Bunker Fuel Market Size - By Product, By Vessel Type, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Bunker Fuel Market Size

According to a recent study by Global Market Insights Inc., the bunker fuel market was estimated at USD 162.4 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 172.5 billion in 2025 to USD 281.6 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 5.6%.

• Rising seaborne trade, improvements in vessel technology, enhanced fuel consumption, and improved operational performance will augment industry growth. For instance, according to the UNCTAD data in April 2025, the total goods loaded in the year 2023 were more than 11.5 billion metric tons globally including over 7.2 billion mt of dry cargo, over 2 billion mt of crude oil and over 2.2 billion mt of other tanker trade.
   
• Ongoing inclination toward adoption of clean energy fuel sources across shipping industry along with introduction of stringent maritime norms including the competitive FuelEU Maritime regulation, is anticipated to reduce carbon emissions and complement the business landscape.
   
• For instance, from January 2024, the FuelEU Maritime regulation will introduce new requirements for shipping firms. BIMCO has tailored a new time charter party clause which aims to enable the industry participants to fulfill their obligations. The repercussions of this regulation on shipping will be more pronounced than the impact of the EU Emission's trading system.
   
• Modifications in fuel efficiency also result from design improvements, including enhanced aerodynamic hulls and advanced propulsion systems, further reducing operational costs and their negative impact on the environment. Introduction of advanced technologies, effective to reduce the environmental impact and are able to comply with regulatory landscape will foster business scenario.
   
• For instance, in July 2024, MOL (Mitsui O.S.K. Lines) announced to invest in Carnot, a tech start-up building cutting technology engines from heat resistant materials that improve fuel efficiency and lower GHG emissions. Moreover, real-time tracking systems and automation have remarkably enhanced operational performance in maritime by increasing efficiency, reliability, and streamlining various tasks
   
• Asia Pacific holds a dominant share in the bunker fuel industry driven by the region’s diverse geographies, increasing port activities, rapidly expanding maritime trade, and rising number of shipping vessels across the region. Companies are accelerating their trade activities across the region along with increasing partnerships to operate and expand bunkering operating and contribute to the regional maritime activities.
   
• For instance, in July 2025, Hyundai Glovis has successfully lifted its first LNG bunkers from Shell at Singapore, aligns with the industry's push towards reducing emissions, enhancing environmental sustainability and adopting cleaner fuel options for shipping. The partnership with Shell demonstrates the growing interest in LNG as an alternative fuel, and Singapore's role as a key bunkering hub for the maritime sector.
   
• Europe bunker fuel market is anticipated to grow driven by the region’s strategic location across major shipping routes and rising demand for reliable fuel supplies for vessels. Moreover, economic development, investments in port modernization and bunker infrastructure are driving higher vessel traffic and fuel consumption, further augmenting business dynamics.
   
• For instance, in July 2025, CMA CGM and TotalEnergies formed a 50/50 joint venture to develop and operate an LNG bunkering solution at the Port of Rotterdam. The partnership will deploy a 20,000 m³ LNG bunker vessel by 2028, offering full logistics services from terminal reload to ship delivery across the ARA region. This initiative supports the maritime sector’s energy transition by expanding access to conventional, renewable, and synthetic LNG fuels.
   

Bunker Fuel Market Trends

• Increasing seaborne trade along with vessels requiring fuel for port and voyage operations will complement the industry outlook. Increasing hydrocarbon development activities in offshore areas coupled with the expansion of exploration activities and the establishment of new hydrocarbon reserves have increased both offshore and onshore reserves, further driving the demand for bunker fuel.
   
• Changing climate policies, government incentives, and a focus on lowering emissions, the shipping industry is progressively moving towards cleaner fuels. For instance, in May 2025, IMO increased the emissions reduction targets comprising at least 20% must be achieved by 2030 and 70% by 2040, along with the addition of near-zero or zero-emission fuels. These targets will be turned into binding regulations under the Net-Zero Framework which will come into force in 2025.
   
• The introduction of cleaner fuel systems including LNG, and biofuels which burn cleaner unlike heavy fuel oil, which as a result, shipping vessels are now using as their primary fuel will influence the business landscape. Ongoing collaborations by the government authorities, private sector and companies toward decarbonization of shipping industry along with introduction of advanced technological techniques to augment fuel efficiency of vessels will positively impact the industry outlook.
   
