ZeroNorth sets out to tackle fragmentation in bunkering

Traditionally, bunker procurement has been treated as a transaction – often disconnected from the operational, commercial, and environmental realities of shipping. But with intensifying regulations and increasingly complex fuel markets, this fragmented approach exposes companies to inefficiencies, rising costs, and compliance risks.

Since his appointment in 2024, Bendixen has led the development of a new strategy focused on transforming bunkering into an integrated, data-driven part of shipping operations – one that connects fuel buying directly to operational performance, commercial strategy, and emissions impact.

“The days of making bunker decisions in isolation are over,” says Bendixen. “We’re operating in an environment where every fuel decision has consequences – for cost, for emissions, and for operational performance.”

A growing challenge for operators

The complexity facing ship operators today is unprecedented. Fuel remains the industry’s single largest operating cost, but pricing is volatile, supplier networks are fragmented, and new regulations are fundamentally reshaping bunkering requirements. At the same time, the industry is under pressure to cut emissions, optimise performance, and manage multiple fuel types – from conventional bunkers to alternatives like LNG, methanol and biofuels.

“These are not isolated decisions,” Bendixen explains. “You can’t separate bunkering from voyage planning, from emissions reporting, or from your commercial strategy. But most of the tools in the market still treat them as separate processes.”

An integrated approach

ZeroNorth is closing this gap by embedding bunkering into its fuel optimisation ecosystem. Through the ZeroNorth platform, bunker procurement, planning, performance data, and emissions management are being connected – enabling operators to make informed, holistic decisions.

“Bunker procurement is part of a bigger operational puzzle,” says Bendixen. “Our role is to give operators the tools to solve it in real time – with data, with automation, and with alignment to both commercial and sustainability goals.”

ZeroNorth’s bunker products have already evolved significantly since the company entered the bunker space in 2022. Following the integration of ClearLynx and Prosmar Bunkering, the company has streamlined digital procurement tools, scaled its electronic Bunker Delivery Note (eBDN) solution across global ports. Over 95% of pricing volume is now automated, helping reduce manual workload and improve pricing accuracy.

Towards autonomous bunker management

Bendixen’s ultimate goal is what ZeroNorth calls “Autonomous Bunker Management.”

“The complexity will only increase,” he says. “More fuel types, more suppliers, more regulations – operators can’t manage that with disconnected systems. We believe the future lies in intelligent, connected environments where procurement, planning, and compliance are automated and aligned.”

This vision involves building AI-driven systems capable of continuously learning from operational data, predicting optimal procurement strategies, and executing transactions with minimal manual intervention. Work is already underway on autonomous planning capabilities, smart claim detection, and enhanced pricing indices designed to support greater transparency and reliability across the bunker market.

Importantly, Bendixen stresses that ZeroNorth’s approach is designed to complement – not replace – existing procurement models. The company provides technology that enables informed decision-making, whether operators manage procurement in-house or through trusted partners.

“Procurement will always involve relationships, but it needs to be underpinned by data, automation, and alignment to operational realities,” Bendixen concludes. “That’s how we move beyond fragmented decisions – and towards a future where fuel procurement helps drive both commercial performance and decarbonisation.”

About ZeroNorth bunker

ZeroNorth entered the bunker market in early 2022, rapidly evolving into a key player in the industry's digitalisation through a series of strategic acquisitions. Beginning with the procurement platform ClearLynx in January 2022 and followed by Prosmar Bunkering, the company established a strong foundation on the buyer-side before acquiring BTS Pte Ltd in February 2023 to expand its services to suppliers and traders. By integrating these companies into its comprehensive platform, the company now offers an end-to-end solution for the entire value chain, covering planning, procurement, supply, and trading. This unified offering aims to enhance transparency and efficiency, advancing digitalisation through initiatives like the electronic bunker delivery note (eBDN).