Key Port Facts
Port of Los Angeles / Port of Long Beach; USCG Sector LA-LB
Fuel Grades Available at Los Angeles / Long Beach
Seven Ocean procures the following marine fuel grades at Los Angeles / Long Beach. Click any grade for full technical specifications.
Delivery Methods
- Barge at anchorage
- Pipeline/truck at selected berths
Primary Anchorages
San Pedro Bay anchorages, within terminal berths
Port Detail
North American ECA
The entire US and Canadian coastline is an IMO-designated Emission Control Area, requiring 0.10% sulphur fuel within 200 nautical miles. This means every vessel calling LA-LB burns LSMGO or equivalent within the ECA — the port's bunker market is dominated by compliant low-sulphur product.
CARB at-berth rules
California has additional at-berth emission requirements administered by CARB, including shore-power connection mandates for certain vessel types. These affect auxiliary fuel consumption and scheduling of hotelling bunker lifts.
Market structure
Suppliers include major integrated oils and independent bunker traders. Refinery catchment in Southern California provides local product; blending operations also source from the wider Pacific Basin.
Operational notes
Fog in May-August can reduce visibility and delay barge movements. Labor actions at terminals periodically affect schedules. Nomination lead time typically 3-5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take HSFO at Los Angeles or Long Beach?
HSFO availability is very limited because the North American ECA requires low-sulphur fuel within 200nm regardless of scrubber status for certain pollutant controls. Most scrubber-equipped vessels bunker HSFO elsewhere and burn it only on the ocean passage.
What are the California at-berth requirements?
CARB rules require certain vessel types (container ships, passenger ships, reefers, tankers, ro-ros) to reduce at-berth emissions, typically via shore power connection. This does not eliminate bunker demand but changes the pattern — less auxiliary fuel burn while berthed.
Is biofuel available at LA-LB?
Biofuel blends are emerging in the West Coast market, driven by charterer decarbonisation requirements and California LCFS programme economics. Availability is growing but still requires specific nomination.