ENGINE: Americas Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook
- Published
by Admin
The following article regarding bunker fuel availability in the Americas region has been provided by online marine fuel procurement platform ENGINE for post on Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times:
13 April 2023
- Prompt VLSFO and LSMGO available in major US ports
- Demand improves in West Coast ports
- Still muted demand in New York
North America
Demand has improved in Houston in the past week. VLSFO and LSMGO grades are generally in good supply with suppliers in the Houston area. Most suppliers are able to deliver stems within 2-3 days of lead time, as well as for dates further out. While HSFO generally requires around 5-6 days of lead time.
Securing prompt LSMGO and VLSFO stems in Bolivar Roads and Beaumont is possible now. Suppliers are able to deliver stems within 3-4 days of lead time. One supplier can deliver HSFO stems in Beaumont with four days of lead time.
Suppliers in Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) can accommodate prompt stems within 3-4 days of lead time amid calmer weather. But a period of strong winds between Sunday and Monday could disrupt bunkering in GOLA again.
VLSFO and LSMGO availability is said to be normal at the New Orleans Outer Anchorage (NOLA). Stronger demand has been seen for dates after 20 April, and most suppliers are able to offer stems for their enquired dates.
Demand has been slightly better in the West Coast port of Los Angeles in the past week. Some suppliers are able to deliver LSMGO and VLSFO stems within a lead time of seven days, however suppliers have cautioned buyers about tightening availability in the coming days.
Similarly, demand has picked up in Vancouver further up the North American west coast. And some suppliers are able to deliver LSMGO with a lead time of 5-7 days.
VLSFO and LSMGO grades are available for prompt delivery dates in New York, but demand remains low in the port.
Caribbean and Latin America
Prompt availability of HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO is normal in Panama’s Balboa and Cristobal. Some suppliers are able to offer stems within 4-7 days of lead time. Demand has also improved in Panama compared to the previous week.
Slow demand continues in Jamaica’s Kingston and the Bahamas’ Freeport. Similarly, demand for all fuel grades have been low off Trinidad in the past week. Most suppliers are able to offer stems immediately.
Prompt VLSFO and LSMGO availability looks good in Brazil’s Rio Grande and Rio de Janeiro, a source says.
Demand has slowed down again in Argentina’s Zona Comun. VLSFO and LSMGO have been available for prompt dates at the anchorage. A supplier is able to offer the stems with a lead time of 3-5 days. Brief spells of strong winds are forecast to hit Zona Comun from Monday onwards.
By Debarati Bhattacharjee
Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 14 April, 2023
