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ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

VLSFO and HSFO availability tight in Singapore; several East Asian ports brace for possible weather-related disruptions; demand good in Fujairah.
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RESIZED ENGINE East of Suez

The following article regarding regional bunker fuel availability outlook for the East of Suez region has been provided by online marine fuels procurement platform ENGINE for publication on Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times:

  • VLSFO and HSFO availability tight in Singapore
  • Several East Asian ports brace for possible weather-related disruptions
  • Demand good in Fujairah

 

Singapore

Singapore has seen “average” bunker demand so far this week, a source says. Securing prompt VLSFO stems in Singapore can be difficult, with most suppliers recommending lead times of 8-10 days – almost unchanged from last week.

Lead times for HSFO have increased slightly from 6-8 days last week to 6-11 days now. LSMGO, on the other hand, is readily available for prompt delivery dates.

The Southeast Asian bunker hub’s residual fuel oil stocks have averaged 10% higher so far in August than across July, according to Enterprise Singapore. The port’s net fuel oil imports have fallen by 12% this August. Both imports and exports of fuel oil have declined this month. Singapore’s fuel oil imports have slumped by 11% so far this month, and its exports by 10%.

The port’s middle distillate stocks, on the other hand, have averaged 1% lower so far this month than in July.

 

East Asia and Oceania

A source says that some suppliers in Zhoushan have almost run out of VLSFO supply. However, the low demand for the grade has helped to mitigate the tightness in supply to some extent. Lead times of 3-5 days are recommended for the grade.

Availability of LSMGO and HSFO remains good in the Chinese bunkering hub, with shorter lead times of 2-4 days recommended. Bad weather is forecast in Zhoushan from 30 August onwards, which could disrupt bunker operations at the port, the source adds.

China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has issued typhoon alerts for the Chinese coastal provinces of Fujian and Guangdong due to Typhoon Saola. Typhoon Saola hit the northern Philippines on Sunday, resulting in heavy rainfall in the region. It is currently located 520 km northeast of the Philippine capital of Manila.

But Typhoon Saola’s path remains uncertain, as it is anticipated to interact with Tropical Storm Haikui.

Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau has also warned of heavy rains in Taiwan’s eastern and southern areas on Wednesday and Thursday as Typhoon Saola grazes past the island on its way to China’s southern coast.

Weather conditions are forecast to be rough in Hong Kong between 1-4 September, which could impact bunkering. Hong Kong’s weather agency is expected to issue a Typhoon Saola advisory later this week.

Availability of all grades in Hong Kong is under pressure due to high bunker demand and low stocks available with several suppliers, a source says. Lead times for all grades have almost doubled from last week’s seven days to around two weeks now.

Meanwhile, availability across all fuel grades has tightened in South Korean ports amid recovering bunker demand, a source says. Lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO vary widely between 5-15 days now – significantly up from the 5-9 days last week. Some suppliers have increased lead times for HSFO from last week’s 5-9 days, to longer lead times of 10-11 days.

A source says that Tropical Storm Haikui, which is located around 1,660 km east of North Luzon in the Philippines (according to the Philippine meteorological agency PAGASA), might disrupt port operations in the southern South Korean ports from 3 September.

Bad weather conditions are predicted to hit the South Korean ports of Ulsan, Onsan, Busan and Yeosu between 1-3 September, and Daesan and Taean on 3 September, which can disrupt bunkering further.

Japan’s national broadcast agency NHK World-Japan warns about rough weather around the islands of Okinawa due to Typhoon Saola and Tropical Storm Haikui. It also noticed another Tropical Storm Damrey moving north off the coast of the Tohoku region. However, it is expected to change course and move away from the region.

Adverse weather conditions are forecast in the following ports:

  • Subic Bay, Philippines: 30 August-2 September
  • Koh Sichang and Leam Chabang, Thailand: 2-5 September
  • Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam: 29 August-5 September
  • Tauranga New Zealand: 2-3 September

Rough weather conditions could impact bunker operations at these ports.

