Bunkering is the process of refuelling a ship by providing the vessel with bunker fuel. Bunker capacities vary from small vessels to VLCCs. Terminal-to-ship, truck-to-ship and ship-to-ship bunkering facilities are available at IFS. Malta’s location in the Mediterranean makes it an optimal location for easy, practical bunkering.

There are five bunkering areas within territorial waters, the Harbour Masters allocate the bunkering area to be used depending on the weather and wind conditions of that day.

Another bunkering method is terminal-to-ship, whereby the product is either bunkered directly from an import or export terminal. Pipelines from the terminal to the quay are needed if the terminal is not directly situated at the berth. 

Terminal-to-ship bunkering

Ship-to-ship bunkering can take place at different locations: along the quayside, at anchor or at sea. It is the most common bunkering method used for bunkering seagoing vessels. 

Ship-to-ship bunkering