Business

ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Prompt LSMGO supply tight in ARA; VLSFO “super tight” in Ceuta; barge availability improves off Skaw.

Published

3 years ago

June 8, 2023

Admin

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:

7 June, 2023

Prompt LSMGO supply tight in ARA
VLSFO “super tight” in Ceuta
Barge availability improves off Skaw

Northwest Europe

Overall demand has been slow in ARA ports so far this week. Securing LSMGO for very prompt dates (0-2 days) can be difficult, with lead times of at least five days recommended to ensure full coverage from suppliers.

Some argue that LSMGO supply is normal with prompt supply dates available. Recommended lead times for VLSFO and HSFO are about 4-7 days.

The ARA’s independent gasoil inventories – which include diesel and heating oil – averaged 2% higher in May than across April. Gasoil inventories averaged 17.95 million bbls in May, a massive 54% increase from stock levels a year ago.

The stock build has largely been supported by higher gasoil and diesel imports from Middle Eastern and Asian countries. Saudi Arabia and India have been the ARA’s biggest gasoil and diesel import sources since the EU ban on Russian imports began on 5 February, according to cargo tracker Vortexa data.

Barge availability has improved off Skaw after being tight last week. Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to be normal for delivery off Skaw, a source says. HSFO supply is comparatively tighter there. Recommended lead times for all grades range between 7-10 days.

Bunker fuel availability is normal in the German ports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven, with recommended lead times of five days.

Mediterranean

All grades remain in normal availability in Gibraltar and Algeciras. Lead times of at least five days are generally recommended. Some can supply with a shorter lead time, but these deliveries depend on suppliers’ schedules.

VLSFO supply is “super tight” in Ceuta, where a supplier is running low on stock and can only supply on delivery dates after 15 June, a source says. This has added pressure on another supplier’s stocks. LSMGO supply is comparatively better in Ceuta.

Minimal congestion was reported in Gibraltar, Algeciras and Ceuta on Wednesday, according to port agent MH Bland. Two suppliers in Gibraltar and three in Algeciras were behind schedule.

Availability is normal in Portuguese ports of Lisbon and Sines, a supplier says. Lead times of up to seven days are recommended for VLSFO and LSMGO supply.

Bunker fuel supply across all grades is said to be normal in Malta. Some suppliers can offer deliveries for prompt dates off Malta, but these deliveries are subject to firm enquiries, a source says.

Strike action on Tuesday had little to no impact on bunker operations in the French ports of Le Havre and Donges, a trader says. LSMGO and VLSFO availability is said to be normal in both ports.

Meanwhile, workers in the northern French port of Nantes are set to continue striking until Thursday, according to GAC Hot Port News. These strikes are being carried out in shifts, thereby limiting the impact on port operations.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in the Greek port of Piraeus.

Africa

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in the South African ports of Durban and Cape Town, and at the Algoa Bay anchorage by Port Elizabeth, where lead times of up to seven days are recommended, a source says.

Bunkering was progressing normally in Algoa Bay on Wednesday, according to Rennies Ships Agency. But strong winds and high swells are forecast to hit the bay on Friday, which could delay bunker operations.

HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO availability is good in Mozambique’s Nacala port. Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal for prompt delivery in Maputo.

By Nithin Chandran

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 8 June, 2023

Winding up

Singapore: Notice of intended dividend issued for Xihe Holdings’ subsidiaries

Creditors will need to produce proofs of debt to liquidators of Da Xin Tankers and Nan Chiau Maritime by 5 August, according to Government Gazette notice.

Published

10 hours ago

July 23, 2026

Admin

Two notices to declare the intended dividend of Xihe Holdings’ subsidiaries to their creditors have been posted on the Government Gazette on Wednesday (22 July).

The subsidiaries are Da Xin Tankers Pte Ltd and Nan Chiau Maritime Pte Ltd.

