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SIBCON 2022 Interview: Digitalisation in bunkering ops, can lower costs and enable decarbonisation, says StormGeo

Digitalisation makes it easier for shipowners to conform to growing external regulations such as new sulphur regulations and ‘no scrubber’ zones; operators can identify better bunkering options to reduce costs.
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The following interview with Christian Plum, Head of Bunker Product, StormGeo, is part of coverage for the upcoming Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON) 2022, where Manifold Times is an official media partner. Christian Plum was the CEO of BunkerMetric, which was recently acquired by Alfa Laval to be merged with StormGeo. 

Plum breaks down how digitalisation improves bunkering operations, transparency in the bunkering sector and its role in helping shipowners meet IMO 2030/2050 emissions targets:

MT: Do you think the bunkering sector is adequately digitalised? What are the lacking areas/aspects which you would like to see an improvement in?

In the last five years or so, we’ve seen much good development in all aspects of digital support for bunkering, including data quality, planning, delivery, MFMs, and follow-up. However, only a few early adopters have leveraged these innovative techniques and are now reaping their benefits. What lies ahead is partly a refinement of these techniques, but I expect to see a more general adoption of them in the coming five years. 

In addition to existing tools, techniques, and ideas already on the market, I believe we also will see new ideas emerge and increased integration of related services to create more holistic offerings. 

MT: How can digitalisation improve bunkering operations? What are the commercial and operational benefits of operating a fully digitalised bunkering fleet?

There are several opportunities inherent in digitalising bunkering operations.

First, digitalisation makes it easier to conform to external regulations. In the last five years, we’ve seen new sulphur regulations, ‘no scrubber’ zones, and required MFMs in certain jurisdictions – regulations that aim to reduce environmental footprints and add transparency to the bunkering industry. Most likely, the external regulatory pressure will increase significantly in the coming five years, mainly due to a need to monitor and reduce GHG emissions but also to increase transparency. More complex rules require better systems to ensure compliance and to plan and manage the increased risk. Digital tools will play a critical role in allowing the shipping and bunkering industry to manage this increased complexity, keep costs down, and ensure transparency between shippers, insurers, and governments. 

Second, operators can achieve time and cost savings by leveraging digital tools. With good digital tools, operators can identify better bunkering options in this increasingly complex environment, which may help reduce operational costs. Furthermore, operators can save time by leveraging advanced analytics to plan their bunkering operations in minutes instead of hours – time saved for more value-adding work. 

MT: Could you elaborate more on how digitalisation improves transparency in bunkering operations?

Digital tools can ensure transparency regarding documenting decisions. For example, why did a specific vessel bunker 500 MT of VLSFO at Gibraltar? Having a detailed decision basis in the form of complete calculations of hundreds of alternatives helps justify decisions like this. Furthermore, these calculations can also ensure that, for example, trainee operators or last-minute schedule changes are handled with full detail within minutes, providing a consistently high-quality decision process.  

MT: What are the current digitalisation trends for the general maritime sector and how can technology help shipowners meet IMO 2030/2050 emissions targets?

In addition to the opportunities highlighted above, digitalisation, especially in the form of sensor technology, big data, and advanced analytics, can help shipping companies gain deeper insights into their operations and identify better strategies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. 

MT: Heading into IMO 2030/2050, what is the biggest digitalisation-related challenge faced by the shipping industry and are there any solutions for this?

To add on my points above, an increasingly complex regulatory landscape requires better systems to ensure compliance and to plan and manage increased risks. This means that the shipping industry needs to start today and take advantage of the emerging digital tools that can help manage this increased complexity.

Related: Alfa Laval finalises acquisition of BunkerMetric for StormGeo merger
Related: Alfa Laval to acquire BunkerMetric for merger with StormGeo to expand digital marine services

Other interviews conducted by Manifold Times for coverage of SIBCON 2022 are as follows:

Related: SIBCON 2022 Interview: Co-Convenors offer insights into Singapore’s upcoming Digital Bunker Document Standard
Related: Singapore: ISO/TC 28/SC 2/WG13 for Marine Bunkering attends meter verification operation of “Sea Longevity”
Related: SIBCON 2022 Interview: MFMs relevant for custody transfer of future liquid-based marine fuels, confirms Endress+Hauser
Related: SIBCON 2022 Interview: Singapore Bunkering TC Chairman shares republic’s direction on future marine fuels
Related: SIBCON 2022 Interview: Clyde & Co discusses handling of bunker fuel quality disputes, alt fuels contracts

 

Photo credit: StormGeo
Published: 4 October, 2022

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Legal

Singapore: Bunker Partner succeeds in High Court bid to wind up Victory Shipping

Estonia-based marine fuels and commodities trading company Bunker Partner filed a winding up application against Victory Shipping on 13 April.

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June 26, 2026

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Singapore: Estonian firm Bunker Partner files bid to wind up of Victory Shipping

The High Court of Singapore granted a winding up order against Victory Shipping Pte Ltd on 12 June, according to a Thursday (25 June) notice on the Government Gazette. 

The winding up application was filed by Estonia-based marine fuels and commodities trading company Bunker Partner on 13 April.

Victory Shipping, with representations in Malaysia, India and the U.A.E., operates dry bulk shipping contracts around the globe with voyages performed mainly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

The winding up order also included the following name and address of a liquidator:

Mr Farooq Ahmad Mann
C/o M/s Mann & Associates PAC
3 Shenton Way #03-06C
Shenton House
Singapore 068805

The notice noted that all creditors of the Victory Shipping should file their proof of debt with the liquidator who will be administering all the affairs of the company. 

