Port at a Glance
Port Overview
Kakinada Port is operated under Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB) authority. The port handles the national oil company's oil and gas operations for the Krishna-Godavari basin, making it significant for offshore supply vessel (OSV) traffic and associated bunker demand. General cargo, fertilisers, edible oils and petroleum products round out the cargo mix. The port's 14-metre draft supports Panamax-class vessels. The national bunker distribution network lists Kakinada within the "Kandla (including Sikka/Vadinar/Mundra anchorage/Kakinada)" supply area — reflecting the integration of national bunker distribution.
Parent Port Relationship
Kakinada is associated with Visakhapatnam Port — major port in coastal andhra pradesh, ~150 km south of vizag. Many vessel operators evaluate Kakinada and Visakhapatnam together when planning Indian port calls. See the Visakhapatnam bunker guide for context on the broader supply area.
Bunker Fuel Grades Available at Kakinada
Seven Ocean procures the following marine fuel grades at Kakinada. Click any grade for full specifications.
Supply & Product Sourcing
Full standard fuel range (VLSFO, HSFO, LSMGO, MGO, HSD) is available at Kakinada. Independent regional bunker specialists operate alongside the state-owned oil marketing companies' national distribution. OSV traffic drives steady LSMGO and HSD demand. HSFO and VLSFO for commercial tanker and bulk carriers are supplied via coastal barge from the Vizag-Chennai supply axis.
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: oil handling for national offshore operations; coastal supply from Chennai and Vizag refineries.
Delivery Methods
- Barge-to-ship
- Truck-to-ship
- Pipeline (oil jetty)
Barge-to-ship at anchorage and commercial berths. Truck-to-ship is used extensively for LSMGO and HSD supply to OSVs and smaller tonnage. Pipeline at the dedicated oil jetty supports tanker-class bunker operations. Lead time 48-96 hours depending on grade and quantity.
Vessel Types Regularly Bunkered
General cargo, bulk carriers, tankers, offshore supply vessels, fishing fleet.
Regulatory & Tax Context
GST on bunker fuel at Kakinada, 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 this paperwork as part of the supply contract. Bunker Delivery Notes are issued MARPOL Annex VI compliant with every stem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kakinada important for offshore supply vessel bunkering?
Kakinada is the principal shore base for the national oil company's Krishna-Godavari basin offshore oil and gas operations. OSVs servicing the KG basin drillships and production platforms use Kakinada as their home port, generating steady LSMGO and HSD bunker demand from the specialised suppliers based here.
Are there independent bunker suppliers beyond the state-owned oil companies?
Yes — the east coast has a well-developed independent physical-supply market alongside the state-owned oil marketers. As an independent procurement partner, Seven Ocean sources across both segments to secure the best combination of price, quality and availability for each nomination.
Is Kakinada good for commercial bulk carriers?
Yes for Panamax and smaller. The 14-metre draft limits Capesize direct-berth access. For Capesize vessels, Gangavaram or Krishnapatnam are better options on the east coast.
How does Kakinada bunker pricing compare to Vizag?
Pricing is typically close to Vizag (150 km north) given shared supply logistics. The presence of independent regional bunker specialists alongside the national majors adds competitive options alongside the national majors.
What is the typical OSV bunker profile?
Offshore supply vessels typically take 50-150 MT of LSMGO per nomination with higher frequency (weekly or bi-weekly) than commercial tonnage. Truck-to-ship delivery is the default method at Kakinada's OSV-dedicated berths.
Request a Quote for Kakinada
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, the leading Indian private bunker operator and independent suppliers to secure the best combination of price, quality and availability.