D6 Bunker Fuel (Residual Fuel Oil – RFO)
High-Viscosity Fuel for Marine & Industrial Use
D6 Fuel (also called Residual Fuel Oil or Bunker C) is a heavy, high-viscosity fuel designed for large marine engines, industrial furnaces, and power generators. Preheating is required before use due to its thick consistency.
Platts Code: PKABA00 (D6 Marine Fuel)
Key Features & Benefits
✔ High Energy Density – Ideal for large-scale power generation and marine propulsion.
✔ Cost-Effective – Economical for heavy industrial and shipping operations.
✔ Global Compliance – Meets industry standards (ISO 8217, IMO regulations).
Common Uses of D6 Fuel
- Marine Industry: Primary fuel for large ships and vessel bunkering.
- Power Generation: Used in industrial generators and boilers.
- Heavy Machinery: Suitable for preheated engines in industrial applications.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | D6 Fuel (HFO/RFO) | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Density at 15°C | 980–1010 kg/m³ | ASTM D4052 |
| Viscosity at 50°C | 180–700 cSt | ASTM D445 |
| Sulfur Content | ≤ 3.5% (Pre-IMO 2020) | ASTM D4294 |
| Flash Point | Min. 60°C | ASTM D93 |
| Pour Point | -6°C to 24°C | ASTM D97 |
| Carbon Residue | Up to 18–22% | ASTM D4530 |
| Ash Content | ≤ 0.2% | ASTM D482 |
| Water Content | ≤ 1.0% | ASTM D95 |
Note: Post-IMO 2020, sulfur content is capped at 0.5% globally (0.1% in ECAs). We also supply VLSFO (0.5% S) and MGO (0.1% S) upon request.
Comparison with Other Bunker Fuels
| Parameter | HFO (D6/RFO) | VLSFO | MGO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (kg/m³) | 980–1010 | 900–990 | 820–900 |
| Viscosity (cSt) | 180–700 | 10–180 | 2–6 |
| Sulfur Content | ≤ 3.5%* | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.1% (ECA) |
| Preheating Needed | Yes (220–260°F) | Sometimes | No |
| Common Use | Large ships, industry | IMO 2020-compliant ships | ECAs, aux engines |
*Pre-IMO 2020 standard. Now, most regions enforce 0.5% sulfur max unless using scrubbers.
Why Choose Us?
✅ Reliable Supply Chain: Partnered with top refiners and distributors.
✅ Quality Assurance: Strict adherence to ISO 8217 and IMO standards.
✅ Custom Solutions: Available for intermediate grades and special requests.
✅ Global Logistics: Efficient storage, preheating, and delivery options.
By partnering with the industry majors and emerging alternative fuels producers, our physical supply is complemented by closely monitored refining, terminal storage and distribution of the highest quality standards.
Request a Quote or Bulk Order
Interested in purchasing D6 Fuel (RFO/Bunker C)? Contact our sales team for pricing, availability, and regional compliance details.
📞 Phone: +91-9999999538
✉ Email: gks@ametheus.com
Notes
- IMO 2020 Compliance: We supply VLSFO (0.5% S) and MGO (0.1% S) for compliant operations.
- Preheating Services: Available upon request for industrial/marine applications.
Additional Data on D6 Fuel (Residual Fuel Oil – RFO / Bunker Fuel)
Characteristics of D6 fuel
The most common bunker grades supplied are:
| Specifications | ||||
| HFO | 2005 | 2010 | 2017 | |
| VLSFO | 2005 | 2010 | 2017 | |
| MGO | 2005 | 2010 | 2017 | |
In addition to this, we also meet specific wishes on quality of intermediate grades, not specifically mentioned in ISO 8217.
Bunker fuel specifications can vary depending on the type of fuel and the standards set by organizations like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) or regional regulations. Below is a general overview of the specifications for the most common bunker fuel grades: Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), and Marine Gas Oil (MGO). Note that the exact specifications may vary by supplier and region.
Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO)
HFO is a residual fuel oil commonly used in marine engines. It is a viscous fuel with high sulfur content, typically used in ships with traditional engines.
Key Specifications:
- Density at 15°C: 980–1010 kg/m³
- Viscosity at 50°C: 180–700 cSt (centistokes)
- Sulfur Content: Up to 3.5% (pre-IMO 2020), now limited to 0.5% in most regions under IMO 2020 regulations.
- Flash Point: Min. 60°C
- Pour Point: Varies, typically -6°C to 24°C
- Carbon Residue: Up to 18–22%
- Ash Content: Up to 0.2%
- Water Content: Up to 1.0%
Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO)
VLSFO is a cleaner-burning fuel introduced to comply with IMO 2020 regulations, which limit sulfur content to 0.5% globally (outside Emission Control Areas).
Key Specifications:
- Density at 15°C: 900–990 kg/m³
- Viscosity at 50°C: 10–180 cSt
- Sulfur Content: Max. 0.5% (compliant with IMO 2020)
- Flash Point: Min. 60°C
- Pour Point: Varies, typically -6°C to 24°C
- Carbon Residue: Up to 10–15%
- Ash Content: Up to 0.1%
- Water Content: Up to 0.5%
Marine Gas Oil (MGO)
MGO is a distillate fuel with low viscosity and sulfur content, often used in auxiliary engines or in Emission Control Areas (ECAs) where sulfur limits are stricter (0.1%).
Key Specifications:
- Density at 15°C: 820–900 kg/m³
- Viscosity at 40°C: 2–6 cSt
- Sulfur Content: Max. 0.1% (in ECAs) or 0.5% (outside ECAs)
- Flash Point: Min. 60°C
- Pour Point: Typically -6°C to 0°C
- Carbon Residue: Up to 0.3%
- Ash Content: Up to 0.01%
- Water Content: Up to 0.1%
Comparison of Key Parameters (2005, 2010, 2017, and Post-IMO 2020)
| Parameter | HFO (Pre-IMO 2020) | VLSFO (Post-IMO 2020) | MGO (ECA Compliant) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (kg/m³) | 980–1010 | 900–990 | 820–900 |
| Viscosity (cSt) | 180–700 | 10–180 | 2–6 |
| Sulfur Content | Up to 3.5% | Max. 0.5% | Max. 0.1% |
| Flash Point (°C) | Min. 60 | Min. 60 | Min. 60 |
| Pour Point (°C) | -6 to 24 | -6 to 24 | -6 to 0 |
| Carbon Residue | Up to 18–22% | Up to 10–15% | Up to 0.3% |
| Ash Content | Up to 0.2% | Up to 0.1% | Up to 0.01% |
| Water Content | Up to 1.0% | Up to 0.5% | Up to 0.1% |
Notes:
- IMO 2020 Sulfur Cap: Since January 1, 2020, the global sulfur limit for marine fuels has been reduced to 0.5% (from 3.5%), except in ECAs where the limit is 0.1%.
- VLSFO Adoption: VLSFO has become the most widely used bunker fuel post-IMO 2020 due to its compliance with sulfur regulations.
- MGO Usage: MGO is primarily used in ECAs or by vessels equipped with scrubbers to meet stricter emission standards.