The following are the details of the notices of intended dividend:

Name of Company : Da Xin Tankers (Pte) Ltd (In Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation)
Unique Entity No. / Registration No. : 198400895W
Address of Registered Office : c/o Grant Thornton Singapore Private Limited, 8 Marina View, #40-04/05 Asia Square Tower 1, Singapore 018960
Last Day for Receiving Proofs : 5 August 2026 at 5:00 pm by email to [email protected]
Name of Liquidators : Paresh Tribhovan Jotangia and Ho May Kee
Address : c/o Grant Thornton Singapore Private Limited, 8 Marina View, #40-04/05 Asia Square Tower 1, Singapore 018960

Name of Company : Nan Chiau Maritime (Pte.) Ltd. (In Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation)
Unique Entity No. / Registration No.: 200814296Z
Address of Registered Office : c/o Grant Thornton Singapore Private Limited, 8 Marina View, #40-04/05 Asia Square Tower 1, Singapore 018960
Last Day for Receiving Proofs : 5 August 2026 at 5:00 pm by email to [email protected]
Name of Liquidators : Paresh Tribhovan Jotangia and Ho May Kee
Address : c/o Grant Thornton Singapore Private Limited, 8 Marina View, #40-04/05 Asia Square Tower 1, Singapore 018960

Photo credit: steve pb from Pixabay
Published: 23 July, 2026

Biofuel

South Korea: S-Oil launches B30-VLSFO bio bunker fuel supply

Company says it has established an integrated operating system in the Ulsan region covering the entire value chain, from feedstock procurement and blending to supply.

Published

10 hours ago

July 23, 2026

Admin

South Korea: S-Oil launches B30-VLSFO bio bunker fuel supply

South Korean petroleum and refining company S-Oil on Wednesday (22 July) said it has started supplying B30 very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), as the company seeks to support shipping’s decarbonisation efforts and growing demand for lower-carbon bunker fuels.

The company said its B30 VLSFO contains 30% sustainable biofuel blended with conventional VLSFO and can be used without requiring modifications to existing vessels, enabling shipowners to comply more readily with emissions regulations from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union (EU).

S-Oil said it has established an integrated operating system in the Ulsan region covering the entire value chain, from feedstock procurement and blending to supply. The system combines VLSFO produced at its Onsan refinery with biofuel production facilities and storage infrastructure in the Ulsan region, allowing the entire process to be carried out within a single logistics hub.

According to the company, the integrated supply chain reduces transportation requirements during production while improving supply efficiency and reliability.

S-Oil also highlighted Ulsan Port as a strategic location for marine biofuel supply, noting the port has strong demand for bio-bunker fuels, particularly from car carriers, enabling prompt and stable deliveries to key customers.

An S-Oil official stated: “In the bio-marine fuel market, not only product quality but also securing a stable supply of raw materials and an efficient supply system are important competitive advantages.

“Based on our existing bunkering business capabilities and the excellent supply infrastructure in the Onsan area, we plan to supply stable and competitive low-carbon fuel.”

Photo credit: S-Oil
Published: 23 July, 2026

Decarbonisation

Yang Ming and PSA to develop integrated sea-land decarbonisation solutions

Both will explore solutions spanning emissions measurement and verification, a digital Book-and-Claim framework, and a joint maritime-land inset token package.

Published

10 hours ago

July 23, 2026

Admin

Yang Ming and PSA to develop integrated sea-land decarbonisation solutions

PSA International (PSA) on Monday (20 July) said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation (Yang Ming) to jointly accelerate the adoption of low-carbon solutions across the maritime value chain.

Beyond emissions measurement and verification, the collaboration will focus on a digital Book-and-Claim framework and a joint maritime-land based inset token package.

“This synergy provides cargo stakeholders with a transparent and accountable sea-land pathway to achieve their decarbonisation targets,” PSA said on its website.

Yang Ming launched the green transport service, EcoSea+. This initiative integrates Yang Ming’s low-carbon navigation capabilities to empower customers with a flexible and transparent strategy to effectively reduce their Scope 3 transportation emissions. By joining forces with PSA, Yang Ming is able to expand the impact of these sustainability actions beyond the ocean.

Building on its position as a global port operator, PSA advances its Node to Network strategy through integrated port and supply chain capabilities that enable a green network of terminal and landside operations to reduce end-to-end supply chain emissions.

The agreement was officially signed by Mr Ivan Chiang, Chief Logistics Officer & Senior Vice President of Yang Ming, and Mr Eddy Ng, Group Head of Operations, Technology and Sustainability of PSA International.

Mr Ong Kim Pong, PSA International Group CEO, said, “As responsible stewards of tomorrow, PSA is committed to delivering sustainable impact across the global port and supply chain ecosystem.

“Tackling the challenges arising from climate change will require the collective efforts of all players in the maritime supply chain sector. We are excited to partner Yang Ming on the decarbonisation of global supply chains and support the transition towards a more sustainable global economy.”

Photo credit: PSA International
Published: 23 July, 2026