Key Port Facts
Busan Port Authority
Fuel Grades Available at Busan
Seven Ocean procures the following marine fuel grades at Busan. Click any grade for full technical specifications.
Delivery Methods
- Barge (primary)
- Pipeline at selected berths
Primary Anchorages
Busan New Port, Busan North Port, Oryukdo outer anchorage
Port Detail
Market structure
Busan's bunker market is supplied by major Korean integrated oil companies (S-Oil, GS Caltex, SK Energy), along with independent traders. Product quality is consistently high because the country's refineries are among the most sophisticated in the world — meaning compliant VLSFO is produced locally rather than blended at terminal.
Strategic position
Busan sits at the entrance of the Korea Strait, making it a natural fuel stop for vessels transiting between China, Japan, and the North Pacific. Its proximity to Japan means it is also used by vessels that might otherwise bunker at Tokyo or Yokohama.
Fuels
All standard grades. LNG bunkering at Busan New Port has been commercial since 2022. Biofuel availability is nascent.
Operational notes
Winter brings strong northerlies that can disrupt outer anchorage operations. Typical lead time for stems is 2-4 days. Documentation is in Korean and English; international commercial practice is standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Busan over Shanghai or Zhoushan for bunkers?
Busan's draw is the combination of tight proximity to Japan-Korea-Russia routes and consistently high product quality from local refineries. For trans-Pacific vessels, it can be the last Asian stop before the long crossing to North America.
Is LNG bunkering available at Busan?
Yes, LNG bunkering is available at Busan New Port. Korean interest in LNG as a transition fuel has supported early infrastructure investment.
How do Korean refineries affect VLSFO quality at Busan?
South Korea has one of the world's most advanced refining complexes. VLSFO supplied at Busan is typically straight-run compliant product rather than heavily blended material, which can reduce the risk of off-spec delivery relative to some other hubs.