• For instance, in July 2024, Australia's Fortescue and China's COSCO Shipping has entered an agreement to develop a new emission cutting fuel chain for the shipping industry. In the partnership, they plan on designing and building vessels powered by ammonia fuel for the purpose of transporting iron ore and haul minerals along the China-Australia green shipping corridor.
   
• Ongoing implementation of stringent regulations such as IMO 2020 and the upcoming FuelEU Maritime initiative pushing for lower sulfur content and decarbonization will further shape the business landscape. Shipowners are also adhering to regulatory compliance and are introducing advanced engine technologies which is set to favor industry growth.
   
• For instance, in June 2025, Swire Shipping launched the Voyage to Zero program, offering customers greenhouse gas savings through biofuel use on its vessels. Three ships in the South Pacific are operating on B24 biofuel blends, connecting Southeast Asia with Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Fiji, East Timor, and Australia. The company plans to upgrade to B30 biofuel blends, with recent tests confirming engine compatibility.
   
• The continuous digitalization and data-driven logistics are enhancing efficiency and compliance across port infrastructure further augmenting the business landscape. Progressively integration of sustainable fuels, including LNG and biofuels, driven by a push toward reducing carbon footprint is influencing the industry outlook.
   

Bunker Fuel Market Analysis

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Based on product, the market is segmented into HSFO, VLSFO, MGO, LNG and others. The VLSFO segment dominated around 56.8% of market share in 2024 and is set to grow at a CAGR of over 7% through 2034.
 

• VLSFO segment is anticipated to expand significantly on account of the ongoing transition to fuels that produce lower sulfur emissions and pose less environmental harm. The ability to reduce sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions, improved air quality and compatibility with existing marine engines allows shipowners to transition smoothly without extensive retrofitting. Ongoing investments toward advancements to strengthen fuel efficiency, compliance with emissions, and waste will further augment the VLSFO industry landscape.
   
• For instance, in July 2024, the Arctic Council noted the heightened environmental threats caused by oil spills as vessels shift to using very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) due to stricter compliance. The International Maritime Organization also imposed a restriction on the use and transport of heavy bunker fuel oil in Arctic waters which is an attempt to cut down pollution.
   
• The high sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) market is pivotal for shipping, power, and industrial activities but is changing due to more environmental policies and cleaner fuels as the demand is shifting with new policies and pricing. However, scrubber modifications and retrofits are meeting contemporary emission standards, which greatly assist the business in maintaining relevance within the industry concurrently allowing enduring sulfur fuel HSFO combustion.
   
• Marine gas oil (MGO) market was valued at USD 47 billion in 2024. The ongoing transition toward low-emission and environmentally friendly fuels is becoming increasingly vital, driven by stricter global regulations, rising environmental awareness, and the need for sustainable operations. This fuel is less harmful to the environment when compared to heavy fuel oil along with the ability to reduce the release of particulates into the atmosphere and reduce maintenance costs for the engine will boost product adoption.
   
• For instance, in May 2025, Vitol launched barge deliveries of VLSFO and MGO in West Africa and plans to expand its marine fuel offerings globally. The use of barges provides delivery flexibility in locations like Dakar and Lomé. Vitol Bunkers now serves across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Middle East, benefiting flexible support for customers in the region.
   
• LNG segment is anticipated to witness a CAGR of over 14% through 2034. Rising demand for vessels that are operating across the commercial and non-commercial scale driven by growing global trade and increasing requirement for vessels for transportation of goods. Ongoing development of port infrastructure offering LNG for vessels along with shifting focus toward reducing environmental impact driven by strict regulations will favor the business scenario.
   
• For instance, in September 2025, Galveston LNG Bunker Port, LLC selected NV5 LNG Engineering Services to lead the EPC development of its upcoming LNG terminal at Shoal Point, Texas City. Designed to deliver 360,000 gallons per day, the facility will supply conventional, renewable, and synthetic LNG to vessels in the Houston-Galveston region. Strategically positioned near key ports, it will be the Gulf Coast’s first dedicated LNG bunkering terminal, expected to launch operations by 2028.

