Bunker broker / Panama

Bunkering in Panama

Panama sells bunkers at both ends of the canal: Balboa on the Pacific and Cristobal on the Atlantic. Sales reached 5.31 million tonnes in 2025, the highest since at least 2020, with most of it on the Pacific side. Roadstead arranges stems there through suppliers we have checked.

Request a quote for Panama

Ships at anchor off Panama City, waiting for the Panama Canal
Photo: Katja Schulz, CC BY 2.0, cropped.
Bunker sales 2025
5.31 million t, up 4.1% (preliminary)
Where
Balboa and Cristobal anchorages, by barge
Main grades
VLSFO, HSFO, LSMGO
Bunker calls 2025
7,466, up 11.5%
Sulphur limit
0.50% global cap, no ECA
Canal transits FY2025
13,404, up 19%

Where bunkering happens

Bunkers are delivered by barge at the anchorages at both ends of the canal, and most of the volume is sold on the Pacific side at Balboa.

Inside Panama Canal waters, the Canal Authority allows bunkering only in designated areas. On the Atlantic side these are the inner anchorages A, B and D and the Dangerous Cargo Anchorage inside the breakwater, with the outer anchorage used in good weather after authorisation. On the Pacific side it is the Dangerous Cargo Anchorage. Any other location needs the Canal Authority's approval (Advisory A-29-2022).

Grades

VLSFO is the main grade: 3.41 million t in 2025, 64% of sales. HSFO came to 1.31 million t and LSMGO to 522,000 t. Panama is not in an Emission Control Area, so the global 0.50% sulphur cap applies.

The first certified B30 biofuel blend was delivered at Cristobal in February 2025. LNG bunkering is not offered on a regular basis yet.

Local rules

  • Bunker suppliers working from barges are licensed by the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP). In October 2025 the AMP reopened new licences after a restriction in place since 2019.
  • Sales dipped in 2023 and 2024 while drought cut the number of canal transits, then recovered: canal transits rose 19% to 13,404 in the year to September 2025.

How we arrange your stem in Panama

  1. Enquiry. Vessel, IMO number, ETA in Panama, grades and quantities.
  2. Firm offer. Price, delivery window, payment terms, valid until a stated time. We negotiate with suppliers for the best credit terms on your behalf.
  3. Nomination. You confirm the stem, we place it with the supplier and send delivery details to the ship and agent.
  4. Delivery and BDN. The supplier delivers alongside and hands over the Bunker Delivery Note.

Roadstead is a bunker broker. We do not run our own barges; the fuel is delivered by a licensed physical supplier at the port.

Questions about bunkering in Panama

Where can I bunker in Panama?

By barge at the anchorages at Balboa on the Pacific side or Cristobal on the Atlantic side. Inside canal waters only the areas designated by the Canal Authority are allowed.

Is Panama in an Emission Control Area?

No. The global 0.50% sulphur cap applies, so most ships take VLSFO, or HSFO if they have a scrubber.

Can I get biofuel in Panama?

Yes. The first certified B30 blend was delivered at Cristobal in February 2025. Tell us the blend you need and we will check who can supply it.

Bunkers in Panama?

Vessel, ETA, grades and quantities are enough for us to start. The desk is open 24/7.

Request a quote

Sources: Ship & Bunker, 2025 sales (AMP data), Panama Canal Authority, Advisory A-29-2022, Ship & Bunker, licensing reopened, Panama Canal Authority, FY2025 transits, IMO, sulphur limits. Updated 8 October 2026.