ZeroNorth, Vitol, and the Port of Rotterdam have successfully completed their first digital bunker delivery, marking the commencement of a four-week trial aimed at showcasing the benefits of electronic over manual bunker delivery notes. During the trial period, Vitol plans to conduct three to four bunker deliveries within the Port of Rotterdam, utilising ZeroNorth’s electronic bunker delivery note solution. The objective is to evaluate time savings during bunkering, enhanced operational efficiency, and improved data accuracy.

This trial aims to establish the solution’s practicality for port operations, positioning the Port of Rotterdam to become the first European port to initiate the digitalisation of bunkering processes. By doing so, Rotterdam follows in the footsteps of Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority, the world’s pioneer in implementing and mandating eBDNs. As two of the largest bunkering hubs globally, Singapore and Rotterdam are pivotal in leading global initiatives to enhance efficiency in international shipping, contributing to the objectives of the Singapore-Rotterdam Green and Digital Shipping Corridor. Both ZeroNorth and Vitol have been actively involved in advancing digital initiatives in Singapore, where Vitol Bunkers, collaborating closely with ZeroNorth, became one of the first adopters of eBDN under MPA’s regulatory framework.

Following the trial, ZeroNorth, Vitol, and the Port of Rotterdam plan to fully integrate eBDN into the port’s systems and those of its suppliers, laying the groundwork for a seamless digital workflow.

Saskia Mureau, director customer digital at the Port of Rotterdam Authority, commented on the achievement: “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 vice president and global head of customer success at ZeroNorth, emphasised the importance of the trial: “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 represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to modernise and enhance the bunkering industry through digital innovation.

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