First Fully Digital Green Methanol Delivery Completed At Port Of Rotterdam

OCI Fuels, a part of the Dutch fuel producer OCI Global, and Danish tech company ZeroNorth have completed the first fully digital delivery of green methanol at the Port of Rotterdam.

The delivery used ZeroNorth’s electronic bunker delivery note (eBDN) solution, making the entire process paperless, transparent, and efficient. OCI Fuels provided the green methanol, which was transferred to a vessel operated by X-Press Feeders, a Singapore-based independent common carrier. Local barge operator UniBarge carried out the actual bunkering operation.

The digital system replaces traditional paperwork with an electronic process that captures all essential information, such as fuel type, quantity, delivery time and location, supplier details, and compliance declarations. According to ZeroNorth, this helps streamline operations and improve transparency for everyone involved.

The eBDN platform includes features such as QR codes and digital signatures, helping ensure that delivery records are secure, traceable, and fully authentic. This also significantly reduces the administrative burden that usually comes with manual documentation.

ZeroNorth stated in a LinkedIn post that this digital fuel delivery shows how the bunker industry is changing due to stricter rules and the shift toward cleaner fuels. The company said digital tools like eBDN will play an important role in this shift.

Nicolai Bendixen, Managing Director at ZeroNorth Bunker, said this is likely the first of many digital green fuel deliveries. He added that the industry is evolving to meet new regulatory demands and expectations for transparency, and tools like eBDN are key to that progress.

The Port of Rotterdam, known as Europe’s largest and one of the world’s leading maritime hubs, continues to stand out for its commitment to digital and green shipping solutions. The port has made strategic investments in sustainable fuels and infrastructure, making it an ideal location for this first-of-its-kind delivery.

As the barge operator, UniBarge played a crucial role in making sure that the green methanol was transferred safely and in full compliance with environmental and safety standards. Transporting alternative fuels like methanol requires specialised handling, and UniBarge ensured smooth and reliable operations.

X-Press Feeders, the recipient of the green methanol, is among the shipping companies investing in alternative, low-emission fuels. Green methanol, used in this delivery, is made from renewable sources like biomass or captured carbon dioxide. It is seen as a promising marine fuel because it can significantly reduce emissions, work with existing ship engines, and help operators meet global IMO environmental targets.

The eBDN solution used in Rotterdam follows a pattern that started in Singapore, where the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) launched the world’s first digital bunkering initiative in 2023. From April 1, 2025, all bunker suppliers in Singapore must use digital systems by default.

References: offshore energy, bunkermarket

Source: Maritime Shipping News