Pronunciation: [bˈʌŋkəɹɪd͡ʒ] (IPA) 
The word "bunkerage" is used in the shipping industry to refer to the supply of fuel to a ship. It is pronounced /ˈbʌŋkərɪdʒ/ with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of the word comes from the term "bunker" which refers to a container for storing fuel. The suffix "-age" is added to indicate a charge or fee for a service. Therefore, "bunkerage" refers to the cost or provision of fuel for a vessel.
Bunkerage refers to the process or act of providing fuel, typically marine fuel, to a vessel or ship. It specifically denotes the service of supplying fuel oil, including diesel or heavy fuel oil, to ships during their time at port or during their journey at sea. This term is primarily used in the shipping and maritime industries.
The term "bunkerage" also encompasses the infrastructure and facilities required for storing and distributing fuel to ships. These facilities, commonly known as bunkers or fueling stations, may be located in ports, harbors, or off-shore areas to ensure that vessels have access to fuel supplies whenever needed.
Bunkerage involves a range of activities, including the procurement or purchase of fuel, its transportation to the bunkering facilities, and the actual process of fueling the ship. The process also includes adhering to safety standards and regulations to prevent any mishaps or fuel contamination during the bunkering operation.
Given the crucial role that fuel plays in shipping, bunkerage is an essential service to ensure the smooth operations of vessels, enabling them to power their engines and carry out their intended journeys. Bunkerage facilities may vary in size and capacity, depending on the port's or facility's location and the amount of marine fuel necessary to meet the demand of ships calling at the port or passing by in nearby waters.
The word "bunkerage" has an interesting etymology. It originates from the term "bunker", which comes from Scots Gaelic "bonn-chuir" or "bonn-Ciar" meaning "gunpowder". "Bunker" was first recorded in English in the late 18th century to refer to a place where coal or other combustible materials were stored.
The suffix "-age" in "bunkerage" is a common English suffix used to form nouns denoting an action, process, or result. For example, "coverage" is the action or result of covering. In the case of "bunkerage", the suffix "-age" turns "bunker" into a noun that denotes the action or process of storing fuel or other materials in a bunker.
