In today’s interconnected world, where cyber-attacks and identity fraud are on the rise, the maritime industry faces significant challenges. With a 22% increase in identity fraud cases in 2021 alone, accounting for a staggering 63% of all online fraud cases, it’s evident that traditional practices are no longer sufficient to safeguard against modern threats. Additionally, the maritime sector, driven by single ownership and narrow profit margins, remains heavily reliant on legacy processes, leading to inefficiencies and vulnerabilities.

The Challenges Ahead

Three major challenges loom large over the industry:

• Bunker Delivery Notes: Traditional paper-based processes for bunker delivery notes are cumbersome, time-consuming, and susceptible to fraud.
• Identity Theft: With the proliferation of online transactions, the risk of identity theft among seafarers and vessel owners has become a pressing concern.
• Decarbonization Goals: As the world strives towards sustainability, the maritime industry must find ways to reduce its carbon footprint and embrace cleaner energy sources.

Digital Identities for Maritime Seafarers and Vessels

Enterprises in the maritime industry are recognizing the need for transformative change. By creating digital identities linked to International Maritime Organization (IMO) numbers, a groundbreaking solution emerges. This innovative approach revolutionizes the industry by enabling digital transactions and process automation during port calls.

Key Components of the Solution

• Database Development: A comprehensive database containing crucial vessel information, coupled with secure authentication protocols, ensures authorized access.
• Unique Digital Pass: Each vessel and seafarer receive a unique digital pass, facilitating contactless transactions during port calls.
• Blockchain Technology: The implementation of blockchain technology ensures traceability, transparency, and security, paving the way for a more efficient and secure maritime ecosystem.
• Data storage in IMO: International Maritime Organization takes the ownership to store the data as part of the registration which will ensure that there is governance in place as part of registration of the ship.

Benefits and impact

The benefits of this digital transformation are vast:

• Cost Savings: Faster and more efficient digital transactions lead to substantial cost savings.
  Real-time Documentation: Receipt of trusted documents in real-time reduces processing lead times, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Environmental Sustainability: The solution aligns with decarbonization goals, contributing to efforts to reduce emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources.
• Paperless Operations: Going digital eliminates the need for cumbersome paper-based processes, streamlining operations and reducing environmental impact.
• Privacy and Confidentiality: Designed with privacy and confidentiality in mind, the solution ensures the security of sensitive data.

Singapore MPA digital bunkering initiative

In the mid of the year around July of 2023, International Maritime Ogranisation made an announcement with respect to bunker delivery notes. They have announced that digital version of bunker deliver notes are accepted in addition to the current hard copies which are being shared. – refer to the MEPC.1/Circ.795/Rev.8 for the unified interpretations to Marine Pollution Annex VI.

As this notification was released by the IMO, Singapore port authority also known as Maritime and Port Authority has adopted this digital initiative. MPA has released a note to all shipping organisations and fuel suppliers that they can use electronic bunker delivery notes. This initiative was done in collaboration with some of the organisations who had provided a block chain enabled bunkering solutions approved by MPA.

MPA advised all bunkering operations in Singapore to go digital (i.e., use electronic processes and documentation). MPA will also be exploring further enhancements, such as the use of smart data logger and transmission of Mass Flow Meter (MFM) profile.

Driving the Marine Digital Revolution

This digital solution holds the potential to revolutionize the maritime industry:

• Seamless Deliveries: Internal and external shipping companies can manage seamless deliveries, reducing lead times and improving operational efficiency.
• Quicker Payments: Accelerated payment processes streamline financial transactions, benefiting all stakeholders involved.
• Paperless Bunkering: Embracing digital technologies eliminates paper-based bunkering processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental footprint.
• Integrated Supply Chain Management: From lubes to bunkering and provision supply, integrated supply chain management becomes a reality, further optimizing operations.

In conclusion, the convergence of digital identities and blockchain technology marks the beginning of a new era for the maritime industry. By embracing these innovations, stakeholders can unlock unprecedented efficiency, security, and sustainability, driving the industry forward into a brighter future.