Middelfart, Denmark | November 6, 2025 — In a major move toward full digitalisation of bunker procurement, AuctionConnect, the digital bunker procurement and auction platform, has signed a five-year strategic partnership with X-Press Feeders, the world’s largest independent feeder carrier.
The agreement marks a decisive step forward in transforming physical bunker trading through data-driven, transparent, and standardised sourcing. It confirms the growing readiness of the shipping and bunkering industry to adopt scalable digital solutions that enhance compliance, visibility, and efficiency.
Scaling Digital Bunker Auctions Across a Global Fleet
Building on successful regional trials, the partnership will see AuctionConnect deployed across X-Press Feeders’ global fleet in a phased rollout covering Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Mediterranean, and Europe over the coming quarters.
The rollout will unify local teams under a single, data-driven workflow. Using AuctionConnect’s real-time auction platform, vetted suppliers will be able to compete transparently for bunker stems, giving X-Press Feeders enhanced price visibility, built-in compliance, and full audit traceability.
Kenneth Juhls, CEO of AuctionConnect, said the partnership underscores the industry’s growing confidence in digital solutions for physical fuel procurement:
“We are proud to partner with X-Press Feeders, and this partnership confirms that the industry is ready to take the next important step forward in digitalising the actual trading of physical bunkers. It proves that the platform creates tangible value for both the industry and its users. With the partnership, we will scale the use of AuctionConnect for X-Press Feeders’ global fleet and cover all ports during the coming quarters.”
Driving Digital Transformation in Bunker Procurement
The partnership signals a pivotal shift in how bunker procurement is managed within the maritime sector – from manual, email- and phone-based processes to a standardised, real-time, data-driven model.
By embracing digital workflows, X-Press Feeders gains faster decision-making capabilities, improved pricing intelligence, and robust governance frameworks. The move also provides a transparent audit trail for every transaction — increasingly critical as ESG compliance and traceability become global industry priorities.
The platform’s measurable benefits include:
- Improved bunker pricing through competitive, real-time supplier auctions
- Enhanced transparency and compliance across the procurement chain
- Reduced administrative workload and faster transaction cycles
- Consolidated data insights enabling strategic decision-making
This shift allows operators like X-Press Feeders to redeploy internal resources from administrative tasks toward strengthening supplier partnerships and sustainability-focused initiatives.
From X-Press Feeders’ side, Captain Vijay, Global Head of Operations, emphasised the operational gains and strategic alignment the digital platform provides:
“We are very happy with the partnership with AuctionConnect as this allows us to take a significant step forward in our digitalisation journey. We see real value in applying the auction platform for our global procurement activities; specifically, we are seeing improved pricing, built-in compliance and audit trail, and reduced time spent on administration. We see the platform as an integral part of our procurement ecosystem that complements the strong relationships we have with our suppliers and partners.”
About X-Press Feeders
X-Press Feeders, established in 1972, is the world’s largest independent common carrier. Initially focused on Southeast Asia, we’ve expanded globally, operating across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Mediterranean, and Europe.
With a fleet exceeding 100 vessels, including over 40 owned vessels, and an annual throughput surpassing 6 million TEUs in 2022, our success is driven by our dedicated staff of 400 across key global locations. At X-Press Feeders, our collective aim is to deliver top-notch network, schedules, and solutions to our customers.
About AuctionConnect
AuctionConnect is a digital bunker procurement and auction platform built for the shipping & bunkering industry. It enables buyers and suppliers to engage with speed, transparency, and full compliance, turning complex bunker transactions into seamless, data-driven experiences. Every auction on the platform delivers measurable value, combining efficiency with traceability to support the industry’s digital transformation.
Source: AuctionConnect