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Based on vessel type, the bunker fuel market is segmented into container ships, tanker, cargo vessels, cruise ships, and others. The container ships segment dominates the market with 31.9% share in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 5.5% from 2025 to 2034. Container ships are often among the largest and most fuel-consuming vessels on the seas, which in turn drives the demand for high-quality bunker fuel.
 

• Container ships segment continues to dominate the bunker fuel market owing to the continuous expansion of worldwide trade and international business operations accelerated significant growth in maritime transportation requirements. Shipping companies extensively utilize bunker fuel as their primary energy source to power large vessel fleets that navigate through major global shipping routes further augmenting business landscape.
   
• Tanker segment is projected to observe a growth rate of over 6% up to 2034, backed by the increased demand for crude oil and oil products, rising geopolitical tensions, and the growing supply of new vessels. Rising demand for chemicals and petrochemicals along with elevated demand for oil and chemical products across the globe will augment the industry landscape.
   
• The cargo vessels segment of bunker fuel market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of above 5% up to 2034. Cargo vessels are responsible for transporting most goods across international waters, rely on bunker fuel to power their engines and ensure efficient operations. The use of bunker fuel is essential for maintaining the seamless movement of cargo, supporting the supply chain, and facilitating international commerce further propelling the industry growth.
   
• The cruise ships market recorded a revenue of over USD 12.5 billion in 2024 and is set to grow owing to shifting focus of travelers from different demographics and locations, seeking unique leisure experiences. Emerging economies have provided a greater customer base for travel and along with growing disposable incomes are some of the pivotal factors which are positively shaping business dynamics. The modern ports and terminals built globally have also improved ease of access which allow cruise lines to expand their operations, further complementing industry growth.

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U.S. dominated the bunker fuel market in North America with around 86.5% share in 2024 and generated USD 5.6 billion in revenue. The U.S. market is shaped by the accelerating both domestic shipping and international trade, strong presence of large infrastructure, and investments in the shipping sector.
 

• The U.S. industry driven by its robust infrastructure, growing trade among other economies, and highly developed maritime infrastructure. Infrastructure improvements at ports and enhanced distribution systems have optimized fuel supply operations along with new environmental standards requiring lower sulfur content in marine fuels have reshaped the industry dynamics.
   
• For instance, in May 2024, a new partnership between EXP and Galveston LNG Bunker Port aims to establish a liquefied natural gas facility in Galveston, Texas. This facility, known as the Galveston LNG Bunkering Port, plans to generate 600,000 gallons of LNG each day, supporting marine fuel needs across Galveston Bay and the Western Gulf of Mexico.
   
• The North America bunker fuel market is anticipated to grow over USD 10.8 billion by 2034. The East Coast, West Coast, and Gulf of Mexico ports are vital for international shipping, increasing reliance on bunker fuel. Ongoing infrastructure improvements and maritime logistics spending further boost bunker fuel consumption. Additionally, the expansion of cruise and freight services in the region contributes significantly to this critical energy source for maritime operations.
   
• Europe bunker fuel market is set to witness a CAGR of above 5.5% through 2034 and is set to grow owing to increased maritime shipping activities, growing trade activities has intensified sea-based transportation, driving higher vessel fuel consumption. Introduction of stringent environmental regulations to reduce emissions in shipping fuels and reduce climate impact will further augment the business outlook.
   
• For instance, the Fuel EU Maritime Regulation which was adopted in September 2025 and has been affected from January 2025, complementing the EU ETS, aims to reduce greenhouse gas intensity in shipping fuels. It supports the EU's targets of a 55% emissions reduction by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050.
   
• Asia Pacific accounted for over 46% of the market share in 2024. Growing prominence of trade activities, extended shipping routes and increased voyage frequencies has driven the demand for bunker fuel across the region. Growing population and urbanization have led to increased shipping & trading activities along with ongoing development of port infrastructure will further shape the business dynamics.
   
• For instance, in 2024, the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, a joint venture of APM Terminals and MMC Group, set a record as Malaysia's first container terminal to handle over 12.25 million TEUs in a year, surpassing its 2021 achievement of 11.2 million TEUs.
   
• The Middle East & Africa bunker fuel market is set to grow at a CAGR of over 4.5% till 2034. Availability of vast oil reserves, growing investment for increasing modernization, capacity and port infrastructure development along with emerging use of automation and digital technologies being integrated into port operations further driving industry outlook.
   
