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ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Prompt HSFO remains tight in Gibraltar; ARA fuel oil, gasoil stocks increase; VLSFO, LSMGO supply normal in Durban.
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ENGINE Europe

The following article regarding Europe and Africa bunker fuel availability has been provided by online marine fuel procurement platform ENGINE for post on Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times:

10 August 2022

  • Prompt HSFO remains tight in Gibraltar
  • ARA fuel oil, gasoil stocks increase
  • VLSFO, LSMGO supply normal in Durban

 

Northwest Europe

Supply of LSMGO is said to be normal in ARA ports this week, where several suppliers can offer prompt deliveries of the grade, sources say.

Prompt supply of VLSFO and HSFO can be hard to find in Rotterdam and other ARA ports this week, they say. The recommended lead time for LSMGO in Rotterdam is three days, while VLSFO and HSFO deliveries may require up to seven days, they say. Amsterdam and Antwerp have similar lead times for these grades.

Independently held fuel oil stocks in the ARA increased by 430,000 bbls to 7.52 million bbls last week, Insights Global data shows. The stocks have to their highest level in five weeks amid signs of higher non-Russian inflows.

Russia dropped down from the top of the list of the ARA’s biggest fuel oil sources in the first week of August, while inflows from other regions went up, according to data from cargo tracker Vortexa.

With most European Union countries preparing to phase out imports of Russian oil products within eight months after an embargo was approved in June, refineries and oil traders in northwest Europe eventually have to switch to non-Russian oil.

To replace Russian fuel oil imports, several buyers have looked to the UK, Colombia, Germany, Finland, Poland and Sweden for imports this month, according to Vortexa.

Gasoil inventories in the ARA added weight last week, increasing 130,000 bbls to 11.19 million bbls, according to Insights Global data.

HSFO can be tight for prompt delivery off Skaw, while suppliers are offering LSMGO for prompt deliveries, a source says.

Bunker supply is said to be normal in Hamburg, where some suppliers can offer prompt deliveries, a source says. Recommended lead times for VLSFO, HSFO and LSMGO are around five days, the source adds.

LSMGO availability is normal in Bremerhaven, while VLSFO and HSFO deliveries remain subject to enquiries.

 

Mediterranean

Bunkering at Las Palmas’ weather-exposed outer anchorage has resumed on Wednesday amid calmer weather conditions, according to port agent MH Bland. The port’s outer anchorage has been closed for bunker operations since 3 August amid strong winds and heavy swells. Swells have reduced to a moderate level of 1.1 metres on Wednesday from 1.4 metres on Tuesday, and 1.9 metres last week, MH Bland says.

Prompt bunker deliveries have been difficult to find in Las Palmas this week, and recommended lead times for all grades have gone up to seven days, a source says.

Bunker backlogs have been reduced in Gibraltar, with three vessels waiting to bunker at anchorage on Wednesday morning, down from nine last week, according to port agent MH Bland. One supplier experienced up to 36 hours of delays on Wednesday.

Supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to normal in Gibraltar, where some suppliers can offer delivery on prompt dates, sources say. HSFO availability is slightly tight in the region, they say.

Recommended lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries in Gibraltar are around 4-5 days, while HSFO may require longer lead times of around seven days, a source says.

Ceuta’s bunker backlog from earlier this week has been cleared. A supplier had faced temporary technical issues. The issue has been resolved, and the supplier is fully operational in Ceuta, shipping agent Jose Salama & Cia says. Two vessels were due to arrive for bunkers in Ceuta on Wednesday. Bunker availability is said to be normal in the port, and suppliers can offer prompt deliveries, a source says.

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to be normal in Algeciras, but prospects for HSFO delivery are subject to enquiries, a source says. Algeciras remained fully operational on Wednesday with slight congestion reported at its inner and outer anchorages, MH Bland says.

All ports in Malta and offshore bunkering areas are open for supply, with no backlogs reported, according to Seatrans Shipping agency. Seven vessels were scheduled to arrive for bunkers on Wednesday. There is good demand for VLSFO and LSMGO in ports and off Malta and suppliers have mostly filled up their delivery schedules for the week.

Supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is tight in Piraeus this week, where prompt deliveries can be difficult to find. Some suppliers are expecting replenishment next week, which could ease the supply pressure, a source says.

 

Africa

Bunkering resumed in Algoa Bay on Tuesday after being suspended on Monday amid harsh weather conditions, according to Rennies Ships Agency.

However, there are concerns about possible disruptions between Thursday and Monday due to forecast of strong winds and heavy swells in the region. Eight vessels are scheduled to arrive for bunkers in Algoa Bay and Port Elizabeth this week, Rennies says.

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to be normal in Algoa Bay and Durban, where suppliers can offer deliveries on prompt dates, a source says. Recommended lead times for the two grades are 5-7 days, the source adds.

 

Photo credit: ENGINE
Published: 11 August, 2022

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Winding up

Singapore: High Court to hear Norvic Shipping Asia winding up application on 31 July

Application for the winding up of Norvic Shipping Asia Pte Ltd was filed by Netherlands-registered Mur Shipping BV on 8 April, according to Government Gazette notice.
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July 22, 2026

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RESIZED singapore high court

An application for the winding up of Norvic Shipping Asia Pte Ltd was filed by Netherlands-registered Mur Shipping BV on 8 April, according to a Tuesday (21 July) notice on the Government Gazette.

It noted the winding up application is directed to be heard before the Judge sitting in the General Division of the High Court at 10am on 31 July.

