Bunkering in Rotterdam
EUROPE'S BUNKER HUB | BUILDING THE FUTURE TOGETHER
Rotterdam is Europe’s largest bunkering port and ranks among the top three bunkering ports worldwide. Every year, 10 million tonnes of fuel are loaded. This is not limited to traditional fuels: the provision of alternative and renewable fuels continues to grow.
Rotterdam offers a wide range of fuels and is at the forefront of offering new, more sustainable options. The port of Rotterdam was the first port in Europe to enable LNG (liquefied natural gas) bunkering and the first in the world to facilitate barge-to-ship bunkering of methanol. An increasing number of alternative fuels can now be bunkered safely.
Important
- From 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 and biofuels in the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges. This system measures precisely how much fuel is transferred from the bunker vessel to the sea-going vessel. The aim is to make the bunker market in both ports more transparent, efficient and reliable. A detailed explanation of the Mass Flow Meter process is available in the MFM manual and FAQ’s.
- A bunker licence for residual fuels, distillates and biodiesel is mandatory for (owners of) bunker vessels supplying sea-going vessels, to ensure that such operations are conducted safely, correctly and in an environmentally responsible manner.
- All bunker activities must be reported and registered in advance via Portbase.
- Interested in the statistics on bunkering in the port of Rotterdam?
Port of the future
The port of Rotterdam is committed to a future of multi-fuel bunkering to enhance the sustainability of shipping and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. As one of the largest bunkering ports in the world, Rotterdam plays a pivotal role in connecting the entire chain and driving innovation with sustainable fuels such as bio-blends, hydrogen, methanol and ammonia. Through initiatives including shore power, just-in-time shipping and the Port Readiness Levels for Marine Fuels, the port is preparing for a future where various fuels can be used safely and efficiently. By collaborating with international partners and promoting green corridors, Rotterdam remains at the forefront as a resilient port contributing to a sustainable maritime sector.
Available alternatives in Rotterdam
Biofuels
The port of Rotterdam is the largest bunker port for biofuels. Due to the presence of large-scale biofuel production, storage and trade, the port of Rotterdam is a major biofuel producer for the European market. The biofuels are, among other things, used for road transport, shipping and aviation.
LNG
Rotterdam is the port for the import, export and bunkering of LNG in Europe.
Ammonia
Ammonia is already widely used in industry and can also be used as a sustainable, zero-carbon fuel for shipping. Therefore, preparations are currently underway to run as first pilot for ammonia bunkering in 2024. Safety aspects are leading in this process. The first ship engines are also expected around that time.
Methanol
The port of Rotterdam is the largest methanol hub in north-western Europe. Ship-to-ship bunkering has taken place at the port successfully several times. The largest traders and producers operate in the port, including Methanex, OCI and Proman. Methanol can be stored at various tank storage terminals: EVOS, Vopak, ETT and Chane. Currently, around 100kt/yr of green methanol is transhipped. This volume is expected to rise in the coming years. Work is underway at the port to establish GIDARA, which aims to produce 90kt/yr of green methanol from waste from 2026.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen is already being bunkered at the port on a small scale. One example is the hydrogen-powered water taxi, which emits only water and no CO2. A small-scale hydrogen bunkering station is under construction. Inland shipping is also preparing to run on hydrogen. The efforts include bunkering by loading and unloading hydrogen containers (‘swapping’).
Electric shipping
In inland shipping, electricity is also used. Among others, Zero Emission Services, a company set up with help from the Port of Rotterdam Authority, charges containers with batteries that are then placed on board ships (Swapping). This energy-as-a-service concept offers operational advantages, as ships do not have to be idle for long periods to recharge.
Bunkerproces
Rotterdam suppliers ensure fast and safe bunkering. Whether at terminals, buoys or poles, sea-going vessels can continue loading and unloading during the operation.
Many of the bunker vessels are double-hulled, with the largest vessels able to carry more than 13,000 tonnes of fuel at a time.
The Port of Rotterdam Authority's Harbour Master’s Division oversees that bunkering is conducted properly and safely by verifying bunker licences. A bunkering checklist assists suppliers in adhering to the correct procedures. We are also committed to achieving rapid turnaround times for bunkering operations. The Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) regularly inspects on behalf of the Dutch government.
