ZeroNorth and Vitol have successfully initiated a four-week digital bunker delivery trial at the Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest bunker hub. The trial marks the first use of ZeroNorth’s electronic bunker delivery note (eBDN) solution at the port, aiming to enhance efficiency, transparency, and data quality while laying the groundwork for a fully digitalised bunker workflow.
Pioneering eBDN at Rotterdam
The digital delivery trial is set to include three to four bunker operations conducted by Vitol Bunkers using ZeroNorth’s eBDN solution. This trial is designed to demonstrate the significant advantages of digital documentation over traditional manual processes. Key benefits being assessed include reduced time during bunkering, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced data accuracy.
The Port of Rotterdam’s involvement underscores its commitment to innovation and aligns with its broader digitalisation efforts. As the first European port to trial eBDN, Rotterdam is following in the footsteps of Singapore, the world’s leading bunkering port, which was the first to mandate electronic bunker delivery notes (eBDN) through the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA). Both Singapore and Rotterdam play a central role in global efforts to enhance the efficiency of international shipping, contributing to the Singapore-Rotterdam Green and Digital Shipping Corridor.
Industry Leaders Driving Digitalisation
ZeroNorth and Vitol have collaborated closely in driving eBDN adoption, initially demonstrated in Singapore with Vitol Bunkers being one of the first to implement the solution under MPA’s guidance. This trial at Rotterdam builds on that success, aiming to accelerate the adoption of digital solutions within Europe’s crucial bunkering sector.
Upon completion of the trial, the eBDN solution will be fully integrated into the systems of the Port of Rotterdam and its suppliers, paving the way for a comprehensive digital bunkering ecosystem. This integration is expected to streamline workflows, reduce operational costs, and improve transparency across the bunker supply chain.
Saskia Mureau, Director Customer Digital of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, commented “The port of Rotterdam is pleased to join Vitol and ZeroNorth in completing the first digital bunker delivery. This pilot allows us to demonstrate the benefits of electronic bunker delivery notes, including time savings, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced data quality. This initiative underscores our commitment to innovation and sustainability and brings us one step closer to digitising bunker operations at one of the largest bunker ports in the world.”
Kenneth Juhls, Senior VP and Global Head of Customer Success at ZeroNorth, remarked “Transparency and efficiency in the bunker sector are crucial to the success of shipping’s energy transition. While the digitalisation of the bunker industry is gathering pace, significant opportunities to reduce operational costs and improve transparency in fuel transactions remain untapped. We’re thrilled to partner with Vitol to conduct this trial in Europe’s most important bunkering hub. This initiative is an important step forward and has the potential to serve as a catalyst for the widespread adoption of eBDN across the industry.”
Ian Butler, Head of Energy Transition – Shipping at Vitol, added “We are pleased to participate in this trial. Digitalisation has the potential to benefit the bunkering industry through increased efficiencies and greater operational transparency; to the benefit of our customers and the wider market.”
This trial showcases a significant step towards digital transformation in the bunkering industry, highlighting the collaborative efforts of ZeroNorth, Vitol, and the Port of Rotterdam to enhance efficiency and transparency in one of the world’s busiest bunker ports.
About the Port of Rotterdam Authority
The Port of Rotterdam is a vital economic hub for the Netherlands and Europe, offering significant benefits to the logistics and business sectors. The Port Authority is dedicated to sustainable development and efficient port management, striving to strengthen its position as a premier logistics hub and industrial complex. The Authority prioritises quality and responsibility, focusing on the health and safety of current and future generations while fostering innovation.
About Vitol
Founded in Rotterdam in 1966, Vitol is a leading player in the energy sector with a diverse portfolio spanning oil, power, renewables, and carbon trading. Vitol handles 7.3 million barrels of crude oil and products daily, orchestrating approximately 6,000 sea voyages each year. The company’s global presence includes significant investments in energy assets, with 18 million cubic meters of storage, 550,000 barrels per day of refining capacity, and a growing portfolio of renewable energy projects. Vitol reported revenues of $400 billion in 2023.
About ZeroNorth
ZeroNorth is a technology company committed to accelerating the transition to greener global trade. Through its data-driven platform, ZeroNorth provides a suite of software solutions that help the global shipping industry reduce emissions while maintaining commercial performance. The company offers a range of services aimed at optimising global trade for cargo owners, vessel operators, and bunker suppliers, leveraging insights to increase earnings and cut CO2 emissions.
Source ZeroNorth