A consortium of prominent companies has inaugurated the Bunkering Services Initiative (BSI) across the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) ports, with operations commencing on December 1, 2025. This voluntary initiative aims to set a new standard in bunkering operations by providing technology-enabled, verifiable insights into fuel quality and quantity. The goal is to enhance transparency and efficiency within the industry while addressing longstanding issues.
Key founding members, representing both buyers and suppliers in the ARA bunker market, include bp Marine, Cargill, Frontline, and Trafigura, among others. Lloyd’s Register will serve as the system auditor, ensuring compliance through inspections, while ADP Clear Pte Ltd will support technology integration for real-time reporting and performance metrics. The launch ceremony, held at Lloyd’s Register headquarters in London, underscored the collaborative nature of this initiative, with participation from various industry stakeholders.
Since its announcement in July 2025, the BSI has seen bunker barges equipped with IoT-enabled hardware and personnel trained in operational best practices. All barges now feature certified mass flow meters (MFMs) integrated with ADP Clear’s technology, facilitating seamless data capture. This initiative also allows major fuel testing companies to provide real-time quality assessments, ensuring compliance with BSI standards.
Industry leaders expressed optimism about the BSI’s potential to foster transparency and cooperation. Andy Mckeran from Lloyd’s Register emphasized the importance of innovation in building trust, while other executives highlighted the initiative’s role in standardizing practices and enhancing competition based on service quality and cost.
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