China Marine Bunker (PetroChina) Co Ltd has made history by successfully completing the country's first fully digital bonded bunker fuel delivery at Shanghai Yangshan Port on April 1.

Utilizing an electronic Bunker Delivery Note (eBDN), the first of its kind issued in China, China Marine Bunker provided 1,300 tons of low-sulfur fuel oil to the CSCL GLOBE vessel owned by COSCO Shipping, marking a pivotal moment in China's transition towards digitalized marine fuel bunkering.

The eBDN system revolutionizes conventional paper-based bunker delivery notes by incorporating digital fuel metering and real-time data transmission.

This advancement ensures enhanced transparency and efficiency by digitally disseminating fuel supply information to all pertinent stakeholders.

The successful execution of this pioneering bunkering operation was made feasible through a digital bonded bunkering service platform collaboratively developed by China Marine Bunker, COSCO Shipping Technology Co Ltd, and other key entities and enterprises in Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area.

This platform seamlessly integrates customs and maritime regulatory modules, facilitating end-to-end digital processing — from fuel request initiation and contract signing to regulatory approvals and electronic document generation.

During the operation, the CSCL GLOBE initiated a fueling request via the platform, which was promptly processed by China Marine Bunker. The company then submitted an online application to customs and maritime authorities for approval.

Throughout the bunkering process, real-time data from the mass flow meter on the supply vessel was automatically transmitted to the platform and regulatory systems, ensuring complete transparency.

Upon completion, the eBDN was automatically generated, expediting customs clearance and carbon emissions tracking and facilitating automated digitalized settlement among stakeholders.

As the global maritime industry undergoes rapid digital transformation, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and major maritime nations have been actively promoting the adoption of electronic documents.

In July 2023, the IMO explicitly endorsed the application of eBDNs by member states to meet the requirements of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.

In alignment with international treaty obligations and to bolster port competitiveness and enhance global maritime resource allocation capabilities, Shanghai Port has been actively engaged in researching and piloting eBDNs.

Sources: thepaper.cn, Shanghai Observer