Asia/Pacific News
Singapore Moves on E-BDNs to Boost Productivity
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has announced that it is working on the concept of electronic Bunker Delivery Notes (e-BDNs) to boost productivity at the port.
"There is a need to continue this productivity push for bunkering in Singapore. We are working on the concept of E-BDNs, bunker delivery notes electronically, that will allow instantaneous transfer of bunkering data to both the buyers and the sellers," Minister for Transport Lui Tuck Yew said last week in his opening address at SIBCON 2014.
"We are also exploring how to use the technology to automate the bunkering processes."
In a separate statement by the MPA, the Authority said the move would utilise technological advancements already underway at the port and lead to a change in the way the industry currently works.
"Leveraging on the data transmission capability of the mass flow meter and 4G connectivity within the Port of Singapore, the e-BDN concept will change the way the bunker industry currently operates," said MPA.
"Where paper-based bunker delivery notes are currently used as documents for invoicing and payments, the e-BDN will increase the productivity of all stakeholders involved in the supply chain and minimise the possibility of human error."
MPA said it was also exploring other ways to streamline Singaporean bunkering activities, such as automating mooring and on-board processes to reduce manpower requirements on bunker tankers at the port.
Also in his opening address, Lui said Singapore will move to provide liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering by 2020.
