Bunker fuel is the primary fuel used by ships for propulsion and onboard power. Due to its impact on marine pollution and air quality, India regulates bunker fuel quality and usage in alignment with international environmental conventions, notably the IMO’s MARPOL Annex VI, to limit harmful emissions and promote cleaner shipping practices.
India enforces the IMO’s regulations limiting sulphur content in marine fuels to 0.50% m/m (mass by mass) globally and stricter limits in designated Emission Control Areas (ECAs).
DGS issues guidelines for bunkering operations, ensuring fuel suppliers meet prescribed quality standards and certification.
Major Indian ports such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Kandla regulate bunker fuel supply under port-specific rules to ensure fuel quality and environmental compliance.
Mandatory testing of bunker fuel samples is conducted before supply to ships, verifying parameters like sulphur content, viscosity, density, and presence of contaminants.
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications complement maritime fuel regulations by controlling pollution from shipping activities.
Indian PSC authorities inspect ships to ensure compliance with fuel quality and usage regulations, imposing penalties for violations.
Policies encourage the use of low sulphur fuels, LNG, and other alternative fuels to reduce emissions and meet India’s commitments under international environmental agreements.
A container ship arrives at the Mumbai port for bunkering. The procedure includes:
Verification of fuel supplier’s certification and compliance with MARPOL Annex VI sulphur limits.
Sampling and testing of bunker fuel before transfer to the ship.
Documentation of fuel quality certificates provided to the ship’s master.
Use of fuel complying with Indian and international sulphur limits during voyage.
Port State Control inspection to check fuel records and ensure compliance.
Penalties imposed if fuel quality or documentation is found deficient.
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