Bunker broker / Netherlands

Bunkering in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is Europe's largest bunker port, with 9.8 million tonnes bunkered in 2025. It sits inside the North Sea Emission Control Area. Ships can bunker there while they keep working cargo. Roadstead arranges compliant fuel through suppliers we have checked.

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A tanker in the 4e Petroleumhaven, Port of Rotterdam
Photo: Alf van Beem, public domain, cropped.
Bunker sales 2025
9.8 million t, including LNG
Where
At terminals, buoys and poles, by bunker barge
Main grades
HSFO, VLSFO, MGO, ULSFO, MDO
New fuels
Biofuel blends, LNG, bio-methanol
Sulphur limit
0.10%, North Sea ECA
Mass flow meters
Mandatory since 1 January 2026

Where bunkering happens

Ships bunker at terminals, buoys and poles, and the Port of Rotterdam allows them to keep loading or unloading while the barge is alongside. Fuel comes by licensed bunker barge. The bunker licence covers Rotterdam, Vlaardingen, Dordrecht, Schiedam, Zwijndrecht and Papendrecht.

Grades

In 2025 Rotterdam sold 3.4 million t of HSFO, 2.9 million t of VLSFO, 1.3 million t of MGO (up 22%), 0.86 million t of ULSFO and 0.34 million t of MDO. Each grade is also sold as a biofuel blend.

Rotterdam was the first port in Europe to offer LNG bunkering. LNG passed 1 million m³ in 2025 for the first time, including 17,644 m³ of bio-LNG. Bio-methanol bunkering reached 11,819 t in 2025.

Local rules

  • Rotterdam is inside the North Sea Emission Control Area. Without a scrubber, fuel must not exceed 0.10% sulphur, so ships burn ULSFO or MGO here.
  • Mass flow meters are mandatory from 1 January 2026 on bunker barges delivering fuel oil, marine diesel and biofuels, in Rotterdam and in Antwerp-Bruges.
  • Since mid-2024 the bunker licence is held by the barge's owner. Methanol and ammonia need a separate licence.

How we arrange your stem in Rotterdam

  1. Enquiry. Vessel, IMO number, ETA in Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam

Which fuel do I need in Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is in the North Sea ECA, so the limit is 0.10% sulphur. Ships without a scrubber take ULSFO or MGO. Ships with a scrubber can take HSFO.

Are mass flow meters mandatory in Rotterdam?

Yes, since 1 January 2026, for fuel oil, marine diesel and biofuel deliveries by barge.

Can my ship bunker during cargo operations?

Yes. The port allows ships to keep loading or unloading at terminals, buoys or poles while they bunker.

Bunkers in Rotterdam?

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

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Sources: Port of Rotterdam, 2025 bunker volumes, Ship & Bunker, 2025 sales by grade, Port of Rotterdam, bunkering, Port of Rotterdam, mass flow meters, Port of Rotterdam, bunker licence. Updated 8 October 2026.