 

South Asia

VLSFO and LSMGO grades can be delivered with around 2-3 days of lead time in Kandla on the northwest coast of India and in the country’s southern ports of Cochin and Chennai.

However, both grades remain very tight in the Indian ports of Mumbai and Visakhapatnam, with delivery dates being subject to availability, a source says. On the other hand, bunker deliveries remain subject to enquiry Tuticorin on the southeast coast, and Haldia on the east coast.

A supplier in Paradip on the east coast of India has almost run out of VLSFO and LSMGO stocks, the source adds.

Rough weather is forecast in the Indian port of Cochin on 9 September, which could affect bunker operations there.

Bad weather conditions are predicted in the Sri Lankan port of Colombo on 30 August, as well as between 2-5 September and 7-10 September, which may disrupt bunker deliveries at the port.

 

Middle East

A source says prompt availability of all bunker fuel grades remains “super tight” amid good demand in Fujairah. Most suppliers are recommending lead times of 5-7 days across all grades in the Middle Eastern bunkering hub – almost unchanged from last week. However, some suppliers can offer prompt dates depending on stem size.

All grades remain in ample supply in the other UAE port of Khor Fakkan, with unchanged lead times of 5-7 days.

LSMGO remains readily available in the Omani ports of Duqm, Sohar, Salalah and Muscat, with prompt dates possible.

By Tuhin Roy

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 30 August, 2023

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Mass Flowmeter

Hong Kong backs MFM adoption with voluntary scheme to boost bunkering competitiveness

Hong Kong’s Marine Department launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems on their bunker vessels.
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June 4, 2026

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RESIZED EH dual mfm setup

Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) on Wednesday (3 June) launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems (MFM systems) on their bunker vessels.

MD said the scheme aims to enhance Hong Kong’s bunkering service quality and the competitiveness of Hong Kong ports, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre and a major bunkering port.

Under the Scheme, bunker operators of traditional maritime fuel and biodiesel that install and use MFM systems on their bunker vessels, with the MFM systems inspected and certified by an accredited body in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 22192 Standard or equivalent requirements, can apply to the MD for inclusion in the scheme’s “List of Quality Bunker Vessels”, provided they meet the relevant technical and operational requirements. 

Details of the bunker vessels successfully included in the List will be published on a dedicated page on the MD’s website for reference by shipping companies and relevant stakeholders.

Participation in the Scheme is voluntary. In addition to receiving recognition from the MD, participating bunker operators will benefit from enhanced corporate image and competitiveness through the adoption of MFM systems, thereby boosting customers’ confidence and helping to create new business opportunities.

 A spokesman for the MD, said: “As an international maritime centre supported by our country, Hong Kong has a strategic location adjacent to major international fairways. Coupled with years of development in marine fuel bunkering, Hong Kong possesses rich experience and talent in the field. For many years, Hong Kong has consistently ranked as the seventh-largest bunkering port globally, the second-largest in our country, and the largest in the Greater Bay Area, providing reliable and competitive fuel bunkering services to ocean-going vessels from around the world. 

“As the international shipping industry has an increasing demand for accuracy and transparency in bunkering services, service quality and measurement precision in bunkering operations have become important indicators of a bunkering port’s competitiveness. The Scheme will enhance bunkering accuracy and transparency, further enhancing the quality of Hong Kong’s bunkering services.

The spokesman added that comprehensive port services are one of Hong Kong’s key advantages as an international maritime centre.

“We will also mandate the use of MFM systems on all methanol bunker vessels this year to ensure that Hong Kong continues to provide high-quality bunkering services in the era of green maritime fuels.” 

Note: The application form for the Scheme can be found on the MD’s website. Interested bunker operators can download the application form from the website or contact the MD’s Green Maritime Fuel Team via email ([email protected]) for details.

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Alternative Fuels

MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency.
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MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (3 June) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company to strengthen collaboration in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, innovation, and manpower development. 

