Bunker Fuel Market Size
| Study Period | 2024 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 149.32 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 172.31 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 2.90 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Middle East and Africa |
| Largest Market | Asia Pacific |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Bunker Fuel Market Analysis
The Bunker Fuel Market size is estimated at USD 149.32 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 172.31 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 2.9% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
- Over the medium term, increasing LNG trade is expected to boost the demand for bunker fuel. LNG is majorly traded for the power sector in industrial, commercial, and residential segments. Countries with high coal dependencies, such as China and India, are gradually moving toward cleaner energy by increasing the import volume of natural gas from the Middle East and a few other nations, like Russia, Australia, and Nigeria.
- On the other hand, environmental concerns and the strict regulations related to emissions from the maritime industry are anticipated to limit the usage of heavy bunker fuels, especially high sulfur fuel oil, during the forecast period.
- Nevertheless, with the improved economic performance of developing countries across regions such as Asia-Pacific and Middle East and Africa, the demand for marine transportation and the number of ships in operation are expected to increase, offering significant growth opportunities for players in the bunker fuels market over the coming years.
- Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period, with the majority of the demand being generated from countries like China and India.
Bunker Fuel Market Trends
LNG Likely to Witness Significant Market Growth as a Bunker Fuel
- The global LNG bunkering market has evolved over the past decade, driven by the increase in global LNG usage amid growing demand for clean energy due to its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- The conversion of the current operating vessels into LNG-based vessels is highly expensive. Hence, it is not economically viable. However, the operational cost of LNG-based vessels is expected to be the lowest among all the fuel alternatives once the new emission regulations become applicable. Further, a gradual shift to LNG for propulsion is more advantageous than the traditional methods of fueling ships with heavy fuel oil, marine gas oil, marine diesel oil, etc. LNG-based propulsion reduces the carbon footprint significantly and increases a ship's operational efficiency.
- With demand for LNG as a fuel expected to rise to 30 million tonnes by 2030, Europe, Asia, and North America are adding LNG bunkering vessels to keep pace with the swelling gas-powered fleet. These larger capacity LNG bunker vessels (LNGBVs) on order at shipyards are designed to load at major LNG terminals and refuel gas-powered ocean-going tonnage.
- As of February 2024, there were 48 LNG active bunkering vessels, 11 more than in 2022. Out of the total fleet, nearly half operate in Europe, while the rest operate in Asia and North America. By the end of 2024, the number of LNG bunkering vessel fleets is likely to reach 55 units, with a total added capacity of 67,900 cm in 2024 alone.
- Shipowners, particularly those operating in the European or American Sea, now prefer LNG-based vessels over conventional vessels. Furthermore, LNG-fueled ships have not penetrated the market for bulk carriers to a significant extent, as these ships are designed to carry heavy loads, and LNG technology is relatively new to apply for this type of vessel. The bulk carriers amount to the largest share of the in-operation ships.
- Moreover, the use of LNG as a fuel is both a proven and commercially available solution. LNG offers enormous advantages, especially for ships in the light of ever-tightening emission regulations. Conventional oil-based fuels are expected to remain the primary fuel option for most ships in the mid-term, while LNG is likely to become a popular choice in the long-term scenario.
- In April 2024, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of the technology group Wartsila, announced that it would supply the cargo handling system for a new 12,500 m3 LNG bunkering vessel being built for Spanish shipowner Scale Gas, a subsidiary of Enagás, the owner and operator of Spain’s gas grid. The vessel is co-financed by the Support for Sustainable and Digital Transport Programme, part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan from the Spanish Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda.
- LNG demand is likely to increase significantly in the forecast period as the order book for LNG vessels continues to increase due to it being relatively cheaper than conventional fuels and offering a 23% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over oil-based marine fuel, which will aid in meeting global decarbonization goals. These factors project LNG to be the most popular marine fuel in the future.
Asia-Pacific Expected to Dominate the Market
- Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the bunker fuels market due to the immense maritime trade potential of countries like India, China, Singapore, and Japan.
- As of 2023, China ranked first in terms of exported goods and second for imported goods by value. In 2023, China imported goods worth around USD 2.5 trillion and exported USD 3.3 trillion. China's major exports are mechanical and electric machinery and equipment and automotive products, including vehicle parts, chemicals and plastics, iron and steel articles, and furniture.
- Australia is among the biggest exporters of LNG globally. Rising LNG exports have supported the growth in international trade in Australia. The export volume is likely to rise in the coming years as the demand for LNG is increasing significantly worldwide.
