Connect with us

Bunker Fuel

ENGINE: Americas Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (19 Oct 2023)

Prompt supply tight in West Coast ports; bad weather continues to disrupt Zona Comun bunkering; prompt HSFO tight in New York.

Admin

Published

on

post 56182

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:

  • Prompt supply tight in West Coast ports
  • Bad weather continues to disrupt Zona Comun bunkering
  • Prompt HSFO tight in New York

North America

Demand for all fuel grades has improved in Houston this week. VLSFO and LSMGO grades are generally in good supply with suppliers in the Houston area. Most suppliers are able to deliver stems with 2-3 days of lead time, as well as on dates further out. HSFO needs a longer lead time of 6-7 days with most suppliers.

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is tight for prompt dates in Bolivar Roads. Deliveries are subject to weather conditions and anchorage schedules, a source says. One supplier is able to deliver LSMGO stems in the area with a lead time of six days.

Bad weather has triggered intermittent bunker suspensions in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA). As a result, it can be hard to fix VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries for prompt dates in GOLA. One supplier is hesitant to supply prompt stems as it works to clear previous weather backlogs, a source says.

However, the weather has been calmer in GOLA in recent days and one supplier is able to offer LSMGO stems within three days of lead time. HSFO stems can be secured with another supplier with nine days of lead time.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is said to be normal at the New Orleans Outer Anchorage (NOLA). One supplier can deliver both fuel grades with a lead time of 2-3 days.

In the West Coast ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, demand has been normal. A lead time of more than seven days is generally recommended for VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries. One supplier is only able to offer VLSFO and LSMGO stems in Los Angeles with a lead time of at least nine days. HSFO can be more difficult to secure because fewer suppliers offer the grade.

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO in San Francisco is very limited at the moment. One supplier is only able to deliver after 28 October, while another supplier requires a lead time of 10-11 days for delivery. The supply shortage is largely due to product loading delays and congestion at oil terminals, according to a source.

Demand has been slightly better in the East Coast port of New York. Suppliers are able to deliver LSMGO and VLSFO stems within 3-4 days of lead time. Securing HSFO stems can require a longer lead time, which is typical because fewer suppliers offer the grade there.

Caribbean and Latin America

Prompt availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal in Panama’s Balboa and Cristobal. Several suppliers are able to offer stems within a range of 3-7 days of lead time. Securing HSFO stems for prompt dates can be possible with some suppliers, but a lead time of 7-9 days is generally recommended.

Prompt availability of VLSFO and LSMGO remains normal off Trinidad and in Jamaica’s Kingston.

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is good for very prompt dates in the Bahamas’ Freeport. A supplier can offer stems with a lead time of just 1-2 days.

Prompt VLSFO and LSMGO supply remains tight in Argentina’s Zona Comun. Strong wind gusts ranging between 26-34 knots are forecast to hit Zona Comun from this evening onwards, which could cause prolonged delays and disruptions, a source says. Rough weather conditions are forecast to persist throughout next week.

Several Brazilian ports have good bunker fuel availability. One supplier can supply VLSFO and LSMGO in Itaqui the next day, and with four days of lead time in Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande. The same supplier can deliver both fuel grades within two days in Salvador.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 20 October, 2023

Continue Reading

Mass Flowmeter

MFM-equipped CPN barge first listed under Hong Kong quality bunker scheme

Chimbusco Pan Nation’s bunker barge “Zhong Ran 23” has become the first vessel in Hong Kong listed on Marine Department’s official List of Quality Bunker Vessels, under a newly-launched scheme.

Admin

Published

on

By

MFM-equipped CPN barge first listed under Hong Kong quality bunker scheme

Hong Kong-based marine fuel supplier Chimbusco Pan Nation (CPN) on Tuesday (16 June) announced that its bunker barge Zhong Ran 23 has become the first vessel in Hong Kong listed on the Marine Department’s official List of Quality Bunker Vessels.

The list under the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme launched on 3 June.

“The Scheme is a voluntary initiative designed to raise the standard of bunkering accuracy, transparency, and service quality in Hong Kong,” CPN said in a social media post.

“To be listed, a bunker vessel must have its Mass Flow Meter (MFM) system independently certified under ISO 22192, the international benchmark for mass flow metering in bunkering operations.”

CPN added it has operated the MFM system across our fleet of fuel oil barges since 2015. 

Manifold Times previously reported Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) launching 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. 

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

 

Photo credit: Chimbusco Pan Nation
Published: 17 June, 2026

Continue Reading

Financial Result

Bunker Holding exceeds FY2025/26 forecast despite geopolitical headwinds

Bunker Holding delivered a gross profit of USD 424 million and a profit before tax of USD 73 million, exceeding the Group’s expectations for the year.

Admin

Published

on

By

RESIZED bunker holding

Bunker Holding on Tuesday (16 June) said it delivered a strong performance in the financial year 2025/2026 despite continued uncertainty across global markets. 

The year was shaped by geopolitical developments, evolving trade flows, periods of heightened market volatility, and strong competition.

These conditions were further amplified by developments in the Middle East, which added complexity across global energy markets and shipping routes. 