Any creditor or contributory of the company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the winding up application may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose.

A copy of the winding up application will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the company requiring the copy of the winding up application by the solicitors of the applicant’s, Oon & Bazul LLC, on payment of the regulated charge for the same.

The Applicant’s address is Hiridostraat 5, Gebouw Prismatrium, 1101CW Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The Applicant’s solicitors are Oon & Bazul LLC of 103 Penang Rd, #04-04/05/06 Singapore 238467. 

Queries on the winding up application may be directed to the following email addresses: [email protected] and [email protected].

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 22 July, 2026

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Methanol

World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to “Arctic Tern” via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel “M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan”.
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July 22, 2026

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World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Marine fuel provider World Fuel on Tuesday (21 July) said it successfully completed the first green methanol bunkering of M/V Arctic Tern, with EUKOR Car Carriers and SIPG Energy at the Port of Shanghai. 

Arctic Tern is the first vessel in the new Shaper Class series of car carriers. 

The operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to Arctic Tern via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan, the largest vessel of its kind in operation. 

The bunkering operation was carried out at Haitong Terminal, Waigaoqiao Port Area, Shanghai Port, with cargo handling operations conducted simultaneously during bunkering.

This marks EUKOR Car Carriers’ first green methanol operation and the first time Arctic Tern has bunkered methanol since its delivery on 9 July. The operation marked the first bunkering at Shanghai Port of green methanol produced locally in Shanghai for an international PCTC operator. 

It also demonstrated the city’s integrated green methanol value chain, spanning local production, storage and bunkering, and established a replicable “Shanghai Model” for green methanol supply.

World Fuel arranged the supply and delivery of the fuel on behalf of EUKOR Car Carriers, working with SIPG Energy as the physical supplier at the Port of Shanghai.

The green methanol supplied was produced from municipal solid waste, ISCC-EU certified, and had a carbon intensity value below 25 gCO₂e/MJ.

Arctic Tern is the first of fourteen Shaper Class vessels ordered by Wallenius Wilhelmsen. With a capacity of 9,300 car equivalent units and methanol dual-fuel capability, the vessel will be operated by EUKOR Car Carriers, jointly owned by Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Hyundai Motor Group. Following her first green methanol bunkering, Arctic Tern will continue her maiden voyage from Asia to Europe.

Xavier Leroi, COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen and CEO of EUKOR Car Carriers, said: “Completing Arctic Tern’s first green methanol bunkering shortly after delivery is a significant milestone towards our decarbonisation ambition for both EUKOR Car Carriers and Wallenius Wilhelmsen. It demonstrates how investments in next-generation vessel technology and fuel flexibility are being translated into real-world operations. 

“This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between all parties involved. Together, we have shown how partnerships across the maritime value chain can help make lower-emission fuels available and operationally viable at scale.”

Mark Tamsitt, SVP Global Marine Sales at World Fuel, said, “The first bunkering event with a new fuel is a significant moment for any shipowner, and our role is to make it as seamless as possible. By connecting EUKOR Car Carriers with SIPG Energy’s proven green methanol capability at the Port of Shanghai, we were able to deliver on reliable supply, fuel quality, and safe processes. As more of our customers bring methanol dual-fuel tonnage into service, we are committed to being the partner that makes these kinds of operations routine.”

Mr. Zhang Da, General Manager of SIPG Energy, said, “Welcoming Arctic Tern to the Port of Shanghai for her first green methanol bunkering demonstrates the strength and maturity of our supply capability. Building on our well-established methanol ship-to-ship bunkering services for container vessels, we have already extended such services to pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). This bunkering sets a new record for the largest single SIMOPs green methanol bunkering for PCTCs in China, marking another step in building Shanghai’s position as a global green energy hub for international shipping.”

This operation follows Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s announcement on 9 July that Arctic Tern would complete her first methanol bunkering shortly after delivery. The vessel entered service on routes between Asia and Europe immediately following handover from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing.

 

Photo credit: World Fuel
Published: 22 July, 2026

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Ammonia

HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

HPA says the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.
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July 22, 2026

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HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and integrated energy company MB Energy on Tuesday (21 July) said they have completed a comprehensive risk analysis and developed a dedicated safety concept for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering.

MB Energy said the analysis lays the groundwork for the safe introduction of ammonia as a future marine fuel.

“With our planned ammonia import terminal in Hamburg-Blumensand, MB Energy intends to provide the reliable land side supply infrastructure needed to support this transition across northern German ports,” it said in a social media post. 

Mabanaft Group was renamed to MB Energy last year and merged over 50 existing brands under one identity. 

Separately, HPA said the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

“The focus is in particular on container ships, cruise ships as well as RoRo and ConRo (Container/RoRo) ships,” it said. 

“We expect ammonia to establish itself as an alternative marine marine fuel in the coming years. With our preparatory work, we are already creating the conditions to welcome the first ammonia-powered ships in Hamburg and to bunker them safely.:

HPA added that the import terminal for ammonia planned by MB Energy from 2029 will make a decisive contribution to ensuring the reliable availability of ammonia as a bunker fuel in northern German ports in the long term. 

“The use of an ammonia bunker barge is considered a possible addition to the landside infrastructure to enable ship bunkering in the port and beyond in the future,” it said.

Related: Mabanaft Group renames as MB Energy, merging over 50 brands under one identity

 

Photo credit: Hamburg Port Authority
Published: 22 July, 2026

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