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When fuel jumps, voyage cash flow moves faster than schedules do. This guide tees up the exact levers that matter before you touch a calculator. what to watch in bunker curves, how each $10/mt rolls into $/day, and which quick tweaks protect TCE without hurting service. Skim the panels below, then run the calculator to see your own $/day swing.
Bunker Price Sensitivity (What Each $10/mt Means For Your $/Day)
Importance
- Fuel is the largest variable driver of voyage P&L on most routes.
- Small bunker moves compound with consumption and sea days.
- Speed and routing decisions shift fuel burn more than most fees.
- Procurement tactics change when curves flip between contango and backwardation.
What changes per $10/mt
Speed choice
Small speed trims shift fuel burn nonlinearly. One knot down can offset $20–$40/mt rises on many hulls at typical loads.
Fuel grade mix
VLSFO vs MGO spread widens and narrows with cracks. Scrubber ships watch HSFO spreads for extra cushion.
Routing and timing
Canal tolls vs Cape, weather routing, and lift timing all shift sea days and burn. Price windows can justify short delays.
Bottom line
Translate bunker moves into TCE quickly. If sensitivity shows a large negative swing, act on speed, trim, or routing. If spreads favor your fuel strategy, lock gains with procurement and consider hedging coverage for the next window.
Scenario presets & benchmarks
Bunker Price Sensitivity Calculator
Core Assumptions
Optional Retrofit Payback
Daily Impact
Voyage Impact
Average $/Day Across Voyage
Segment Breakdown
| Segment | Days | mt/day | Total mt | $ Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Totals | 0 | — | 0 | $0 |
Retrofit Savings (Optional)
Retrofit Payback
Use this calculator to sanity-check voyage decisions during volatile weeks. If the average $/day swing is material, consider speed trims, routing changes, or staged liftings. When spreads move in your favor, lock gains through procurement or partial hedges. For retrofits, test payback at your real consumption and grade mix before committing capital.
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