The MoU was signed on 25 May 2026 by Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, and Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC.

The MoU underscores the shared commitment of MPA and MSC to foster a sustainable, digital, and future-ready maritime sector, while enhancing MSC’s operational and business activities in Singapore. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of MSC establishing its Asia Regional Office and local office in Singapore.

Under the MoU, MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency and operational performance.

MPA and MSC will also collaborate on maritime digitalisation initiatives to improve operational efficiency, including streamlining vessel arrivals and port operations. 

On manpower development, MSC will support internship and scholarship opportunities through Singapore Maritime Foundation’s Maritime Outreach Network (MaritimeONE) platform, an industry-led tripartite partnership comprising industry, government and institutes of higher learning that aims to raise awareness of the maritime industry and attract quality talent into the maritime sector.

Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “This partnership reflects the strong collaboration between MPA and MSC in driving sustainability and digitalisation in the maritime sector. By working together on decarbonisation, operational efficiency and talent development, we aim to strengthen Maritime Singapore’s position as a trusted and future-ready global maritime hub.”

Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC, said: “Singapore is a strategically important hub for MSC and a key gateway to the broader Asia region. As we mark 30 years in Singapore, this MOU reinforces our long-term commitment to strengthening our presence here. MSC and Singapore are closely aligned on the priorities shaping the future of global shipping, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to drive the continued growth and resilience of the maritime industry.”

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Emissions reporting

StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

Cooperation combines StormGeo’s expertise in operational vessel and emissions data with OceanScore’s expertise in emissions compliance workflows across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and UK ETS requirements.
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StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

Weather intelligence and decision support solutions provider StormGeo and Hamburg-based technology platform OceanScore on Wednesday (3 June) said they have deepened their ongoing cooperation through the signing of a collaboration agreement during Posidonia 2026 in Athens on 2 June.

The cooperation combines StormGeo’s expertise in operational vessel and emissions data with OceanScore’s expertise in emissions compliance workflows across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and upcoming UK ETS requirements.

Together, the companies aim to help shipping companies seamlessly navigate increasing regulatory complexity more efficiently — from emissions reporting and data validation to compliance exposure management, pooling and financial settlement.

As emissions regulation becomes an increasingly important part of commercial shipping operations, the need for reliable operational data and streamlined compliance processes continues to grow. The cooperation between StormGeo and OceanScore is designed to support shipping companies with more connected, transparent and actionable processes across operational and commercial teams.

“From the outside, companies like StormGeo and OceanScore may sometimes be perceived as competitors because both operate around emissions and compliance workflows,” said Albrecht Grell, Managing Director at OceanScore. 

“But in reality, the industry increasingly needs both perspectives working together: trusted operational emissions data on one side and commercial compliance execution on the other. Our cooperation reflects that shipping companies are no longer looking for isolated solutions — they need connected processes, automated across different systems and reliable decision-making throughout the full compliance chain.”

By connecting validated operational emissions data with commercial compliance management, the cooperation supports workflows across:

  • emissions reporting and validation 
  • compliance management across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and upcoming UK ETS requirements
  • exposure visibility and cost transparency
  • pooling, settlement and financial processes 

The cooperation also aims to improve commercial transparency and coordination across operational and commercial stakeholders.

“StormGeo plays a central role in helping shipping companies turn operational vessel and emissions data into trusted, decision-ready insights,” said Espen Martinsen, Chief Commercial Officer at StormGeo. 

“As emissions regulations become more complex, this data is essential for transparent and efficient compliance management. By working with OceanScore, we can help customers connect StormGeo’s validated operational data with commercial compliance processes, creating a more integrated and practical approach to emissions management.”

The signing ceremony took place at the StormGeo booth during Posidonia 2026 in Athens and was attended by representatives from both companies.

Both companies expect the cooperation to continue evolving alongside upcoming regulatory developments, including FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS, the upcoming UK ETS and future emissions-related frameworks affecting global shipping.

 

Photo credit: StormGeo
Published: 4 June, 2026

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