Grand Harbour seen from Valletta

Bunker Supplier in Malta

In the middle of the Mediterranean, on the main route between Suez and Gibraltar. Its rules are written and detailed.

Get a quote Bunkering process

Photo: Marie-Lan Nguyen, CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons

Sulphur
0.10%, under way and at berth
Delivery
Barge: in port and designated areas
Authority
Transport Malta
Notice
72 hours before arrival, 24 at the latest

Bunkering in Malta

Malta sits on the main route between the Suez Canal and the Strait of Gibraltar and is one of the main bunkering points in the Mediterranean. Bunkering takes place not only in port but also at designated areas outside it. Hurd's Bank, east of Malta, is known as an area where ships anchor to bunker. For a ship that wants fuel without deviating, this is a real convenience.

We run Malta stems from our Istanbul office. For a vessel crossing the Mediterranean east to west we compare Malta with Piraeus, Port Said and Gibraltar and choose the most suitable point by route and price together with the operator.

Ships and fortifications in the Grand Harbour
Ships and fortifications in the Grand HarbourPhoto: Vicki Burton, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

How bunkering works in Malta

  1. Enquiry

    In port or offshore, ETA and quantity. If you need more than one grade, say so: simultaneous multi-grade delivery needs prior written authorisation.

  2. Arrival notice

    A ship coming to territorial waters or port for bunkers gives 72 hours' notice. The Authority may accept notice "as early as possible", but not less than 24 hours.

  3. Area approval

    The barge master tells the Authority which area was agreed with the ship and cannot start before approval is confirmed. The barge must be in position first. The receiving master alone is responsible for the choice of area and safe navigation. Offshore bunkering is done on the lee coast.

  4. Delivery

    In port, bunkering is allowed only at Marsaxlokk, Marsamxett, Grand Harbour and Mġarr, at places the Authority authorises. A barge may not go alongside after sunset without authorisation. If work will run past sunset an extension is needed, otherwise the barge leaves before sunset.

  5. Documents

    Both masters complete safety checklists before the operation and at each stage. When delivery ends the supplier issues the BDN, which the ship keeps for three years. The MARPOL sample is sealed in front of the ship and supplier representatives and stays on board for at least 12 months.

Requirements for bunkering in Malta

Rules change. Confirm current practice with the port agent.

  • Legal basis

    S.L. 499.12 Dangerous Cargo Ships, Marine Terminals and Facilities and Bunkering Regulations. The text consulted is dated September 2026.

  • Licensed barges

    Every barge operation in Maltese waters and ports must use a licensed or authorised barge. A barge carries only bunkers and may not anchor without authorisation.

  • Pollution precautions in port

    Booms are deployed for every in-port operation. Barges must carry spill response equipment and run two drills a year.

  • Sulphur limit

    0.10% in the Mediterranean ECA since 1 May 2025. EU Directive 2016/802 also applies 0.10% at berth and requires the changeover time in the logbook. Ships at berth under two hours and ships on shore power are exempt.

  • FuelEU Maritime

    Ships above 5,000 GT calling at EU ports are in scope under any flag. Since 2025 well-to-wake GHG intensity must be 2% below the 2020 baseline, rising to 6% in 2030.

World ECA map: 0.10% sulphur areas

Products and quotes for Malta

We quote for fuel oil (including VLSFO), gas oil (MGO) and marine lubricants. Products are delivered in the quality and quantity agreed in the order. For details see Fuel Oil and Gas Oil and Marine Oils.

We trade bunkers from our Istanbul office at every port worldwide. For a stem in Malta, send the vessel name, IMO number, ETA, grades and quantities to the addresses on our contact page. How we work is explained on our bunker trading page.

Malta bunker supply: common questions

Is night bunkering possible in Malta?

A barge may not go alongside after sunset without the Authority's prior express permission. Work running past sunset needs an extension.

How much notice is needed?

72 hours before arrival in territorial waters. The Authority may accept shorter notice, but not less than 24 hours.

Is Hurd's Bank an official area?

The regulation names no areas and says the Authority designates them. Confirm the current list with your agent.

Get a quote for Malta

Send the vessel name, IMO number, ETA, grades and quantities. We reply with an offer from our Istanbul office.

Get a quote

Bunker supply at other ports

Sources (5)

This page is general information, not legal advice. Last checked: 3 November 2026.