Malta's marine bunkering landscape is undergoing a substantial change, with a notable shift towards distillate marine fuels, according to analysis by Alkagesta Market Insights, as reported by Ship & Bunker. This trend is attributed to both reduced terminal capacity and the implementation of more stringent sulfur emission limits.
From January to May 2026, fuel oil volumes supplied in Malta decreased by approximately 35% year-on-year, falling from around 382,000 metric tonnes in 2025 to 247,000 metric tonnes. Conversely, demand for DMA marine gasoil surged during the comparable period, increasing from about 150,000 metric tonnes in the first four months of 2025 to 247,000 metric tonnes in 2026.
This market realignment is largely a consequence of the Mediterranean Emission Control Area (ECA), which became effective on May 1, 2025, alongside temporary supply disruptions impacting heavy fuel availability due to reduced terminal capacity on the island, Alkagesta noted. Data cited from fuel testing agency VPS indicates that across the ten largest bunkering ports in the Mediterranean, VLSFO volumes dropped by 23% in the initial six months post-ECA, while marine gasoil volumes more than doubled and ULSFO demand quadrupled.
Specifically, VLSFO volumes declined by 57% to 47,732 metric tonnes from 111,641 metric tonnes, with marine gasoil volumes more than tripling to 103,445 metric tonnes. ULSFO volumes also saw a considerable increase, climbing to 34,535 metric tonnes from 2,821 metric tonnes. Alkagesta anticipates that marine gasoil and ULSFO will continue to expand their market share as environmental regulations become progressively stricter, while demand for VLSFO and HSFO is expected to concentrate among particular buyer segments.
Darren Axisa, Country Manager Malta for Alkagesta, commented on the geographical advantages Malta possesses. However, he emphasised that sustained competitiveness for the island will depend on factors such as reliability, robust governance, and its capacity to adapt to the ongoing energy transition in shipping.
Sources
- Ship & Bunker, “Fuel Oil Sales Slide as Malta's Bunker Market Turns To Distillates: Alkagesta”, 2026-06-21 — shipandbunker.com
- Alkagesta — alkagesta.com
