Marine Diesel—supplied as Marine Gas Oil (MGO) or Marine Diesel Oil (MDO)—and Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) are the backbone fuels of global marine transportation, offshore operations, and heavy industry. They are engineered for reliability, thermal efficiency, and long service life under harsh operating conditions.
Marine Diesel (MGO / MDO) – Overview
Marine Diesel is a distillate fuel produced through fractional distillation of crude oil. It is cleaner-burning and lower in viscosity than residual fuels, making it ideal for high-speed and medium-speed marine engines.
MGO: Nearly free of residual components, very low sulphur, clean combustion
MDO: May contain trace residual fractions, slightly higher viscosity
Key Advantages of Marine Diesel
Low sulphur content – IMO 2020 & ECA compliant
High cetane number for reliable ignition
Reduced engine wear and maintenance
Minimal pre-heating required
Lower SOx, particulate matter, and smoke emissions
Marine Diesel – Typical Properties
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Density @15°C | 820 – 900 kg/m³ |
| Viscosity @40°C | 1.5 – 6.0 cSt |
| Flash Point | > 60°C |
| Cetane Number | 40 – 55 |
| Sulphur Content | 0.1% – 1.5% |
| Net Calorific Value | 42 – 43 MJ/kg |
Applications of Marine Diesel
High-speed propulsion engines
Auxiliary engines and generators
Fishing vessels, ferries, patrol boats
Offshore platforms and supply vessels
Industrial diesel generators
Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) – Overview
Heavy Fuel Oil is a residual fuel obtained after distillation and cracking of crude oil. It is highly viscous and energy-dense, making it the most economical fuel for large, slow-speed marine engines and industrial boilers.
Key Advantages of HFO
Lowest cost per unit of energy
High thermal efficiency in large engines
Ideal for long-distance, heavy-load operations
Widely available at global bunkering ports
Typical Grades of HFO
IFO 180
IFO 380 (most common)
IFO 500 / 700
VLSFO (≤0.5% sulphur)
HFO – Typical Properties
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Density @15°C | 950 – 1010 kg/m³ |
| Viscosity @50°C | 180 – 700 cSt |
| Flash Point | > 60°C |
| Sulphur Content | 1.0% – 3.5% |
| Net Calorific Value | 40 – 42 MJ/kg |
Operational Requirements for HFO
Pre-heating systems for storage and injection
Fuel treatment and purification units
Sludge and sediment management
Engines designed for residual fuels
Environmental & Regulatory Compliance
IMO 2020 sulphur cap: 0.50% globally
ECAs: 0.10% sulphur limit
Compliance via low sulphur MGO, VLSFO, or scrubbers
Storage & Handling
Marine Diesel: Easy pumping, stable storage, low sludge risk
HFO: Heated tanks and pipelines required, strict filtration and handling
Why Buy From Us?
ISO 8217 & IMO compliant fuels
Consistent quality from approved refiners
Competitive international pricing
Spot and long-term contract supply
Reliable logistics (India, GCC, UK)
Customized marine & industrial fuel solutions