• For instance, in April 2025, Minerva introduced 113,000 cubic meter Floating Storage Unit at the Jeddah Islamic Port and has significantly enhanced marine fuel infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
   
• Latin America bunker fuel market is growing steadily, led by strong maritime sector across countries including Brazil and Argentina along with low-sulfur crude availability. Strategic shipping routes, modernizing port infrastructure, and regional trade agreements are boosting demand for bunker fuel. Key ports are expanding bunkering capabilities, while environmental compliance and increased exports support industry growth.
   

Bunker Fuel Market Share

• The top 5 bunker fuel companies operating across the industry are TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil Corporation, BP, Shell, and Chevron Corporation. These companies contribute a market share of approximately 25% in 2024.
   
• They are also participating in the formation of business alliances and the purchase of other companies with the intent of increasing their presence in the sector. Following these approaches, companies operating in the bunker fuel industry are trying to meet mounting demand while remaining competitive.
   
• These companies have purchased liquefaction facilities to enhance liquefied natural gas supply at prices that compete with marine fuel oil. These firms strengthen their market presence by growing distribution channels, developing offshore project financing solutions, and forming strategic alliances.
   
• Shell holds the highest market share in the bunker fuel market. Shell is a leading player in the industry owing to its extensive presence across the globe, large fleet, and significant trading and supply operations. In 2024, Shell achieved a record delivery of 1.1 million tonnes of marine LNG, more than double of its 2023 shipments. With a network of 26 locations across 12 countries and 12 bunkering vessels, the company strengthened its position in the LNG bunkering, supporting cleaner maritime operations through extensive infrastructure and around 1,000 bunkering operations worldwide.
   
• ExxonMobil is one of the leaders focusing on developing the low-emission bunker fuel solutions that will allow its customers to meet the IMO 2050 emissions targets. The company is entering into LNG marine bunkering to offer LNG & bioLNG solutions which may help to reduce emissions when compared to conventional marine fuels. It has also developed specialized branded fuels including Premium HDME 50, compliant with ECA 0.10% sulfur limits along with EMF.5, designed to protect engines using 0.50% sulfur fuels. Also, ExxonMobil introduced BMF.5a residual-based VLSFO blend with biodiesel, offering up to a 34% potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
   
• BP maintains a substantial share in the bunker fuel market with a focus on sustainable solutions and innovative fuel offerings. Its diversified portfolio includes traditional marine fuels and emerging low-sulfur alternatives, supported by a widespread global distribution network. BP’s emphasis on sustainability and low-carbon initiatives helps it stay competitive in a transitioning industry.
   
• TotalEnergies has been expanding its footprint in the bunker industry, particularly with a focus on low-sulfur and alternative fuels. Its strategic investments in cleaner energy solutions and commitment to reducing carbon emissions distinguish it from competitors. TotalEnergies' integrated approach across refining, distribution, and new energy sectors allows it to serve a niche market aligned with environmental regulations.
   
• Chevron presence in the bunker fuel market is strong but more regional compared to its global counterparts. It offers reliable fuel products primarily in the Americas and Asia-Pacific, with less emphasis on innovative or low-sulfur fuels compared to others. Chevron's strength lies in its extensive supply chain and operational efficiency; it remains somewhat niche relative to the industry leaders.
   

Bunker Fuel Market Companies

Major players operating in the bunker fuel industry are:

• Bomin Bunker
• bp
• Bunker Holding
• Chevron
• Minerva Bunkering
• Eagle LNG
• EVOL LNG
• ExxonMobil
• Gasnor
• Gasum
• Gunvor
• Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
• Innospec
• KOREA LNG BUNKERING
• Shell
• SHV Energy
• TotalEnergies
• Petrobras
• Repsol
• Stena Metall
• Viva Energy

• TotalEnergies is diversifying its investments in LNG bunkering infrastructure to aid in supporting less emission shipping. The company’s vast presence in more than 120 ports across the globe while delivering conventional fuels including MGO and VLSFO along with LNG and biofuels. The company’s sales revenue was recorded at USD 101.8 billion for the 6 months of 2025 and USD 214.5 billion for year 2024.
   
