What’s That: Bunkering

Published On: January 22, 2025Categories: Daily Market News & Insights, Marine, What Is It Wednesday

Have you ever stopped to think about how massive ships and vessels stay fueled for their long voyages – bunkering? It’s a fascinating process, yet it often goes unnoticed. In today’s “What’s That Wednesday” article, we’re pulling back the curtain on the refueling operations that power the marine industry. Stay tuned as we dive into the intricate world of bunkers and uncover the role they play in keeping vessels compliant and moving seamlessly across the seas.

 What is Bunkering?

Bunkering is the process of supplying fuel to marine vessels, typically at a port or designated fueling station. The term originates from the days when ships were powered by coal stored in “bunkers.” Today, it refers to fueling ships with marine fuel such as heavy fuel oil (HFO), marine gas oil (MGO), or liquefied natural gas (LNG). Bunkering can take place offshore or in ports, minimizing downtime and enabling quick turnarounds for a smooth flow of marine traffic.

The process of bunkering involves several steps. The first step is delivering fuel to the vessel via barges, trucks, or pipelines, depending on the port facilities and the type of fuel required. The second step involves transferring the fuel to the ship’s storage tanks while carefully monitoring flow rates and quantities to prevent overfilling or spills. Finally, strict safety protocols are followed to ensure environmental protection and operational safety, including regular equipment inspections and adherence to standard operating procedures. This operation is vital in marine logistics, largely influencing both operational costs and vessel performance.

Step-by-Step Guide for Bunker Deliveries

More than simply just refueling, the process of bunkering vessels involves strategic planning, coordination, and adherence to safety regulations. The bunkering process begins with planning and scheduling, where the vessel operator arranges fuel through a supplier, confirming the fuel type, quantity, and delivery timing, while completing pre-delivery paperwork and checks. Once the arrangements are finalized, the delivery setup follows, with the delivery equipment, such as a barge, truck, or pipeline, positioned and hoses connected to the vessel’s intake system. A safety meeting is then conducted, during which all parties review emergency protocols and sign a pre-delivery checklist. The fuel transfer process commences next, with fuel being pumped into the vessel while continuously monitoring flow rates and levels to ensure accuracy and prevent issues. Any irregularities are reported immediately. After the transfer is complete, post-transfer verification occurs, where the total delivered quantity is measured and compared to the ordered amount, and fuel samples are taken for quality testing. Finally, the process concludes with documentation and compliance, as a signed Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) is issued, and the operation is logged for record-keeping and regulatory compliance.

Variations of Bunker Fuels

Bunkering is not subject to one fuel type. In the marine industry, there are various fuel options and fuel alternatives to keep vessels on the move. Each fuel type has its own set of advantages and targets safety and environmental regulations. The most common choice for bunker marine fuel is heavy fuel oil (HFO). HFO is derived from crude oil and maintains a high viscosity, which makes it a great fuel for large engines. Marine gas oil (MGO) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) are both cleaner fuel alternatives to traditional heavy fuel oil, offering reduced emissions and better compliance with stricter environmental regulations. This makes them the preferred option for environmentally conscious shipping. In response to the sulfur emissions regulations, the marine industry has seen a rise in the use of very low-sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO). VLSFO contains notably lower sulfur content than traditional HFO, enabling compliance with emission control requirements such as the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) sulfur cap regulations. As part of efforts to decarbonize the shipping industry, biofuels, and alternative fuels are currently being explored as potential substitutes for conventional bunker fuels.

At OMS, a Mansfield Service Partners company, our barge enables seamless waterside delivery of fuel products. Our skilled and dedicated team helps provide fast, reliable, and secure marine fueling services for all non-pleasure craft vessels, with a strong emphasis on safety and efficiency. OMS offers 24/7 marine fueling service to Houston, Bayport, Baytown, Galveston, Bolivar Roads, Texas City, Freeport, Port Arthur, Corpus Christi, and Lake Charles. Contact an OMS expert and discover the best bunker options for your vessels.