The Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest and a global leader in bunkering, has confirmed its continued position as the world’s second-largest bunkering hub, despite a slight drop in total bunker sales for 2024. The total volume of fuel bunkered at the port in 2024 reached 9.8 million tonnes, representing a modest 0.9% decrease from the 9.9 million tonnes recorded in 2023.
While traditional fuel types such as fuel oil and marine gas oil showed a small decline, emerging alternative fuels like Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) recorded substantial growth, signaling a shift in demand toward more sustainable options in the maritime sector.
In 2024, bunkered fuel at the Port of Rotterdam totaled 9.8 million tonnes, down 0.9% from 9.9 million tonnes in 2023.
Rotterdam’s strategic position continues to attract major international shipping lines, and its bunkering infrastructure has been pivotal in sustaining these figures. The port remains a vital player in the transition towards cleaner, more sustainable fuels in global maritime shipping.
Table of Contents
Port of Rotterdam Bunker Sales 2024
2024 Fossil Fuel Bunker Sales & Percentage Contribution
| Fuel Type | 2024 Total Volume (Tonnes) | % of Total Fossil Fuel Volume |
|---|---|---|
| ULSFO | 748,186 | 8.3% |
| VLSFO | 3,076,817 | 34.0% |
| HSFO | 3,330,327 | 36.8% |
| MGO | 1,027,724 | 11.3% |
| MDO | 455,608 | 5.0% |
| Methanol | – | – |
| LNG | 423,615 (941,366 m3) | 4.7% |
| Total | 9,062,277 | 100% |
Fossil Fuel Consumption: The Backbone of Rotterdam’s Bunkering Market
Despite the rise of biofuels, fossil fuels remain the dominant energy source for vessels at the Port of Rotterdam. The following breakdown highlights the total fossil fuel volumes sold in 2024 and their respective contributions to the overall bunker market.
Key Insights:
- HSFO Remains the Leader: Heavy Sulfur Fuel Oil (HSFO) continues to be the largest contributor, accounting for 36.7% of total fossil fuel sales. This highlights its ongoing use, particularly among vessels equipped with scrubbers.
- VLSFO Dominance: Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) follows closely behind at 34.0%, maintaining its status as the primary choice for IMO 2020-compliant operations.
- ULSFO’s Growing Role: Ultra Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (ULSFO) makes up 8.3%, providing an alternative to VLSFO for vessels operating in Emission Control Areas (ECAs).
- LNG Expansion: With 4.7% of total fossil fuel sales, LNG continues to solidify its role as a cleaner alternative for ship operators looking to reduce emissions.
- MGO & MDO for Flexibility: Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Marine Diesel Oil (MDO) collectively contribute 16.3%, serving vessels that require flexible fuel options for both main and auxiliary engines.
2024 Biofuel Bunker Sales & Percentage Contribution
| Fuel Type | 2024 Total Volume (Tonnes) | % of Total Bio-blended Fuel |
|---|---|---|
| Bio-VLSFO | 439,227 | 58% |
| Bio-HSFO | 164,028 | 21.7% |
| Bio-MGO | 36,326 | 4.8% |
| Bio-MDO | 17,112 | 2.3% |
| Bio-Methanol | 3,946 | 0.5% |
| Bio-LNG | 1,249 (2,775 m3) | 0.2% |
| Total | 757,300 | 100% |
Biofuel Growth: An Industry Revolution at Rotterdam Port
The bio-blended fuel volumes have seen remarkable growth, particularly in Bio-VLSFO, marking Rotterdam’s pivotal role in the transition towards more sustainable, bio-based fuel alternatives for maritime shipping.
Key Insights:
- Bio-VLSFO: Represents the largest share of bio-blended fuels, contributing a dominant 58% to the total biofuel volumes.
- Bio-HSFO: A significant part of the biofuel mix, making up 21.6%, and highlighting the growing trend toward more sustainable heavy fuel oil options.
- Bio-MGO and Bio-MDO: Smaller portions of the market, at 4.8% and 2.3% respectively, but these figures indicate a shift towards cleaner fuel alternatives for mid-range fuel needs.
- Bio-Methanol and Bio-LNG: Though relatively modest in volume, both fuels show the growing diversity of biofuel options available at Rotterdam.
Port of Rotterdam Bunker Sales Comparison: 2023 vs 2024
Fossil Fuel Bunker Sales: 2023 vs 2024
| Fuel Type | 2023 Total (Tonnes) | 2024 Total (Tonnes) | Difference (Tonnes) | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ULSFO | 795,123 | 748,186 | -46,937 | -5.9% |
| VLSFO | 3,382,528 | 3,076,817 | -305,711 | -9.0% |
| HSFO | 3,090,472 | 3,330,327 | +239,855 | +7.8% |
| MGO | 959,984 | 1,027,724 | +67,740 | +7.0% |
| MDO | 653,989 | 455,608 | -198,381 | -30.3% |
| Methanol | – | – | – | – |
| LNG | 619,243 (m3) | 941,366 (m3) | +322,123 (m3) | +52% |
| Subtotal | 9,160,756 | 9,062,277 | -98,479 | -1.1% |
Biofuel Bunker Sales: 2023 vs 2024
| Fuel Type | 2023 Total (Tonnes) | 2024 Total (Tonnes) | Difference (Tonnes) | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bio-ULSFO | 33,840 | 95,413 | +61,573 | +181.8% |
| Bio-VLSFO | 599,938 | 439,227 | -160,711 | -26.8% |
| Bio-HSFO | 62,864 | 164,028 | +101,164 | +160.8% |
| Bio-MGO | 46,436 | 36,326 | -10,110 | -21.8% |
| Bio-MDO | 7,810 | 17,112 | +9,302 | +119.1% |
| Bio-Methanol | 750 | 3,946 | +3,196 | +426.1% |
| Bio-LNG | – | 2,775 | +2,775 | – |
| Subtotal | 751,638 | 757,300 | +5,662 | +0.8% |
Outlook for the Future
The Port of Rotterdam’s bunkering activities in 2024 paint a picture of resilience and adaptability. While traditional fuel types such as fuel oil and marine gas oil saw moderate declines, the substantial growth in LNG and bio-methanol demand highlights the port’s strategic focus on cleaner, more sustainable maritime fuels. Rotterdam continues to be a critical hub in the global transition to decarbonized shipping, and its efforts to accommodate emerging fuel types will ensure its relevance in the evolving maritime landscape.
As the maritime industry progresses toward decarbonization, Rotterdam’s commitment to providing a diverse fuel mix, including LNG and biofuels, positions the port as a central player in the future of global shipping.
Source The Port of Rotterdam