Marine bunker trading, brokerage & supply coordination · Port of Singapore
Distillate fuel
Distillate marine fuel to ISO 8217 DMA or DMZ for auxiliary engines, boilers, smaller vessels and fuel changeover, sourced from MPA-licensed suppliers.
Marine gas oil (MGO) is a distillate marine fuel made entirely from distilled petroleum fractions, without residual components. It is specified under ISO 8217 as grade DMA or DMZ, is clear and bright in appearance, has low viscosity and can be used without heating. Its sulphur content depends on the grade ordered.
On deep-sea vessels, MGO feeds auxiliary engines and boilers, supports engine start-up and manoeuvring, and acts as the fuel for changeover before entering areas with stricter sulphur rules. Many smaller vessels, including offshore support vessels, tugs and coastal craft, run on MGO entirely.
In the Singapore market, gas oil bunkers are commonly supplied as low sulphur MGO with a maximum of 0.10% sulphur. Buyers who need 0.10% fuel for ECA compliance should state it explicitly; see low sulphur marine gas oil.
Specifications
DMA is the most common MGO grade. DMZ has the same general requirements but a higher minimum viscosity, which suits engines and fuel pumps that need a little more viscosity at operating temperature.
| Parameter | DMA (ISO 8217:2017) | DMZ (ISO 8217:2017) |
|---|---|---|
| Kinematic viscosity at 40°C | 2.000–6.000 mm²/s | 3.000–6.000 mm²/s |
| Density at 15°C | max 890.0 kg/m³ | max 890.0 kg/m³ |
| Cetane index | min 40 | min 40 |
| Sulphur | max 1.00% m/m, or statutory limit | max 1.00% m/m, or statutory limit |
| Flash point | min 60.0°C | min 60.0°C |
| Lubricity (wear scar) | max 520 µm | max 520 µm |
| Appearance | clear and bright | clear and bright |
ISO 8217:2024 revised distillate requirements and introduced bio-distillate grades that allow FAME content. If you need FAME-free MGO, say so in the enquiry.
Vessel applications
Generator engines on vessels that keep residual fuel for the main engine only.
Auxiliary boilers and equipment that run more reliably on clean distillate.
Supply vessels, crew boats, tugs and work boats running fully on distillate.
Switching from residual fuel before entering ECAs or ports with distillate requirements.
Operational considerations
MGO has low viscosity. In hot engine rooms, viscosity at the fuel pump can fall below the engine maker’s minimum, which can affect pump performance. Some vessels use fuel coolers or chillers for this reason, and some owners prefer DMZ.
Moving from heated residual fuel to MGO must be done gradually to avoid thermal shock to fuel pumps. Follow the vessel’s changeover procedure and record the changeover in the log as required.
Low sulphur distillates can have reduced natural lubricity. ISO 8217 sets a lubricity limit. For voyages into cold waters, check cloud point and cold filter plugging point and confirm suitable winter or summer quality.
Keep MGO tanks clean and drain water regularly. Distillates containing FAME are more prone to microbial growth.
Procurement & delivery
MGO is delivered by licensed bunker tankers, alongside or at anchorage, with metered quantity and an e-BDN. We confirm the delivery window, make sure the agent has the supplier’s details, and pass on ETA changes.
Samples are drawn during delivery. Testing against DMA or DMZ limits, including flash point, viscosity, water and appearance, can be arranged through an independent laboratory.
Use the bunker quotation form and select MGO or LSMGO. For background, read marine gas oil for commercial vessels.
MGO (DMA/DMZ) is a pure distillate with a lower viscosity range. MDO (DMB) allows a higher viscosity and may contain traces of residual components, so it is not required to be clear and bright.
LSMGO is MGO with a sulphur content of no more than 0.10% m/m. MGO is a broader term. In Singapore, gas oil bunkers are commonly supplied at 0.10% sulphur, but you should always state the sulphur requirement.
Normally no. MGO is used at ambient temperature, and some vessels cool it to keep viscosity above the engine maker’s minimum.
Yes. Small quantities are common for auxiliary use and smaller vessels. Minimum quantity charges may apply and will be shown on the offer.
Send the grade, sulphur requirement and quantity with your vessel details. We will source from suitable licensed suppliers.