ZeroNorth and Vitol have completed a first digital bunker delivery at the Port of Rotterdam, marking the start of a four-week trial of the technology.
Over the course of the trial, which got underway on 12 November, Vitol will undertake three to four bunker deliveries at the port, using ZeroNorth’s electronic bunker delivery note (eBDN) solution. The aim is to demonstrate the benefits of digital over manual bunker delivery notes by assessing time savings during bunkering, enhanced operational efficiency and improved data quality.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has mandated the use of eBDNs for marine fuel deliveries from April 2025, and a statement issued today by ZeroNorth and Vitol notes that their trial will enable the Port of Rotterdam ‘to be the first port in Europe to take steps to digitalise bunkering.’ ZeroNorth and Vitol have both been involved in the introduction of eBDNs to the Singapore market, with Vitol Bunkers, in collaboration with ZeroNorth, becoming one of the first to adopt eBDNs under the MPA’s approval.
In a bid to introduce more transparency into bunker deliveries and following on from Singapore’s already implemented mandate, the Port of Rotterdam, in tandem with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, will also require the use of mass flow meters on bunker barges from 1 January 2026.
After the current trial, the parties will fully integrate eBDNs into the systems of the Port of Rotterdam and its suppliers.
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, added: ‘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.’
