India Port Guide · East Coast · Rank #4 by cargo volume

Bunker Fuel Supplier at Visakhapatnam Port

Visakhapatnam — commonly called Vizag — is India's fourth-largest port by cargo volume (80.75 MMT FY 2024-25) and a strategically important bunkering location on the east coast. The port's deepwater facilities accommodate vessels up to 16.5-metre draft, and the adjacent Visakh refinery — expanded to 15 MTPA capacity in 2025 through the Vizag Refinery Modernisation Project — supplies straight-run HSFO and compliant VLSFO directly to vessels via pipeline bunkering at the refinery jetty.

Port at a Glance

Port Authority
Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA)
UN/LOCODE
INVTZ
State
Andhra Pradesh, India
Coast
East Coast
FY24-25 cargo
80.8 MMT
June 2025 cargo
7.33 MMT
Max draft
16.5 m

Port Overview

Visakhapatnam Port Authority operates the port in two distinct sections: the outer harbour for deep-draft vessels (iron ore, crude oil, Capesize bulk) and the inner harbour for smaller vessels and general cargo. The Vizag refinery is a key east-coast fuel supply anchor — its VRMP expansion adding a new crude unit and residue upgradation facility has materially increased fuel oil production capacity, which feeds both the Vizag bunker market and supports coastal supply to Kochi and other southern ports.

Bunker Fuel Grades Available at Visakhapatnam

Seven Ocean procures the following marine fuel grades at Visakhapatnam. Click any grade for full technical specifications and supply notes.

Supply & Product Sourcing

Vizag supplies VLSFO as the primary grade, with LSMGO readily available and HSFO supplied to scrubber-equipped vessels from straight-run refinery production. The refinery jetty offers pipeline bunkering — the fastest delivery method — at flow rates significantly exceeding barge capacity. For vessels at anchorage, barge-to-ship supply is standard. Approximately 10,000 MT of HSFO is supplied monthly across Mumbai, Kandla, Vizag and Kochi, with Vizag a key contributor to that volume.

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 Visakh refinery (15 MTPA post-VRMP expansion).

Delivery Methods

Pipeline bunkering at The refinery jetty is the fastest method, recommended for large stems where vessel schedule allows a refinery call. Barge-to-ship is the default for anchorage bunkering and for vessels working cargo at general berths. Truck-to-ship delivery is available for LSMGO and HSD at berth for smaller volumes.

Vessel Types Regularly Bunkered

Capesize, VLCCs, Panamax bulk, general cargo, naval vessels. 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 Visakhapatnam, 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 Visakhapatnam regional supply area. Each has its own distinct bunker profile — click through for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Vizag deliver bunker by pipeline?

Yes. The refinery jetty at Vizag supports pipeline bunkering for tankers calling the refinery terminal directly. This is the fastest delivery method and is recommended where the vessel schedule permits a refinery visit. For other berths and anchorage, barge supply is standard.

What refinery supplies Vizag bunker?

the Visakh refinery, which expanded from 8.3 MTPA to 15 MTPA capacity under the Vizag Refinery Modernisation Project (completed early 2025). The refinery supplies straight-run HSFO as well as VLSFO, and additionally sends product coastally to Kochi.

What is the deepest vessel Vizag can handle?

Vizag's outer harbour accommodates vessels up to 16.5-metre draft, including Capesize bulk carriers and VLCCs. Specific berth assignment depends on cargo type — for large-vessel bunkering, coordinate the call with the port authority in advance.

How does Vizag compare to Paradip for east-coast bunker?

Vizag has strong refinery-direct supply and excellent pipeline bunkering capability. Paradip leads on total cargo volume and has its own adjacent refinery. Many operators choose between the two based on the specific vessel rotation and which refinery is currently offering the best spot economics.

Are Indian Navy facilities at Vizag an issue for commercial bunkering?

Vizag hosts the Eastern Naval Command, but commercial and naval operations run on separate zones with dedicated commercial berths and anchorages. There is no normal operational conflict for commercial bunkering, though port security procedures are rigorous. Standard pre-arrival documentation applies.

Request a Quote for Visakhapatnam

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.

Request a Quote Back to India hub

Need a bunker quote at an Indian port?

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.

Request a Quote Browse India Ports