Chennai is the largest port on the Bay of Bengal and the primary maritime gateway for southern India, handling 55.4 MMT in FY 2024-25. A key hub for container traffic, automobiles and project cargo, Chennai's 16.5-metre draft accommodates Capesize vessels and large tankers. Bunker supply is anchored by Chennai Petroleum Corporation (the regional refiner, a major Indian oil marketing company subsidiary) operating the Manali refinery approximately 20 km from the port.
Chennai Port Authority operates three major docks (Dr Ambedkar, Jawahar, Bharathi) handling a diverse cargo mix. The port is a principal automobile export hub for India — major manufacturers including Ford, Hyundai and Renault-Nissan have based production near Chennai — with specialised Ro-Ro facilities. Container traffic is robust, and the 16.5-metre draft supports Capesize iron ore and coal vessels. A major Indian oil marketing company operates bunkering at Kamarajar Port nearby via foreshore terminal facility at Chennai Port Trust through barges and trucks.
Seven Ocean procures the following marine fuel grades at Chennai. Click any grade for full technical specifications and supply notes.
Chennai supplies the standard VLSFO, LSMGO, HSFO and HSD fuel range. Product flows from the regional refiner's Manali refinery by pipeline to the port area, and from a major Indian oil marketing company's broader east-coast supply network. Demand has grown steadily alongside container and automobile carrier traffic. Independent suppliers service the spot market at the Chennai anchorage in addition to the state-owned companies.
Supply landscape: Seven Ocean sources bunker fuel at this location from the full range of available physical suppliers — state-owned oil marketing companies, private-sector bunker operators, and independent regional specialists — selecting for each nomination based on price, quality and availability.
Refinery & product source: the regional refiner Manali (9.5 MTPA, ~20 km from port).
Barge-to-ship is the primary method at Chennai. Truck-to-ship is available for LSMGO and HSD deliveries, particularly for vessels at Ro-Ro berths where barge alongside operations may be restricted by other vessel movements. For scheduled liner calls, alongside bunker during cargo operations is often the most efficient.
Container vessels, automobile carriers, Capesize, tankers, project cargo. Whatever the vessel class, our procurement approach stays the same: obtain competing quotes from available physical suppliers, confirm barge or pipeline capacity against your schedule, and hand over the delivery with proper documentation.
GST on bunker fuel supplied at Chennai, as at all Indian ports, is 5 percent for both foreign-going and coastal vessels. Indian-flag vessels operating under the Merchant Shipping Act plying cargo between Indian ports can claim customs duty exemption on imported bunker fuels subject to documentary conditions — we handle the paperwork as part of the supply contract. Bunker Delivery Notes are issued MARPOL Annex VI compliant with every stem.
Beyond the main port facility, the following nearby bunker locations fall within the broader Chennai regional supply area. Each has its own distinct bunker profile — click through for details.
the regional refiner's Manali refinery is approximately 20 km north of Chennai Port, with pipeline connection to the port-area oil infrastructure. Short supply distance means reliable availability and quick response on nominations.
Many vessels use both ports — Chennai Port for container or general cargo work and the adjacent Kamarajar Port for liquid/bulk cargo — within one call sequence. Bunker supply chains coordinate across both. A major Indian oil marketing company operates bunker facilities spanning Chennai Port Trust and Kamarajar Port via barge and truck.
LSMGO is routinely available at Chennai with short lead time. For standard quantities under 200 MT, same-day or next-day supply is often achievable. For larger LSMGO stems plan 48 hours ahead to ensure the delivery slot.
Chennai's main terminals accommodate up to 16.5-metre draft, which covers most commercial vessel classes including Capesize bulk and large tankers. Specific berth drafts vary — confirm with the agent based on the assigned berth.
the regional refiner-sourced VLSFO meets ISO 8217:2017 RMG 380 specification with sulphur below 0.50% m/m, consistent with IMO 2020 requirements. Standard COQ documentation is issued with every stem. Always confirm the specific test suite required for your vessel's fuel management policy.
Tell us the vessel, ETA, fuel grade and quantity, and we will return with a competitive stem. Seven Ocean is an independent bunker procurement partner — we source across the major oil marketing companies, a leading Indian refiner, a major private port operator and independent suppliers to secure the best combination of price, quality and availability for each nomination.
Seven Ocean procures marine fuel at all 10 major Indian ports. Tell us the vessel, the port, the grade — we come back with a stem.
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