The Port of Antwerp-Bruges reported a 3.2% increase in total bunker fuel and marine lubricant sales for the second quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. The port sold 2,050,336 tonnes, up from 1,987,455 tonnes in Q2 2025. This growth was notably supported by a rise in high sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) sales, which increased from 590,544 tonnes to 659,182 tonnes, constituting almost one-third of the total marine fuel volume.
Despite the annual increase, the Q2 2026 sales volume was slightly lower than the 2,099,602 tonnes recorded in the first quarter of 2026, indicating a minor sequential dip.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, consistent bunker sales at a major European hub like Antwerp-Bruges suggest stable vessel traffic and demand for marine fuels. The increase in HSFO sales could reflect continued scrubber adoption or specific trade routes where HSFO remains a cost-effective option. While not directly impacting freight rates or capacity, these figures offer insights into operational costs for carriers, which can indirectly influence pricing strategies. Stable bunker availability at key ports is crucial for maintaining schedule reliability.
