U.S. Bunker Fuel Market (2025 - 2030) Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), High Sulfur Fuel Oil (HSFO), Marine Gas Oil (MGO)), By Application (Bulk Carrier, Oil Tanker, Container, General Cargo), And Segment Forecasts

U.S. Bunker Fuel Market Summary

The U.S. bunker fuel market size was estimated at USD 22.80 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 30.51 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2025 to 2030. The market is witnessing steady growth, driven by the expansion of global maritime trade and the demand for reliable marine fuel solutions.

Key drivers of the U.S. bunker fuel industry include container traffic growth at major ports, rising coastal and international trade activity, and increasing energy demand from maritime transport. In addition, the enforcement of IMO 2020 sulfur regulations and the U.S. environmental policies are pushing a shift toward cleaner marine fuels such as VLSFO, MGO, and LNG.

Technological progress is also vital, with innovations such as advanced fuel blending methods and digital fuel monitoring systems enhancing both efficiency and regulatory compliance. These technologies support improved fuel quality management, real-time fuel consumption tracking, and more efficient logistics resulting in lower emissions and operational cost savings. The shift toward low-sulfur and alternative marine fuels reflects a broader industry commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible shipping practices. The U.S. bunker fuel market is experiencing a phase of dynamic transformation, driven by evolving regulatory landscapes, cleaner fuel demand, and operational innovations.

Type Insights

The very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) type segment held the largest share of 57.8% in 2024. Very low sulfur fuel oil has emerged as the standard fuel at major U.S. ports, largely due to its ability to meet stringent emissions regulations, particularly within Emission Control Areas, while remaining compatible with existing ship engines. Its strong balance between environmental compliance and operational efficiency has made it the preferred choice for commercial shipping fleets globally. As more ports and fuel suppliers invest in infrastructure to ensure reliable VLSFO availability, the fuel's dominance in the maritime market continues to strengthen.

The marine gas oil (MGO) segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 3.7% over the forecast period. MGO is a high-quality distillate marine fuel with low sulfur content, commonly used in medium-speed marine diesel engines and auxiliary engines operating in Emission Control Areas (ECAs).

Application Insights

The container segment dominated the U.S. bunker fuel industry in 2024. Container vessels, which transport manufactured goods across global trade routes, require significant volumes of bunker fuel, such as marine gas oil (MGO) and very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO), to power their long-distance voyages. The U.S., with major ports such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York/New Jersey, and Savannah, is a key hub for container traffic, influencing bunker fuel consumption patterns.

The general cargo segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, driven by the surge in global trade, e-commerce, and transpacific shipping volumes. The oil tanker is another key segment in the bunker fuel market due to the critical need for reliable marine fuels to transport chemicals, oil, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Tankers often operate in heavily regulated and sensitive environments, requiring compliance with stringent fuel sulfur limits and environmental standards.

Key U.S. Bunker Fuel Company Insights

Some of the key companies in the U.S. bunker fuel industry include ExxonMobil Corporation, Chevron Corporation, and BP plc.  

• PBF Energy Inc. is a major independent petroleum refiner and supplier in the U.S., with operations supporting marine fuel production and distribution. The company plays a key role in the U.S. bunker fuel industry through its refining assets, which produce compliant marine fuels such as VLSFO and MGO to meet IMO regulations.

U.S. Bunker Fuel Market Report Scope

U.S. Bunker Fuel Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. bunker fuel market report based on type and application:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO)

  • High Sulfur Fuel Oil (HSFO)

  • Marine Gas Oil (MGO)

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Bulk Carrier

  • Oil Tanker

  • Container

  • General Cargo

  • Chemical Tanker

  • Fishing Vessels

  • Gas Tanker

  • Others