solution(s), and users are required to conduct their own due diligence before adopting any whitelisted solution(s).

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):