- To increase the share of the marine sector in international and domestic trade, the Indian government announced an investment of USD 22 billion by 2035 to modernize its existing ports and build new ports. The port infrastructure development is expected to increase the demand from the maritime industry and marine fuel suppliers in Asia-Pacific during the forecast period.
- In February 2024, Pavilion Energy, charterer of LNG bunker vessels, announced that LNG bunker vessel Brassavola had completed its first ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering operation. In its maiden STS LNG bunkering operation, Brassavola delivered LNG to Rio Tinto chartered dual-fueled bulk carrier Mount Api.
- Therefore, in line with the aforementioned factors, Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the bunker fuels market during the forecast period.
Bunker Fuel Industry Overview
The global bunker fuels market is fragmented. Some of the major players in the market (in no particular order) include Gazpromneft Marine Bunker LLC, ExxonMobil Corporation, Shell PLC, TotalEnergies SE, and BP PLC.
Bunker Fuel Market Leaders
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Exxon Mobil Corporation
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BP Plc
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Royal Dutch Shell Plc
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Gazpromneft Marine Bunker LLC
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TotalEnergies SE
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Bunker Fuel Market News
- May 2024: NYK Line collaborated with the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonization (GCMD), based in Singapore, for a six-month project to trial marine biofuel for bunkering. The companies are expected to test a biofuel blend comprising 24% fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) on a short-sea vehicle carrier, making stops at various ports.
- April 2024: French oil major TotalEnergies set up a joint venture with the Oman National Oil Company to supply liquified natural gas as a marine fuel. Marsa LNG Gas will cover upstream gas production and downstream gas liquefaction. LNG production is expected to start in the first quarter of 2028.
Bunker Fuel Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Scope of the Study
1.2 Market Definition
1.3 Study Assumptions
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
4. MARKET OVERVIEW
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Market Size and Demand Forecast in USD, till 2029
4.3 Recent Trends and Developments
4.4 Government Policies and Regulations
4.5 Market Dynamics
4.5.1 Drivers
4.5.1.1 Increased LNG Trade Worldwide
4.5.1.2 Increasing Dependencies over Natural Gas for Power Generation
4.5.2 Restraints
4.5.2.1 Environmental Concerns and the Strict Regulations Related to Emissions from the Maritime Industry
4.6 Supply Chain Analysis
4.7 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.7.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.7.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers
4.7.3 Threat of New Entrants
4.7.4 Threat of Substitute Products and Services
4.7.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
4.8 Investment Analysis
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
5.1 Fuel Type
5.1.1 High Sulfur Fuel Oil (HSFO)
5.1.2 Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO)
5.1.3 Marine Gas Oil (MGO)
5.1.4 Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
5.1.5 Other Fuel Types
5.2 Vessel Type
5.2.1 Containers
5.2.2 Tankers
5.2.3 General Cargo
5.2.4 Bulk Carriers
5.2.5 Other Vessel Types
5.3 Geography
5.3.1 North America
5.3.1.1 United States
5.3.1.2 Canada
5.3.1.3 Rest of North America
5.3.2 Europe
5.3.2.1 Germany
5.3.2.2 France
5.3.2.3 United Kingdom
5.3.2.4 Spain
5.3.2.5 NORDIC
5.3.2.6 Turkey
5.3.2.7 Russia
5.3.2.8 Rest of Europe
5.3.3 Asia-Pacific
5.3.3.1 China
5.3.3.2 India
5.3.3.3 Japan
5.3.3.4 South Korea
5.3.3.5 Malaysia
5.3.3.6 Thailand
5.3.3.7 Indonesia
5.3.3.8 Vietnam
5.3.3.9 Rest of Asia-Pacific
5.3.4 South America
5.3.4.1 Brazil
5.3.4.2 Argentina
5.3.4.3 Colombia
5.3.4.4 Rest of South America
5.3.5 Middle-East and Africa
5.3.5.1 Saudi Arabia
5.3.5.2 United Arab Emirates
5.3.5.3 South Africa
5.3.5.4 Nigeria
5.3.5.5 Qatar
5.3.5.6 Egypt
5.3.5.7 Rest of Middle-East and Africa
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
6.1 Mergers and Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, Collaborations, and Agreements
6.2 Strategies Adopted by Leading Players
6.3 Company Profiles
6.3.1 Fuel Suppliers
6.3.1.1 ExxonMobil Corporation
6.3.1.2 Shell PLC
6.3.1.3 Gazpromneft Marine Bunker LLC
6.3.1.4 BP PLC
6.3.1.5 PJSC Lukoil Oil Company
6.3.1.6 TotalEnergies SE
6.3.1.7 Chevron Corporation
6.3.1.8 Clipper Oil
6.3.1.9 Gulf Agency Company Ltd
6.3.1.10 Bomin Bunker Holding GmbH & Co. KG
