A group of major shipping and marine fuel companies has launched a self-regulatory initiative aimed at increasing transparency and trust in the bunkering process, starting in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region, the world’s second-largest and Europe’s largest bunkering hub.

The Bunkering Services Initiative, backed by companies including Cargill, Frontline, Hafnia, Hapag-Lloyd, Mercuria, Minerva Bunkering, Oldendorff, Trafigura, TFG Marine, Unifeeder, and Vitol, targets long-standing industry issues related to fuel quantity discrepancies and inconsistent quality standards.

The founding members account for around 20% of the ARA market’s bunkering volume, representing several thousand deliveries annually. The initiative is open to both buyers and suppliers that commit to meeting defined technical and operational standards.

At its core, the initiative sets out to standardise the use of mass flow meters, traceable quality measurement, and digitalised, blockchain-based workflows to ensure greater accountability and accuracy in marine fuel transactions.

In a move that could influence future regulation, the initiative will be self-regulated, relying on data transparency and technology to enforce compliance among participants.

To ensure third-party oversight, Lloyd’s Register has been appointed as system auditor, with responsibilities including unannounced barge inspections and data validation. Singapore-based ADP Clear will provide the digital backbone for the initiative’s workflow and reporting systems.

According to the group, the effort aims to level the playing field between suppliers and buyers, helping buyers make more informed procurement decisions while improving operating conditions for compliant suppliers.

The launch comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over bunker practices, particularly around quantity shortfalls and blended fuel quality risks, which continue to generate disputes across global ports.

Earlier this month, French liner giant CMA CGM announced a joint venture with compatriot energy major TotalEnergies, which will provide LNG bunkering services in the ARA region. The two companies will co-own and operate a new 20,000 cu m LNG bunker vessel, expected to enter service by the end of 2028 and be based in the port of Rotterdam.