May 4, 2024
Bunker Fuel Market

Bunker Fuel Market: Growing maritime industry to drive market growth

The global bunker fuel market is estimated to be valued at US$ 26.93 billion in 2022 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 7.1% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.

Market Overview:
Bunker fuel refers to the fuel used by ships and vessels for propulsion and operation during their voyages. It is a crucial component in the maritime industry as it enables the smooth and efficient functioning of ships. Bunker fuels are derived from crude oil and are available in various types such as heavy fuel oil, marine gas oil, and low sulfur fuel oil. These fuels provide the necessary energy to power ships and meet their operational requirements. The increasing demand for international trade and transportation via sea routes is driving the growth of the bunker fuel market.

Market Key Trends:
One key trend in the bunker fuel market is the shift towards low sulfur fuel oil. Stringent environmental regulations imposed by international maritime organizations to reduce sulfur emissions from ships have prompted the industry to transition to cleaner fuels. Low sulfur fuel oil contains a significantly lower amount of sulfur compared to conventional bunker fuels, thereby reducing the environmental impact of ships. This trend is expected to continue as more countries and organizations adopt stricter emission standards in the maritime sector.
Porter’s Analysis

Threat of New Entrants:
The threat of new entrants into the bunker fuel market is relatively low. This is due to the high capital requirements and regulatory barriers involved in establishing a presence in the market. Additionally, established companies already enjoy economies of scale and have secured supply chain networks, making it difficult for new entrants to compete effectively.

Bargaining Power of Buyers:
Buyers in the bunker fuel market have a relatively high bargaining power due to the availability of numerous suppliers. Buyers can easily switch suppliers based on price and quality, putting pressure on companies operating in the market to offer competitive pricing and ensure product quality.

Bargaining Power of Suppliers:
Suppliers in the bunker fuel market have a moderate bargaining power, primarily due to the limited number of large oil companies dominating the market. These suppliers have the ability to influence prices and control the availability of bunker fuel to some extent. However, given the competitive landscape and the availability of alternative suppliers, their power is constrained to an extent.

Threat of New Substitutes:
The threat of new substitutes in the bunker fuel market is low. Bunker fuel remains the primary fuel choice for the shipping industry due to its low cost and availability. While the push towards cleaner fuels and environmental regulations may introduce some substitutes in the future, the shift is expected to be gradual, allowing market players to adapt accordingly.

Competitive Rivalry:
The competitive rivalry in the bunker fuel market is intense, with several key players vying for market share. These companies compete on factors such as price, product quality, supply chain efficiency, and customer service. The market is characterized by constant price fluctuations and intense competition, driving companies to constantly innovate and differentiate themselves.

Key Takeaways

The global Bunker Fuel Market Share is expected to witness high growth, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.1% over the forecast period from 2023 to 2030. This growth can be attributed to increasing international trade, especially in the shipping industry, which drives the demand for bunker fuel. Additionally, emerging economies and the development of new shipping routes further contribute to market growth.

In terms of regional analysis, Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing and dominating region in the bunker fuel market. This can be attributed to the rapid industrialization, growing trade activities, and expansion of ports in countries like China, India, and South Korea. The region is a major hub for maritime trade, leading to a significant demand for bunker fuel.

Key players operating in the bunker fuel market include Chemoil Energy Limited, Aegean Marine Petroleum Network, Inc., World Fuel Services Corporation, Gulf Agency Company Ltd., Gazpromneft Marine Bunker LLC, BP Marine Ltd., Exxon Mobil Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell plc, Bunker Holding A/S, and Lukoil-Bunker LLC. These companies are major players in the market, with a strong presence and extensive supply chain networks. They compete based on factors such as pricing, product quality, and customer service to maintain their market share.

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it