In response, Bunker Holding focused on getting closer to customers and understanding the different challenges faced across shipping segments. This enabled faster decision-making, greater agility under pressure, and allowed the Group to respond effectively while continuing to support customers reliably.

Against this backdrop, Bunker Holding delivered a gross profit of USD 424 million and a profit before tax of USD 73 million, exceeding the Group’s expectations for the year. Equity increased to USD 342 million.

Revenue amounted to USD 13.1 billion, a decrease of 4% compared to the previous year. The decline primarily reflected lower average oil prices during the financial year, despite periods of heightened market volatility and stronger pricing towards the end of the period.

“This year, we have taken important steps to strengthen Bunker Holding for the future. We have simplified parts of the organisation, brought teams closer together, and made the changes needed to make us more focused and efficient. Our markets remained challenging and unpredictable, but I am pleased with both the result we have delivered and the progress we have made,” said Peder Møller, CEO of Bunker Holding.        

Looking ahead to 2026/27, Bunker Holding anticipates intense market competition alongside continued investments in low- and zero-carbon fuel projects and partnerships.

Changes to the Board of Directors

Bunker Holding said the company is strengthening its Board of Directors with the appointment of several new members and a new Chairman of the Board.

Nina Østergaard, CEO and co-owner of USTC, will assume the role of Chairman of the Board, while Henrik Andersen, Group President and CEO of Vestas Wind Systems A/S, will join as Vice Chairman. Tina Revsbech, CEO of Maersk Tankers, and Kenneth Steengaard, Chairman of the Board of Global Risk Management, will join the Board as new members.

At the same time, current Chairman Klaus Nyborg and Board member Peter Frederiksen will step down from the Board.

Nina Østergaard, incoming Chairman of the Board, said: “I am excited to take on the role as Chairman of Bunker Holding at an important time in the company’s development. Bunker Holding has a strong market position, a clear strategic direction, and significant opportunities ahead. I am also pleased to welcome Henrik Andersen, Tina Revsbech, and Kenneth Steengaard to the Board. They each bring valuable experience and perspectives, and I am particularly pleased that we have attracted such strong international profiles as Henrik and Tina, whose leadership experience from Vestas and Maersk Tankers will further strengthen the Board and support the company’s continued development.”

The addition of Kenneth Steengaard moves Bunker Holding closer to its sister-company Global Risk Management and adds important insight into risk management.

Bunker Holding founder and co-owner Torben Østergaard-Nielsen thanked the departing Board members for their contributions to the company.

 

Photo credit: Bunker Holding
Published: 17 June, 2026

Continue Reading

Alternative Fuels

Wah Kwong subsidiary appoints Nordic Green Biotrading as European distributor

Nordic Green will have the exclusive right to market, promote, and distribute Venture Energy’s supply of RED Advanced bio-methanol and RFNBO-methanol across the EEA, UK, and Switzerland.

Admin

Published

on

By

Wah Kwong subsidiary appoints Nordic Green Biotrading as European distributor

Venture Energy, a sustainable fuels supplier headquartered in Hong Kong, recently announced the signing of a Distribution Agreement with Nordic Green Biotrading ApS (Nordic Green), appointing the Danish company as its exclusive distributor of renewable methanol across the EEA, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

The move marked a key step in expanding Venture Energy’s next-generation marine fuels platform into the European market.

Venture Energy is a subsidiary of Hong Kong shipowner Wah Kwong Maritime Transport, focusing on the procurement and trading of clean fuels.

Under the agreement, Nordic Green will have the exclusive right to market, promote, and distribute Venture Energy’s supply of RED Advanced bio-methanol (bio-methanol) and RFNBO-methanol (e-methanol) throughout the Territory.

“We are delighted to formalise our longstanding collaboration with Nordic Green as our strategic distribution partner in Europe, extending the breadth and quality of our downstream coverage for our supplier network and developing the profile of high-quality renewable methanol producers in the European market.” said Gregor McMillan, Executive Director of Venture Energy.

Deepak Devendrappa, General Manager of Venture Energy, said: “Nordic Green’s track record in local distribution, deep market knowledge, and strong customer relationships across the region’s core bio-blending and chemical sectors make them the ideal partner to bring our ISCC-certified renewable methanol to our customers in the territory. 

“This agreement is another step in the road for Venture Energy as we act on Wah Kwong’s commitment to supporting the energy transition with reliable, sustainable fuel solutions.”

The distribution agreement covers sales within the dutiable area of the EEA, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. Venture Energy will continue to market directly into the marine bunkering segment.

Bo Gleerup, representing Nordic Green, added: “This exclusive partnership represents a significant milestone for Nordic Green. Being able to sell Venture Energy’s high-quality, certified, renewable methanol volumes from a range of bio-methanol and e-methanol producers, complement our existing supply network for European road-fuel and chemical producers. This fresh focus allows us to offer some of the most competitive products coming into the market today. We look forward to working closely

with our colleagues at Venture Energy to develop this collaboration and deliver value to our shared customers across the territory.”

Related: Wah Kwong launches clean fuels procurement and trading subsidiary Venture Energy
Related: Wah Kwong clean fuels trading subsidiary and Shenji Energy ink green methanol supply deal

 

Photo credit: Venture Energy
Published: 17 June, 2026

Continue Reading

Trending