Manifold Times previously reported a virtual hearing between Victory Shipping and Integr8 Fuels Pte Ltd, organised by the High Court of the Republic of Singapore.

The event was to set aside a statutory demand served on 3 October 2025 by Integr8 Fuels lawyers under Section 125(2)(c) and Section 10 of the Insolvency, Restructuring and Dissolution Act 2018 (IRDA) against Victory Shipping, according to court documents obtained by the bunkering publication.

Integr8 Fuels provides bunker trading and brokerage services to shipowners and operators that enables them to optimise fuel procurement.

Related: Singapore: Court to hear Bunker Partner’s winding-up bid against Victory Shipping on 12 June
Related: Singapore: Estonian firm Bunker Partner files bid to wind up Victory Shipping
Related: Singapore: Victory Shipping aiming to set aside bankruptcy court process from Integr8 Fuels

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 26 June, 2026

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FuelEU

Hafnia Pools surpasses 170 vessels, achieves FuelEU Maritime compliance

In announcing the company’s Q1 2026 financial results, it said five vessels joined Hafnia Pools during the first quarter of the year, bringing the total number of Pool Partners to 24 across segments.
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Hafnia Pools surpasses 170 vessels, achieves FuelEU Maritime compliance

Singapore-headquartered tanker operator Hafnia on Wednesday (24 June) the company closed Q1 2026 with more than 170 vessels trading across its pool platform.

In announcing the company’s Q1 2026 financial results, it said five vessels joined Hafnia Pools during the first quarter of the year, bringing the total number of Pool Partners to 24 across segments.

Since November 2025, vessels entering the Pools have had an average age of six years or younger, further strengthening the competitiveness and earnings capability of the platform. 

This continued inflow of modern tonnage supports Hafnia’s focus on maintaining an efficient and attractive fleet profile, while enhancing the long-term value proposition for Pool Partners.

In Hafnia’s MR Pool, six owners now each have three or more vessels committed.

During Q1 2026, Hafnia Pools successfully met the EU’s FuelEU Maritime requirements for 2025. Across the Pool, 108 vessels collectively exceeded the emissions limits; however, by working together under a “pooling” system, this was balanced out. By using cleaner vessels, biofuel, and purchased emissions credits, the Pools avoided penalties and achieved meaningful cost savings for partners.

This outcome reflects strong collaboration across Hafnia’s commercial, operational, and compliance teams, as well as constructive engagement with all Document of Compliance holders as regulations such as FuelEU come into full force.

In June 2026, Hafnia Pools further strengthened Partner engagement and alignment through its bi-annual Pool Board meeting, taking place during Posidonia in Greece.

Peter Kolding, VP Chartering Regional Trades & Pool Management, said: “As we move further into 2026, our focus remains on delivering consistent commercial results, strengthening the value proposition for all Pool Partners, and continuing to build on the close cooperation between our Chartering and Operations teams that underpins the success of the Hafnia Pools.

“I am encouraged to see that our commercial performance and efforts in staying close to our partners are paying off as we enjoy growing support from many of those same partners. It indicates that we are on the right path and energizes us to continue doing everything we can to improve even further.”

 

Photo credit: Hafnia
Published: 26 June, 2026

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Digital platform

VPS debuts VeriSphere Webshop, enhancing digital access to marine fuel solutions

Key addition is the MySurveys application, designed to support bunker quantity survey processes by providing detailed insights into quantity losses, density variations, and bunkering performance.
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June 26, 2026

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VPS debuts VeriSphere Webshop, enhancing digital access to marine fuel solutions

Marine fuels testing company VPS on Thursday (25 June) announced the launch of its VeriSphere Webshop, a major step forward in the evolution of its digital platform and customer experience.

The new webshop provides customers with direct, self-service access to a growing portfolio of VPS products and services, including digital applications, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and sampling equipment; enabling faster, more flexible engagement with VPS’s global offerings.

The VeriSphere Webshop has been designed to simplify how shipowners, operators, and stakeholders across the marine fuel value chain, access critical tools and data. Through a streamlined interface, users can:

  • Browse and subscribe to VPS digital applications
  • Purchase services and products directly online
  • Discover complementary solutions tailored to their operational needs from VPS as well as its ecosystem partners

Alongside the launch of the webshop module, VPS continues to expand the capabilities of its VeriSphere platform, introducing new applications and enhancing existing solutions to deliver deeper operational insights.

A key addition is the MySurveys application, designed to support bunker quantity survey processes by providing detailed insights into quantity losses, density variations, and bunkering performance. This capability represents an important step in the digitalisation of traditionally manual survey processes, enabling greater transparency and benchmarking across operations.

Further enhancements across the platform reinforce VPS’s commitment to delivering actionable, data-driven insights across fuel quality, equipment performance, and operational risk management.

With continuous improvements to applications such as PortStats and the broader VeriSphere suite, VPS is enabling customers to move beyond static reporting toward pro-active operational intelligence.

By combining its extensive global fuel quality database with advanced analytics and digital delivery, VPS aims to empowere its customers to identify risks early, optimise fuel performance, simplify compliance and improve operational efficiency.

Dr. Malcolm Cooper, CEO at VPS, said: “The launch of the VeriSphere Webshop marks an important milestone in our digital journey.

“We are making it easier than ever for our customers to access the data, insights, and tools they need, when they need them. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, our focus is on delivering scalable, digital solutions that drive better decision-making, improve operational performance of vessels, prevent downtime and support the transition towards more sustainable maritime operations.”

VPS added that the VeriSphere Platform will continue to evolve with an expanding portfolio of products, services, and ecosystem partnerships.

Related: VPS unveils digital bunker fuel and emissions platform Verisphere

 

Photo credit: VPS
Published: 26 June, 2026

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