Key Port Facts
Port of Houston Authority; USCG Sector Houston-Galveston
Fuel Grades Available at Houston
Seven Ocean procures the following marine fuel grades at Houston. Click any grade for full technical specifications.
Delivery Methods
- Barge on the Houston Ship Channel
- Truck at selected berths
Primary Anchorages
Houston Ship Channel anchorages, Galveston Bay, Bolivar Roads
Port Detail
Houston Ship Channel geography
Bunker deliveries take place along the long, narrow Ship Channel connecting Galveston Bay to the inner Houston port. Barges operate up and down the channel serving vessels at various berths and anchorages. This narrow-waterway structure imposes some operational constraints but also means product access is extremely convenient.
Refinery proximity
With massive refining capacity in the Houston-Corpus Christi region, locally produced VLSFO and LSMGO are standard. The Gulf Coast is also a major source of marine residual fuel globally — product produced here is often shipped to other bunker hubs.
Regulations
Inside North American ECA, so low-sulphur fuel is the norm. USCG sector supervision applies. Nomination typically 3-5 days.
Operational notes
Hurricane season (June-November) periodically closes the port for multi-day periods. Fog in winter can reduce visibility and delay operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take bunkers at an outer anchorage vs. inside the Ship Channel?
Most deliveries take place along the Ship Channel at berths or designated channel anchorages. Outer Gulf anchorages are less common for bunker delivery because of the distance product must travel by barge from Houston terminals.
How do hurricanes affect operations?
When a named storm is in the Gulf, the Port of Houston can be closed by the USCG. This can mean days of no barge movements. Plan stems outside the peak-activity forecast window if possible.
Is HSFO available at Houston?
Limited availability. Most vessels calling Houston burn ECA-compliant fuel and HSFO is sourced elsewhere for ocean-passage use.