Port at a Glance
Port Overview
SMP Kolkata operates two distinct complexes. Kolkata Dock System, located 203 km upstream on the Hooghly river, handles smaller vessels (tide-dependent access, 8.5-m draft) and serves as an inland waterways connection point. Haldia Dock Complex, 122 km downstream from Kolkata near the river mouth, is the deeper-water facility handling larger cargo vessels and operating a major Indian oil marketing company's 8 MTPA Haldia refinery adjacent to the docks. For bunker procurement, Haldia is the operational centre.
Bunker Fuel Grades Available at Kolkata
Seven Ocean procures the following marine fuel grades at Kolkata. Click any grade for full technical specifications and supply notes.
Supply & Product Sourcing
Haldia supplies VLSFO, LSMGO, HSFO, high-speed diesel and light diesel oil. The a major Indian oil marketing company Haldia refinery is the primary product source with pipeline connection to dedicated oil jetties. Bunker at Kolkata Dock (upstream) is more limited and is primarily LSMGO and HSD for smaller coastal traders and inland waterways barges. Large-vessel fuel oil bunkering is almost always conducted at Haldia rather than at the upstream Kolkata docks.
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 Haldia refinery (8 MTPA); the Barauni refinery supplementary.
Delivery Methods
- Barge-to-ship
- Pipeline (Haldia refinery jetty)
- Truck-to-ship
At Haldia, pipeline bunkering is available at the a major Indian oil marketing company refinery jetty for tankers calling the terminal. Barge-to-ship is standard at commercial berths and anchorage. At Kolkata Dock, smaller-scale barge and truck supply handles LSMGO and HSD requirements for coastal and inland waterways vessels.
Vessel Types Regularly Bunkered
Panamax bulk, tankers, general cargo, coastal traders, inland waterway barges. 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.
Regulatory & Tax Context
GST on bunker fuel supplied at Kolkata, 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.
Sub-Ports & Anchorages
Beyond the main port facility, the following nearby bunker locations fall within the broader Kolkata regional supply area. Each has its own distinct bunker profile — click through for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bunker at Kolkata or Haldia?
For anything larger than a coastal trader or handy-size vessel, bunker at Haldia. The Kolkata upstream dock has shallow draft (8.5 m) and limited pipeline/barge infrastructure for fuel oil. Haldia offers 11.8-m draft, refinery-adjacent pipeline bunkering, and a full range of fuel grades.
Is the Hooghly river navigable for all vessels?
No — Hooghly navigation from the estuary up to Kolkata is tide-dependent and restricted to specified vessel dimensions. Haldia sits close enough to the river mouth that deeper-draft vessels can call without extensive upriver transit. Specific vessel permissions are coordinated with SMP Kolkata and the pilot service.
What fuels are available for inland waterways vessels from Kolkata?
HSD and LDO are the primary fuels for inland waterways traffic, supplied by truck and small barge. LSMGO is available for coastal vessels. The a major Indian oil marketing company distribution network supports this segment well — inland waterway cargo grew to 145.5 MMT in FY25 and is projected to exceed 200 MMT by 2030.
What is the typical lead time at Haldia?
Standard nomination-to-delivery at Haldia is 4-6 days for refinery-sourced VLSFO and HSFO. LSMGO and HSD are generally available at shorter notice from refinery stock. Confirm with the supplier at the time of nomination.
Is bunker supply affected by monsoon at Kolkata/Haldia?
Monsoon conditions (June-September) can affect river navigation and barge operations in the Hooghly estuary. Haldia operations continue through monsoon but expect occasional weather-related delays. Plan for a slightly wider delivery window during this period.
Request a Quote for Kolkata
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.