Marine fuel is the single largest operating cost for most vessel operators. How you manage bunkering the quality, the quantity, the timing, and the documentation directly affects your voyage economics and your regulatory compliance.
Here is what operators need to know about marine bunkering at Colombo Port.
Fuel Types Available at Colombo
Colombo offers a range of marine fuel grades to serve different vessel types and trading requirements.
VLSFO (Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil, 0.5% sulphur) is the primary fuel for most vessels trading internationally following the IMO 2020 sulphur cap regulations. Most oceangoing vessels operating outside Emission Control Areas require VLSFO as their standard bunker grade.
MGO (Marine Gas Oil) is a distillate fuel with very low sulphur content, used by vessels operating within Emission Control Areas or those with specific engine requirements. MGO is also used for auxiliary engines on many vessel types.
IFO 380 and IFO 180 (Intermediate Fuel Oils) remain available for vessels fitted with scrubbers that can continue burning high-sulphur fuel under exhaust gas cleaning system compliance.
IMO 2020 and What It Means for Your Bunkering
The IMO 2020 global sulphur cap, which came into force on 1 January 2020, requires vessels to either burn fuel with a sulphur content of 0.5% or below, or to fit an approved exhaust gas cleaning system. Non-compliance exposes operators to port state control detention and significant fines.
At Colombo, all major bunker suppliers offer IMO 2020 compliant fuels. Your ship agent or bunker coordinator should confirm fuel sulphur specifications in writing before delivery.
The Quantity Survey
Every bunkering operation should be accompanied by an independent quantity survey. The surveyor attends the bunkering operation, witnesses tank soundings before and after delivery, and issues a survey report confirming the quantity of fuel actually delivered.
This protects the vessel operator. Disputes between the vessel and the bunker barge over delivered quantity are not uncommon. An independent survey report provides an authoritative record that protects your interests if a dispute arises.
Bunker Delivery Note Documentation
The Bunker Delivery Note is the formal documentation record of a bunkering operation. It must comply with MARPOL Annex VI requirements and include the vessel name, date and place of delivery, fuel grade and specification, quantity delivered, sulphur content declaration, and the signature of the vessel’s representative.
Your BDN must be kept onboard for a minimum of three years and is subject to inspection by port state control officers. Ensure your bunker coordinator provides a compliant BDN immediately after every delivery.
Arranging Bunkering at Colombo Through Us
At Global Logistics and Trading, we coordinate bunkering on behalf of vessel operators calling at Colombo. We work with certified bunker suppliers, arrange independent quantity surveys, and ensure all documentation is provided correctly.
Since we handle multiple port services for the same vessels, we are already coordinating your arrival timeline, berth schedule, and other requirements making it simple to integrate bunkering into your overall port call plan.
Contact us ahead of your Colombo arrival to receive a competitive bunker quotation.
