Definitions #
The process of supplying fuel (bunkers) to a ship, either by barge, pipeline, or truck.
Technical Operation of loading marine fuel (heavy fuel oil, marine diesel, or LNG) into a vessel's fuel tanks, subject to safety and environmental regulations such as MARPOL annex VI.
Example The ship called at Rotterdam for bunkering before crossing the Atlantic.
In maritime logistics, the service of refueling vessels at ports or at sea.
Technical A commercial and operational activity involving fuel supply arrangements, quality testing, and documentation (bunker delivery note).
Example The charterer arranged bunkering at the port of Gibraltar to maximize the vessel's range.
Etymology #
From bunker, originally a storage compartment for coal on ships; later came to refer to fuel oil.
Collocations #
- bunker fuel 船用燃料，如重燃油（HFO）、液化天然气（LNG）
- bunkering operation 加油作业，通常由驳船或码头供应
- bunker delivery note 燃油交付单，记录加油数量和规格
Real Business Examples #
- The ship called at Rotterdam for bunkering before crossing the Atlantic.
- The marine engineer supervised the bunkering operation to prevent spills and ensure fuel quality.
Register & Variants #
- Register: formal
- BrE/AmE: global
Synonyms & Antonyms #
- Synonyms: refueling, fueling a vessel
Common Errors #
- Using 'bunkering' to refer to passenger boarding. Bunkering strictly means fueling a ship; passenger boarding is separate.
Confusable Terms #
- bunker vs Bunkering
- Bunker can be the fuel itself or the tank that holds it, whereas bunkering is the process of refueling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bunkering safe for the environment??
Bunkering must follow strict safety and environmental protocols, including spill prevention measures, to avoid marine pollution.
Who pays for bunkers in a charter??
It depends on the charter type; in voyage charters usually the owner, in time charters often the charterer.
Published: 2026-09-27 Category: Shipping