TFG Marine and ZeroNorth have successfully conducted the first trial of an electronic bunker delivery note (eBDN) solution at the Port of Sohar in Oman. The successful pilot marks the first deployment of this digital solution in the Middle East, following an earlier launch in Singapore in collaboration with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
TFG Marine, a joint venture between commodity trading giant Trafigura, and shipping companies Frontline and Golden Ocean, partnered with ZeroNorth, a leading digital solutions provider for the maritime industry, to implement this cutting-edge digital bunkering system. The solution is set to redefine the traditional bunker delivery process by improving operational efficiency, enhancing data transparency, and strengthening regulatory compliance.
According to a joint statement, TFG Marine will now begin a regional rollout of the eBDN system to its customers across the Middle East, leveraging the insights and operational success from the Sohar trial.
This development signifies a milestone not only for TFG Marine and ZeroNorth but also for the broader regional marine fuel industry, which has traditionally relied on paper-based bunker delivery notes. The digitization of this process is expected to reduce administrative burdens, minimize errors, and enhance trust and traceability in fuel transactions.
The companies noted that this Middle East trial builds on their previous success with the MPA in Singapore, where the eBDN solution was first tested and implemented. That collaboration helped establish the digital tool as a viable and forward-thinking alternative to legacy practices.
This achievement underscores the growing momentum in maritime digitalization, particularly in the bunkering segment, as stakeholders seek smarter, cleaner, and more efficient ways of operating in a rapidly evolving regulatory and commercial landscape.
What Is an Electronic Bunker Delivery Note (eBDN)?
An electronic bunker delivery note (eBDN) is a digital version of the traditional paper-based bunker delivery note required under MARPOL Annex VI, specifically Regulation 18.5. This document records essential details about fuel oil delivered to ships, including:
- Name and IMO number of the receiving ship
- Port of delivery
- Date and commencement time of delivery
- Name, address, and contact information of the marine fuel supplier
- Product name(s)
- Quantity in metric tonnes
- Density at 15°C (kg/m³)
- Sulfur content (% m/m)
- A signed declaration from the supplier confirming compliance with sulfur content regulations
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has formally recognized eBDNs as acceptable, provided they meet the same requirements as paper-based notes and include additional security measures to prevent unauthorized modifications.
The eBDN Process: From Delivery to Compliance
Implementing an eBDN involves several key steps:
- Digital Generation: Upon delivery, the bunker supplier generates the eBDN, capturing all required information digitally.
- Transmission: The eBDN is transmitted electronically to the receiving vessel, often via secure communication channels.
- Verification: The receiving vessel verifies the authenticity of the eBDN using embedded security features such as QR codes, timestamps, or digital signatures.
- Retention: The eBDN must be stored onboard the vessel for a minimum of three years, readily available for inspection by authorities as stipulated by MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 18.6.
- Compliance Monitoring: Regulatory bodies may audit eBDNs to ensure compliance with environmental standards, particularly concerning sulfur content limits.
Benefits of eBDNs
The adoption of eBDNs offers several advantages:
- Efficiency: Streamlines the bunkering process by reducing paperwork and manual data entry.
- Transparency: Enhances visibility into fuel transactions, aiding in fraud prevention and dispute resolution.
- Environmental Compliance: Facilitates adherence to stringent sulfur content regulations, supporting global efforts to reduce maritime pollution.
- Cost Savings: Reduces administrative overhead and potential penalties associated with non-compliance.
About TFG Marine
TFG Marine is a global leader in the supply of marine fuels, offering innovative and efficient bunkering services through a growing global network. Formed by Trafigura, Frontline, and Golden Ocean, the company is committed to transparency, sustainability, and improving customer experience in the maritime fuel industry. With a focus on adopting new technologies, TFG Marine continues to push for higher industry standards and operational excellence.
About ZeroNorth
ZeroNorth is a Copenhagen-based technology company with a mission to enable greener global trade. Through a suite of digital products, ZeroNorth helps the global shipping industry optimize operations, reduce emissions, and maintain profitability. Their platform combines data intelligence with advanced analytics to support cargo owners, vessel operators, and bunker suppliers in making environmentally and commercially sound decisions.
Source ZeroNorth