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ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

VLSFO and HSFO supply remains tight in the ARA; fixing prompt HSFO stems difficult in Gibraltar; bunker supply normal across South African ports.

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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 May, 2023

  • VLSFO and HSFO supply remains tight in the ARA
  • Fixing prompt HSFO stems difficult in Gibraltar
  • Bunker supply normal across South African ports

 

Northwest Europe

Securing prompt deliveries of VLSFO and HSFO can be difficult in Rotterdam and in the wider ARA hub, partly because of product tightness at refineries, a source says. Lead times of 6-7 days are advised for good coverage from suppliers, the source adds.

Shell’s Pernis refinery near Rotterdam is undergoing a scheduled three-month maintenance, which is set to be completed by the end of this month.

Availability of LSMGO is said to be better than other grades in the ARA, with recommended lead times at a shorter 3-5 days, sources say.

Independently held gasoil stocks in the ARA averaged slightly higher in the first week of May than across April.

India became the ARA’s top gasoil import source in April. Gasoil imports from India accounted for 22% of the region’s total last month, up from 13% in March, according to cargo tracker Vortexa.

Other gasoil import sources for the ARA were Saudi Arabia (20%), Qatar (8%), Germany (7%) and Italy (6%).

Bunker fuels availability is said to be tight for prompt dates in Flushing, while VLSFO delivery is subject to enquiry in the UK’s Pembroke port.

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to be normal for prompt delivery off Skaw, a source says. But delivery prospects for HSFO are subject to enquiries, the source adds.

In Germany’s Hamburg, supply of VLSFO, HSFO and LSMGO is said to be normal. Lead times of around 5-6 days are recommended for all fuel grades, a source says.

VLSFO and HSFO deliveries are subject to enquiries in Bremerhaven.

 

Mediterranean

Supply of most bunker fuel grades is said to be normal in Gibraltar, but fixing prompt stems of HSFO can be slightly difficult there, sources say. One supplier in Gibraltar is fully booked for prompt dates.

Lead times of 3-5 days are advised for VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries in Gibraltar, while HSFO can require a longer period of 5-7 days.

Minimal congestion was reported in Gibraltar and Algeciras on Wednesday, according to MH Bland. Three suppliers in Algeciras were behind schedule on Wednesday morning.

Prompt supply of VLSFO is said to be normal in Algeciras and Ceuta, a source says.

Bunker operations were progressing normally in Ceuta on Wednesday, where three vessels were due to arrive for bunkers throughout the day, according to shipping agent Jose Salama & Co.

Some ports in the Gibraltar Strait are forecast to experience bad weather conditions this week, which could delay bunker deliveries.

HSFO is tight for prompt dates in Portugal’s Lisbon, a source says.

Bunkering has been suspended at Las Palmas’ outer anchorage since Monday due to rough weather conditions, according to port agent MH Bland. Strong winds and swells of 2.3 metres hit the port on Wednesday morning. The weather is forecast to remain bad until Saturday, which could cause more delays and disruptions. Meanwhile, bunker deliveries will remain available via ex-pipe at berth or by barge at the port’s inner anchorage, MH Bland says.

Strong winds are also forecast to hit the nearby port of Tenerife this week, which could complicate deliveries there.

Bunker fuel supply across all grades is said to be normal in Malta. Some suppliers can offer deliveries for prompt dates off Malta, a source says. However, offshore Malta is forecast to experience rough weather over the weekend, which could cause delays.

Availability of all bunker fuel grades is also normal in Greece’s Piraeus port, a source says.

 

Africa

Bunker fuels supply is said to be normal in Durban, Algoa Bay and other South African ports, sources say. But fixing prompt stems for VLSFO and LSMGO can be difficult in Durban and Algoa Bay, where lead times of up to seven days are recommended, a source says.

Bunkering is progressing normally in Algoa Bay, according to Rennies Ships Agency. Strong winds and high swells are forecast to hit the bay in periods between Thursday and Sunday, which could complicate deliveries. 15 vessels are due to arrive for bunkers in Port Elizabeth and Algoa Bay over the course of the rest of the week, Rennies says.

By Shilpa Sharma

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 11 May, 2023

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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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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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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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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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