This is a legacy page. Please click here to view the latest version.
Fri 5 Jan 2018, 15:10 GMT

Boxships top bunker consumption ranking: report


Container ships, bulkers, and oil tankers accounted for around 62% of global bunker consumption in 2015, report says.



Container ships, bulk carriers, and oil tankers accounted for around 62 percent of global bunker consumption and 49 percent of distance travelled in 2015 despite making up only 30 percent of the global fleet, a report published by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) says.

According to the document, approximately 5,000 container ships made up around 7 percent of the global fleet in 2015, yet consumed the most fuel (25 percent) and energy (26 percent) of any ship class.

Bulk carriers represented 15 percent of the industry's fleet with 10,572 ships, and used 21 percent of shipping's fuel and energy, whilst 5,733 oil tankers made up 8 percent of the world's vessels, consuming 15 percent of its fuel and 14 percent of its energy.

Also making up the top five were chemical tankers and general cargo vessels, with the former representing 6 percent of the world's ships and 7 percent of its bunker and energy use, and the latter making up 13 percent of all vessels and 6 percent of fuel and energy consumption.

Liquefied gas tankers ranked sixth out of 22 ship classes in terms of fuel consumption (5 percent) and energy use (6 percent) - despite making up a small proportion of the fleet in terms of number (2 percent).

While cruise ships were said to represent 1 percent of the world fleet, fuel and energy consumption was calculated to be 4 percent.

Fishing vessels represented 10 percent of the world fleet, accounted for 9 percent of ship operating hours and 7 percent of distance travelled, but were deemed to have been responsible for only 2 percent of fuel consumption and 1 percent of energy use due to the relatively small size of their engines. A similar pattern was observed for tugs and other service vessels.


VPS logo. NE Atlantic ECA will cause significant change to the current fuel mix | Steve Bee, VPS  

The possibility of off-spec issues highlights the continuing need for proactive fuel testing to protect vessels.

Kris Vedat, SmartSea. Smart ships failing to convert data into actionable intelligence, warns SmartSea  

Maritime technology firm claims vessels collect vast amounts of data but lack integration to support decision-making.

Energy Transition Outlook 2026 Hydrogen To 2060 report cover. DNV forecasts 100-fold growth in clean hydrogen by 2060, with China leading expansion  

Classification society projects $3.2tn investment in hydrogen sector, with maritime accounting for 15% of clean hydrogen use.

World Shipping Council logo. Dual-fuel container ship and vehicle carrier fleet surpasses 1,200 vessels  

World Shipping Council reports 65% year-on-year increase in operational dual-fuel vessels to 440 ships.

Sotiris Raptis, ECSA. European Shipowners calls for ETS revenue investment and fuel supplier mandate  

ECSA urges the EU to invest €9bn in annual ETS revenues in fuel production and infrastructure.

Sheen Mao Choong, SSA. Singapore bunker industry urged to prioritise resilience and collaboration  

SSA committee vice chair highlights energy security and crisis readiness at Marine Fuels Forum 2026.

Chia How Khee, TFG Marine and David Foo, MPA. TFG Marine receives bunker safety award from Singapore maritime authority  

Marine fuel supplier recognised for safety standards and operational performance at MPA Marine Fuel Forum.

Rotterdam skyline at night. Bunker surveyor sought in Rotterdam to meet increased demand  

Dutch firm MCE Marine Surveyors is recruiting for a quantitative fuel inspection role.

Emma Roberts, BHP. GCMD highlights BHP biofuel trials to address scaling challenges in maritime decarbonisation  

Mining company discusses need for traceability and coordinated progress across supply, cost and operational readiness.

Levante LNG vessel. Peninsula implements energy efficiency measures across bunker supply fleet  

Marine fuel supplier focusing on data-driven upgrades and operational measures to cut consumption.


↑  Back to Top