【Port】 Singapore bunker operator can issue electric BDN //1 Nov. 2023//

The Singapore MPA has issued PORT MARINE CIRCULAR NO. 12 OF 2023 concerning Digital Bunkering.

As of November 1, 2023, bunkering operators in Singapore are now allowed to provide the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) in electronic format. This significant development comes after the adoption of a unified interpretation of MARPOL Annex VI at MEPC80 in July 2023, as specified in MEPC.1/Circ.795/Rev.8. According to this interpretation:

12.2 The Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) required by regulation 18.5 is acceptable in either hard copy or electronic format provided it contains at least the information specified in appendix V to MARPOL Annex VI and is retained and made available on board in accordance with regulation 18.6. In addition, an electronic BDN should be protected from edits, modifications, or revisions, and authentication should be possible through a verification method such as a tracking number, watermark, date and time stamp, QR code, GPS coordinates, or other verification methods.

MPA will require all bunkering operations in Singapore to go digital (i.e., use electronic processes and documentation) after this initial period, which will be announced at a later date. As such all MPA licensed bunker suppliers and craft operators are strongly encouraged to adopt digital bunkering at the earliest possible, for the familiarisation of the cargo officers and crew.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR VESSELS RECEIVING BUNKER, Annex B of this Circular provides guidelines for electric BDNs. If you are receiving a BDN in electronic format while bunkering in Singapore, it is advisable to refer to these guidelines for a smooth process.

For more information, please refer to the attached document.