Mersin port at night, container cranes

Bunker Supplier in Mersin

Türkiye's gateway to the Eastern Mediterranean, where container, general cargo and bulk meet.

Get a quote Bunkering process

Photo: Debiz efe sabancı, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Sulphur
0.10%, under way and in port
Delivery
At berth or at anchor
Authority
Mersin Harbour Master
Products
Fuel oil, MGO, marine lubricants

Bunkering in Mersin

Mersin is one of the main container ports of the Eastern Mediterranean. Agricultural and industrial output from Çukurova and transit cargo bound for the Middle East move through it. For container ships a stem has to fit a tight port schedule, while bulk carriers often find it easier to take fuel at anchor while waiting for a berth.

We run stems for ships calling Mersin from our Istanbul office. Together with nearby Iskenderun and Ceyhan we treat Türkiye's Eastern Mediterranean coast as one operating area.

Container yard at Mersin port
Container yard at Mersin portPhoto: SeyfettinGündoğdu, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

How bunkering works in Mersin

  1. Enquiry

    Berth or anchorage, which terminal, expected berthing and departure times. For a container ship the time in port is short, so these times matter as much as the price.

  2. Comparison

    In the Eastern Mediterranean a ship can compare Mersin with Iskenderun, Limassol and Port Said. We look at route and price together.

  3. Delivery

    The method and time are settled through the terminal and agent. If the sailing schedule changes, the validity of the offer is reviewed.

  4. Documents

    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. For foreign-flag ships, customs paperwork is part of the chain.

Requirements for bunkering in Mersin

Rules change. Confirm current practice with the port agent.

  • Sulphur limit

    The port is inside the Mediterranean ECA, so since 1 May 2025 the limit is 0.10% under way and in port. A ship without a scrubber cannot burn 0.50% VLSFO in these waters and orders accordingly.

  • Licensed supplier and customs

    Fuel delivery to ships is called ihrakiye in Turkish law. Under Trade Ministry circular 2024/3 the supplier must hold the relevant EPDK licence, and a request for a foreign-flag ship declares the vessel's fuel capacity.

  • Scrubbers

    Scrubber washwater discharge in Turkish waters is subject to fines, as the American Club's 2026 table states.

  • Bunkers on board

    Customs may compare fuel on board with the arrival declaration. A local alert from 2020 reports that quantities above the declaration can be treated as smuggling and discharged. Check the ROB figure before declaring.

  • Approved locations and insurance

    Ports Regulation Article 34: fuel supply is only allowed at quays, jetties and anchorages the harbour master approves, and may be restricted for weather and sea conditions. The supplying vessel must carry pollution liability insurance. A bunker tanker needs permission to berth at a coastal facility (Article 35).

World ECA map: 0.10% sulphur areas

Products and quotes for Mersin

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 Mersin, 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.

Mersin bunker supply: common questions

Is Mersin inside the Mediterranean ECA?

Yes. Since 1 May 2025 ships use 0.10% fuel under way and in port, or an equivalent scrubber. Scrubber washwater discharge in Turkish waters is, however, subject to fines.

Is bunkering done at anchor?

The place of delivery depends on the ship's schedule and the supplier and is settled in the offer.

How do you choose between Mersin and Iskenderun?

Berth, route and that day's price decide. You can ask for both, with a separate ETA for each.

Get a quote for Mersin

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

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Bunker supply at other ports

Sources (7)

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