portfuel

Portfuel refers to the fuels delivered at or through a port facility to power ships, equipment, or onshore operations within the port area. The term is used in maritime logistics to describe bunkering operations and the set of fuels handled at terminals. It is not universally defined, but it commonly covers conventional marine fuels as well as alternative and future fuels stored, blended, tested, and dispensed at ports.

Common portfuel types include marine fuel oil (IFO), marine diesel oil, and marine gas oil, along with liquefied natural gas and renewable fuels such as biofuels. Some ports also supply electricity via shore power or other energy carriers for in-port propulsion and power needs. Portfuel logistics involve dedicated bunkering infrastructure, such as storage tanks, pipelines, hoses, hydrant systems, and shore-to-ship transfer equipment, plus custody transfer, sampling, and quality control. The shift toward low-sulfur fuels and low-emission alternatives affects portfuel design, facilities, and fuel compatibility.

Regulation and safety: Portfuel operations are governed by international and national rules. Fuel specifications follow ISO 8217; environmental and safety rules fall under MARPOL Annex VI and SOLAS. Bunkering guidelines from OCIMF and other industry bodies address risk assessment, firefighting equipment, spill response, and crew training. Ports publish procedures for fuel acceptance, documentation, and traceability of fuel origin and grade.

Future developments: decarbonization efforts in shipping are expanding the portfuel portfolio to include LNG, methanol, ammonia, and electricity, alongside conventional fuels, with increasing emphasis on energy efficiency and in-port electrification.