6.3.2 Ship Owners
6.3.2.1 AP Moeller Maersk AS
6.3.2.2 Mediterranean Shipping Company SA
6.3.2.3 China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited
6.3.2.4 CMA CGM Group
6.3.2.5 Hapag-Lloyd AG
6.3.2.6 Ocean Network Express
6.3.2.7 Evergreen Marine Corp Taiwan Ltd
6.3.2.8 Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation
6.3.2.9 HMM Co. Ltd
6.3.2.10 Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd
6.3.3 List of Other Prominent Companies
6.3.4 Market Ranking Analysis
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
7.1 Risisng Demand for Marine Transportation and Increasing Number of Ships in Operation
Bunker Fuel Industry Segmentation
Bunker fuel is the general term given to any fuel poured into a ship's bunkers to power its engines. Deep-sea cargo ships typically burn the heavy, residual oil left over after gasoline, diesel, and other light hydrocarbons are extracted from crude oil during the refining process.
The bunker fuels market is segmented by fuel type, vessel type, and geography. By fuel type, the market is segmented into high sulfur fuel oil (HSFO), very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO), marine gas oil (MGO), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and other fuel types. By vessel type, the market is segmented into containers, tankers, general cargo, bulk carriers, and other vessel types. The report also covers the sizes and forecasts for the bunker fuels market across major regions. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts are done based on value (USD).
| Fuel Type | |
| High Sulfur Fuel Oil (HSFO) | |
| Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) | |
| Marine Gas Oil (MGO) | |
| Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) | |
| Other Fuel Types |
| Vessel Type | |
| Containers | |
| Tankers | |
| General Cargo | |
| Bulk Carriers | |
| Other Vessel Types |
| Geography | |||||||||||
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Bunker Fuel Market Research FAQs
How big is the Bunker Fuel Market?
The Bunker Fuel Market size is expected to reach USD 149.32 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 2.9% to reach USD 172.31 billion by 2029.
What is the current Bunker Fuel Market size?
In 2024, the Bunker Fuel Market size is expected to reach USD 149.32 billion.
Who are the key players in Bunker Fuel Market?
Exxon Mobil Corporation, BP Plc, Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Gazpromneft Marine Bunker LLC and TotalEnergies SE are the major companies operating in the Bunker Fuel Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Bunker Fuel Market?
Middle East and Africa is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Bunker Fuel Market?
In 2024, the Asia Pacific accounts for the largest market share in Bunker Fuel Market.
What years does this Bunker Fuel Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Bunker Fuel Market size was estimated at USD 144.99 billion. The report covers the Bunker Fuel Market historical market size for years: . The report also forecasts the Bunker Fuel Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
What are the key trends driving the global Bunker Fuel Market?
The key trends driving the global Bunker Fuel Market are a) Rise in international seaborne trade b) Increase in offshore exploration & production activities c) Surge in demand for LNG bunkering
Bunker Fuel Industry Report
The global bunker fuel market is experiencing significant growth, driven by diverse factors across various segments and regions. The market is segmented by type, commercial distributor, and application, addressing the varied needs of the maritime industry. Types of bunker fuel include high sulfur fuel oil, low sulfur fuel oil, marine gas oil, among others, with low sulfur variants increasingly favored due to strict environmental regulations. Commercial distributors are categorized into oil majors, large independents, and small independents, with oil majors leading due to their extensive crude oil tanker chartering operations. Applications cover container ships, bulk carriers, oil tankers, and more, with container shipping in high demand due to rising global trade activities. Regionally, the Asia-Pacific market dominates in bunker fuel consumption, driven by significant maritime trade activities and the presence of major shipping nations like China, Japan, and Singapore. Additionally, the market is influenced by the increase in international seaborne trade and a shift towards cleaner energy sources like LNG. The bunkering industry is adapting to changing regulatory landscapes and energy demands, ensuring sustained growth through strategic investments and expansions in key maritime hubs. For detailed statistics, market share, size, and revenue growth rates, access a free report PDF download from Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports.
