MGO is the general category of distillate marine fuel, covering a range of sulphur contents. Standard MGO can be supplied at 1.0% or higher sulphur in some markets; for ECA compliance, 0.10% (LSMGO) is required. MGO serves as main fuel for smaller commercial vessels and as auxiliary fuel for larger tonnage.
Smaller commercial vessels, auxiliary engines, emergency generators, vessels operating outside ECA but preferring distillate
'MGO' as a term covers the distillate range; the specific compliance grade (LSMGO at 0.10%, or higher-sulphur variants) should be specified when nominating. Vessels often specify LSMGO to ensure ECA compliance without further consideration.
Distillate fuel is lighter, cleaner, and easier to handle than residual. No heating required, less sludge, more reliable in cold conditions. For smaller vessels, the simplicity often outweighs the higher per-tonne cost.
MGO is widely available globally at virtually every commercial bunker port. Unlike VLSFO (which requires blending) or HSFO (scrubber-niche), MGO has a deep commercial infrastructure.
MGO is more expensive than VLSFO per tonne but has lower total consumption overhead (no heating, less separator maintenance, cleaner injectors). For small to mid-size vessels, the gap narrows significantly.
Ports in our directory where MGO is available as a standard commercial grade:
Seven Ocean procures marine fuel at every major global hub. Tell us the vessel, the port, the grade, and we'll come back with a stem.
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