• ExxonMobil provide compliant post-IMO 2020 solutions like low sulfur fuels, and high-quality cylinder oils. The company also offers heavy fuel oil HFO, MGO, bio marine fuel along with its new EMF.5 Engineered Marine Fuels to meet regulatory compliance. The company works in research and development of alternative fuel reduction technology. The company’s revenue for the 6 months of 2025 was recorded at recorded USD 164.6 billion and for the year 2024 was USD 349.5 billion.
   
• BP marine division provides marine fuels and is focusing on emissions compliance and digital tools for bunkering. BP is also working on LNG bunkering services and has started working with ship operators to design decarbonization strategies. The company operates as a key charterer having more than 200 vessels on charter and is looking to enhance the supervision of third-party vessels as part of building a model for emission reductions. The company’s revenue was recorded at USD billion for first 6 months of 2025 and total revenue was USD 196.6 billion in 2024.
   
• Shell has one of the biggest marine fuel networks and provides HSFO, VLSFO, MGO, and MGO, Biofuels, LNG and Ultra-Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (ULSFO). The company focuses on offering digital solutions for bunkering, sustainability reporting, and fuel traceability. The company’s revenue for 6 months of 2025 was recorded at USD 134.6 billion and USD 289 billion of revenue in 2024.
   
• Chevron provides a diverse range of marine fuels tailored to regulatory and operational needs. These include HSFO for scrubber-equipped vessels, VLSFO for IMO-compliant low-emission operations, and MGO for cleaner combustion in emission control areas. Additionally, Chevron’s biofuel blends, such as FAME from waste oils, offer sustainable, engine-compatible alternatives for reducing carbon impact. The company recorded half yearly revenue of USD 92.4 billion in 2025.
   

Bunker Fuel Market News

• In May 2025, TFG Marine, stated that starting from June 2025, it will take over all ex-pipe bunker fuel delivery responsibilities at the Enterprise Houston Ship Channel and Enterprise Hydrocarbons Terminal, which will hereafter be termed as Enterprise Houston Terminal. This encompasses the delivery of Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and Marine Gas Oil (MGO) by ex-pipe, as well as the delivery of High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) surged requests with barge delivery. TFG Marine has grown its business across the US Gulf Coast, and area is critical to international marine fuel logistic services.
   
• In April 2025, Vitol Bunkers launched a new bunker fuel which is a FuelEU-compliant co-processed marine fuel produced at its Fujairah refinery, matching conventional bunker fuel quality and easing contractual requirements. The co-processed RMG380 VLSFO meets sustainability standards by using diverse, waste-based feedstocks, certified under ISCC-EU, with rigorous audits. It offers over 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels, supporting environmental goals.
   
• In February 2025, Approval in Principle has been provided by ClassNK for the ammonia-fueled bunkering vessel developed in collaboration by NYK Line and LMG Marin AS (Seatrium Group). This vessel, designed by LMG Marin, features IHI Power Systems' dual-fuel ammonia engines and a bunkering boom from TB Global Technology. A HAZID study confirmed the level of safety. This vessel is meant for Singapore’s bunkering operations.
   
• In October 2024, Bunker One’s portfolio of fuel offerings will now include physical Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and mass balanced Liquified Biomethane (LBM). The company is set to technically deliver LNG through its new subsidiary Bunker One LNG BV starting January 2025. This subsidiary will manage operations and services for the final delivery of LNG fuel. The company has under lease the Coral Fraseri, an LNG bunker vessel with a capacity of 10,000 cbm. This vessel is being converted for the multi-purpose use of tankers and car carriers.
   
• In October 2024, TotalEnergies has partnered with the Ibaizabal Sociedad Anonima shipowners from Spain, through a charter deal on an 18,600m3 LNG bunker vessel. The vessel will enhance TotalEnergies’ global bunkering infrastructure, particularly towards the Oman Marsa LNG project for the servicing of vessels in the Gulf region. The vessel will supply LNG to different TotalEnergies bunkering ports while observing environmental regulations.
   

The bunker fuel market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• HSFO
• VLSFO
• MGO
• LNG
• Others

Market, By Vessel Type

• Container Ships
• Tankers
• Cargo Vessels
• Cruise Ships
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada 
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Netherlands
  • Spain
  • Belgium
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Singapore
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Morocco
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina