VLSFO Price Today - Live Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil Rates

1. What is VLSFO? Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil Explained

VLSFO (Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil) is a marine bunker fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.50% m/m, mandated by the IMO 2020 regulation. It replaced High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) as the standard bunker fuel for global shipping. Pricing is driven by Brent crude benchmarks, refinery margins, and regional demand at major hubs including Singapore and Rotterdam.

Shipowners and operators who need live bunker rate data will find daily VLSFO assessments, port-by-port comparisons, and cost-per-ton analytics across our platform.

2. VLSFO Price Today: Singapore, Rotterdam, Fujairah Live Rates

The global VLSFO market is benchmarked across three primary hubs. The Singapore price serves as the Asian reference, Rotterdam sets the European rate, and Fujairah is the critical Middle East bunkering benchmark. Our daily tracking covers price movements, regional trends, and the VLSFO premium over crude oil at all three locations.

Monitoring these rates helps fleet operators make informed hedging decisions and plan bunkering calls efficiently. Data covers 0.50% sulphur compliant fuel across all major ports.

3. VLSFO vs HSFO: IMO 2020 Compliance and Sulphur Content

Before IMO 2020, vessels predominantly burned High Sulphur Fuel Oil at 3.5% sulphur. The regulation mandated a switch to 0.50% sulphur-compliant fuel. The key differences between these two grades lie in sulphur content, pricing, and blending stability — VLSFO carries a cost premium but ensures full regulatory compliance.

Many owners also evaluate Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO) as an alternative. VLSFO is typically cheaper than MGO but requires heating and more careful compatibility management. Understanding the technical and compliance distinctions is essential for sound procurement decisions.

4. VLSFO Technical Specs: Density, Viscosity and ISO 8217

VLSFO must meet ISO 8217 specifications. Key parameters include density (typically 920–970 kg/m³ at 15°C), viscosity (20–180 cSt at 50°C), and CCAI ratings that affect ignition quality. These properties directly influence fuel injection performance and combustion efficiency.

Poor blending stability can cause sludge formation and filter blockages. Engineers are advised to verify compatibility, cat fines content, and pour point before bunkering. Our technical data resources help crews and superintendents manage onboard fuel treatment procedures.

5. VLSFO Market News and Price Forecast 2026

The bunker fuel market in 2026 remains sensitive to OPEC+ production decisions, refinery maintenance schedules, and shifting trade patterns. Price forecast models incorporate Brent crude movements, regional inventory levels, and port-specific demand signals to generate forward-looking assessments.

Our market coverage includes price history charts, spot and forward price comparisons, and arbitrage analysis across key bunkering regions — giving traders and operators the context needed for hedging and procurement planning.

6. Where to Buy VLSFO Bunker Fuel: Suppliers and Cost

VLSFO suppliers in Singapore, Rotterdam, Houston, and Fujairah offer 0.50% sulphur fuel with varying lead times, delivery methods, and credit terms. Cost per metric ton fluctuates daily and differs significantly between ports based on local supply and logistics conditions.

Sound procurement requires validating fuel quality certificates, reviewing sulphur test results, and checking Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) compliance. Use our daily price data as a negotiation baseline when approaching suppliers.

Looking for procurement solutions? Visit our Global Brokerage Desk

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