Bunkering

Annually, approximately 7 to 8 million tonnes of conventional fuels are bunkered by ships at Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Conventional fuels include heavy fuel oil, low-sulphur oil, or gas oil. These are available throughout the port through licensed bunker operators. 

As of 1 January 2026, the use of a Mass Flow Meter (MFM) system on board bunker vessels will be mandatory for the delivery of residual distillates (fuel oil and diesel) and biofuels in the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges. This system measures exactly how much fuel goes from the bunker ship to the seagoing vessel. The aim is to make the bunker market in both ports more reliable, efficient, and transparent. Once the MFM system is implemented, it must also be certified. The bunker permit, including the MFM system, is mandatory. Regulations must be complied with. Supervisors will carry out inspections both randomly and in response to signals from the market on board bunker ships.

Please note: In the event of violations, fines may be imposed or the bunker licence may be revoked.

The port authorities of Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges have observed frequent issues with bunker fuel deliveries. Research by CE Delft and others has confirmed that structural quantity issues exist in the bunker market. As a result, the use of the MFM system on board bunker vessels is becoming mandatory.

Heb je nog vragen over de MFM-verplichting? Neem dan contact op via [email protected] of [email protected]. 

Currently, the majority of maritime transport still runs on fossil fuels, which has an impact on the climate and air quality. Both Antwerp and Zeebrugge lie in a SECA area, so fuel sulphur levels are already strictly regulated. With the introduction of the European ETS and FuelEU Maritime, CO₂ emissions are also being addressed, accelerating the transition to cleaner alternatives. 

Alternative fuels play a key role in the transition to sustainable transport to, from and within our port. A wide range of low-carbon fuels is now available for shipping in Antwerp and Zeebrugge.

LNG (liquefied natural gas) can be bunkered smoothly and safely in Antwerp and Zeebrugge, both via road tankers and specialised bunker vessels.

Methanol is a colourless liquid that is stored and bunkered at ambient temperature. Although newly applied as marine fuel, this substance has been transported and utilised in industry for many decades.

In June 2023, Port of Antwerp-Bruges carried out its first methanol bunkering operation, during which 475 mT of methanol was bunkered from an inland navigation vessel to an oil tanker. From April 2024, the deep-sea ship Ane Maersk began bunkering green methanol in the port, starting with 4,300 tonnes on its maiden call.  

Ammonia is already widely used in industry and holds significant potential as a sustainable, CO₂-free fuel for shipping. Accordingly, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is advancing regulations, safety arrangements, and preparations for its first bunkering operation. The highest priority here is safety.

Consult the list of licensed bunker operators.

Hydrogen can be bunkered in Antwerp and Zeebrugge via trucks. In Antwerp, small-scale bunkering is possible at the CMB refuelling station in the Kattendijkdok within the city port.

Consult the list of licensed bunker operators.