High sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) and heavy fuel oil solutions for shipowners, power plants, and industrial users seeking reliable bulk supply and logistics.
High sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) is a heavy residual fuel used primarily in large marine engines, power generation units, and industrial boilers where scrubbers or local regulations permit higher sulfur content. Petrolodex connects qualified buyers with consistent HSFO and other higher-sulfur fuel oil grades through a network of refineries, producers, and trading partners, delivering cargoes to key bunkering hubs and industrial ports. We manage procurement, quality control, shipping, and documentation so you can focus on operations while securing cost-effective fuel oil supply.
High sulfur fuel oil is a type of heavy fuel oil characterized by elevated sulfur content, often up to about 3.5% by mass under traditional marine specifications. It is a dense, viscous residual product left after lighter fractions such as gasoline and middle distillates are removed during crude oil refining. HSFO and related heavy fuel oils are widely known as bunker fuel in shipping because they are stored in a vessel's bunkers and burned in slow-speed and medium-speed marine engines.
Despite tighter emission rules (including IMO 2020 and regional sulfur caps), high sulfur fuel oil continues to serve segments of the marine and industrial market, particularly where exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) or specific regulations allow its use. Users value HSFO for its energy density and typically lower price versus low sulfur alternatives, provided that they have the necessary handling and emissions-control infrastructure.
High sulfur fuel oil grades are defined under ISO 8217 and market benchmarks for bunker fuels. Exact specs depend on grade and contract, but common characteristics include:
HSFO is commonly specified with sulfur up to about 3.5% m/m under traditional marine fuel standards, with some higher-sulfur industrial grades also in use where regulations permit.
Heavy fuel oils are highly viscous, often in the range of approximately 180–700 cSt at 50°C for typical bunker grades such as IFO 180, IFO 380, RMG 380, or RMK 700, and have densities up to about 1010 kg/m³ at 15°C in ISO 8217 classifications.
Minimum flash point is generally 60°C or higher in line with marine safety and SOLAS requirements.
Heavy fuel oils can contain ash, water, catalytic fines (aluminium and silicon), and other non-hydrocarbon compounds, requiring purification, filtration, and controlled heating before combustion. Operationally, HSFO usually needs to be heated to maintain pumpable viscosity during storage and transfer.
The Solutions
01
Most fuel oil brokers have limited refinery access. Petrolodex works with refineries, national oil organizations, and established trading partners to source HSFO and other fuel oil grades that meet ISO 8217 and buyer-specific technical requirements. Our network ensures consistent fuel oil availability for marine and industrial applications.
02
Generic suppliers lack comprehensive coverage. Our network supports bunker deliveries to major ports, as well as bulk cargoes for power plants and industrial facilities in Europe, Africa, the Arabian Gulf, and Mediterranean markets. Whether you need vessel bunkering or industrial bulk delivery, we coordinate supply to your operational requirements.
03
Complex fuel oil logistics create operational delays. Petrolodex coordinates shipping, storage, and transshipment operations, aligning fuel oil movements with vessel schedules and plant demand. Each shipment includes customary bunker and fuel oil documentation—certificates of quality and quantity—structured to align with IMO, MARPOL, and local regulatory frameworks.
Direct relationships with refineries, national oil organizations, and established trading partners ensure HSFO and fuel oil grades meet ISO 8217 and buyer-specific technical requirements. Verified supplier network delivers consistent fuel oil availability.
Network supports bunker deliveries to major ports and bulk cargoes for power plants and industrial facilities across Europe, Africa, Arabian Gulf, and Mediterranean. Comprehensive coverage for vessel bunkering and industrial bulk requirements.
Coordination of shipping, storage, and transshipment operations aligned with vessel schedules and plant demand. Complete logistics management ensures reliable fuel oil movements from source to destination.
Each shipment accompanied by customary bunker and fuel oil documentation including certificates of quality and quantity. Structured to align with IMO, MARPOL, and local regulatory frameworks where applicable.
If you require high sulfur fuel oil for marine or industrial use, reach out on your terms:
Schedule a 30-minute meeting with a fuel oil expert
Request a quote for bunker delivery or bulk cargo
Discuss long-term supply agreements
Inquire about ISO 8217 grades and specifications
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