As marine fuel procurement grows more complex in the era of decarbonisation, ZeroNorth Bunker is taking direct aim at the long-standing fragmentation in bunkering operations. Under the leadership of Nicolai Bendixen, Managing Director of ZeroNorth Bunker, the company has introduced a transformative strategy to embed bunkering directly into the core of shipping operations.
Historically treated as a transactional function, bunkering has too often operated in isolation, disconnected from the commercial, operational, and environmental decision-making processes onboard and ashore. But the increasing regulatory burden, the rise of alternative fuels, and pricing volatility are rendering that legacy approach unsustainable.
Since assuming his role in 2024, Bendixen has led the strategic shift toward a data-driven, integrated bunkering model — one that connects fuel buying with voyage execution, compliance, and commercial performance.
“The days of making bunker decisions in isolation are over,” says Nicolai Bendixen, Managing Director of ZeroNorth Bunker, “We’re operating in an environment where every fuel decision has consequences – for cost, for emissions, and for operational performance.”
Rising Pressure on Operators to Unify Decisions
Few industry segments are under more pressure than bunker procurement. With fuel remaining the single largest operating cost, operators face growing difficulties: volatile pricing, a fragmented supplier base, and mounting requirements to decarbonise — all while managing multiple fuel types like LNG, methanol, and advanced biofuels.
“These are not isolated decisions,” Bendixen explains. “You can’t separate bunkering from voyage planning, from emissions reporting, or from your commercial strategy. But most of the tools in the market still treat them as separate processes.”
The result is clear: inefficiency, opacity, and increased exposure to compliance risks.
ZeroNorth Bunker Connects the Dots
ZeroNorth is actively eliminating these silos by integrating bunkering into its broader digital platform. Through its growing ecosystem, fuel procurement, performance analytics, and emissions tracking are unified — allowing operators to make informed decisions across the voyage lifecycle.
“Bunker procurement is part of a bigger operational puzzle,” says Bendixen. “Our role is to give operators the tools to solve it in real time – with data, with automation, and with alignment to both commercial and sustainability goals.”
ZeroNorth’s bunkering capabilities have grown significantly since entering the sector in 2022. Through the acquisition of ClearLynx and Prosmar Bunkering, and the rollout of electronic Bunker Delivery Notes (eBDNs), ZeroNorth Bunker has brought greater standardisation and speed to the procurement process. Today, more than 95% of bunker pricing volume is automated, improving transparency and reducing manual workload.
Autonomous Bunker Management: A New Industry Direction
Looking forward, ZeroNorth Bunker’s long-term vision is what it calls “Autonomous Bunker Management” — a fully integrated, AI-driven approach to fuel planning, purchasing, and compliance.
“The complexity will only increase,” Bendixen says. “More fuel types, more suppliers, more regulations – operators can’t manage that with disconnected systems. We believe the future lies in intelligent, connected environments where procurement, planning, and compliance are automated and aligned.”
To support this vision, ZeroNorth Bunker is already developing:
- Autonomous planning tools
- Smart claim detection algorithms
- Dynamic pricing indices to increase market transparency and improve buyer confidence
Data-Driven, Relationship-Centric
Crucially, Bendixen reinforces that this strategy is not about removing the human element — but rather enhancing the decisions procurement professionals make.
“Procurement will always involve relationships, but it needs to be underpinned by data, automation, and alignment to operational realities,” Bendixen concludes. “That’s how we move beyond fragmented decisions – and towards a future where fuel procurement helps drive both commercial performance and decarbonisation.”
About ZeroNorth Bunker
ZeroNorth Bunker is the dedicated marine fuels division of ZeroNorth, established in early 2022 as part of the company’s expansion into digital bunkering. Following the acquisitions of ClearLynx, Prosmar Bunkering, and BTS Pte Ltd, ZeroNorth Bunker now offers a comprehensive, end-to-end platform covering bunker planning, procurement, supply, and trading.
Its goal: to bring transparency, efficiency, and sustainability to every stage of the bunkering process — enabled by data, automation, and industry collaboration. Initiatives such as eBDN standardisation are already scaling across global ports, reinforcing the company’s position as a driver of digital change in marine fuel.
Source ZeroNorth Group