When Does It Make Sense to Deviate for Bunkers?
14th August, 2026
Deviation for bunkers is often seen as an opportunity to reduce costs.
A lower price at an alternative port can appear attractive on paper, particularly in volatile markets where regional spreads can be significant.
However, the decision to deviate should never be based on price alone.
Deviation introduces a range of additional variables, increased fuel consumption, time lost, potential off-hire exposure, and operational uncertainty at the alternative port. Congestion, delays, or limited barge availability can quickly erode any expected savings.
In many cases, what initially appears to be a cost-saving decision can end up increasing the overall cost of the voyage.
Effective bunker planning requires a broader view.
At GeoServe, bunker procurement is assessed in the context of the full voyage, not just the price per tonne. This includes evaluating deviation costs, port efficiency, delivery reliability, and the potential operational impact on the vessel’s schedule.
The objective is not simply to secure the lowest price, but to ensure the most efficient and predictable outcome.
Because in practice, bunker decisions are not made per tonne.
They are made per voyage.
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