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ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (23 Jan 2024)

VLSFO and HSFO supply remains tight in Singapore; VLSFO availability improves in Zhoushan; bunker demand dips in Fujairah.

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ENGINE East of Suez 1

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 supply remains tight in Singapore
  • VLSFO availability improves in Zhoushan
  • Bunker demand dips in Fujairah

Singapore

VLSFO availability remains very tight in Singapore despite average demand so far this week. At least seven suppliers are struggling to meet delivery schedules, adding to supply pressure there. Lead times of up to two weeks are recommended for the grade.

Similarly, HSFO availability has tightened, with lead times approaching two weeks now.

LSMGO remains readily available in Singapore, with short lead times of 3-5 days.

Singapore’s residual fuel oil stocks have averaged 9% higher so far in January than across December, according to Enterprise Singapore. The port’s net fuel oil imports have climbed by 73% this month, with both imports and exports witnessing an uptick. Fuel oil imports have risen by 3.42 million bbls, outpacing fuel oil exports by 644,000 bbls, which has contributed to the stock build.

In contrast, middle distillate stocks in the port have seen a decline, averaging 15% lower this month.

China and East Asia

In Zhoushan, VLSFO availability has improved significantly. Lead times for the grade have come down from last week’s seven days, to just 3-5 days now. However, adverse weather conditions have disrupted bunkering in Zhoushan since Saturday. Bunkering is expected to resume fully on Thursday, when calmer weather conditions are forecast.

VLSFO and LSMGO supply tightness persists in Dalian. Availability is tight at nearby Tianjin, where deliveries are subject to enquiry. Qingdao is experiencing tight prompt availability for VLSFO and LSMGO, with HSFO deliveries subject to firm inquiry.

Southern Chinese ports of Shanghai, Xiamen and Guangzhou are grappling with tight availability for VLSFO and LSMGO, while Shanghai faces constraints in HSFO supply. Both grades are subject to enquiry in Fuzhou, while supply is relatively better in Yangpu.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong contends with supply shortages amid high bunker demand, pushing lead times to nearly two weeks. Port Klang in Malaysia has tight VLSFO and LSMGO availability, with recommended lead times of around 13 days, while some suppliers are almost out of HSFO stocks.

South Korean ports are facing product supply shortages despite sluggish demand. Several suppliers are recommending lead times of 6-9 days for all grades – virtually unchanged from last week. Additionally, bunker operations in several South Korean ports, including Ulsan, Onsan, Busan, Daesan, Taean, and Yeosu, may face intermittent disruptions for the remaining days of this week due to anticipated high winds and waves, potentially impacting bunkering.

In Japan, varying lead times are advised across key ports. Suppliers in Tokyo, Chiba, Osaka and Kobe recommend approximately nine days of lead times, and longer lead times of 11 days in Oita. Some suppliers are still offering stems for delivery dates this month, but these are typically priced higher. Harsh winter conditions have prompted Japanese refineries to redirect their supply towards heating demand, resulting in reduced availability for bunkers. Nagoya, Yokkaichi, and Mizushima report tight availability across all grades.

Subic Bay in the Philippines anticipates difficult bunkering conditions between 24-29 January. Similarly, the Thai ports of Koh Sichang and Leam Chabang expect adverse weather on 24-25 January, potentially impacting bunker operations in these regions.

South Asia

Located on India’s northwest coast, Kandla currently has ample availability of VLSFO and LSMGO. On the other hand, several other Indian ports, including Mumbai, Cochin and Chennai, are contending with supply tightness for both grades.

Some suppliers in Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Haldia have nearly exhausted their VLSFO and LSMGO stocks, a source says.

Middle East

The ongoing attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea have led shipping companies to divert vessels around Africa instead of using the shorter Suez Canal route. The shift in shipping routes to some extent has affected bunker demand in Fujairah.

Demand has declined in Fujairah this week, after a period of strong demand in previous weeks. Prompt availability is tight for all grades in the port. Lead times of 7-10 days are recommended for all grades, unchanged from the previous week. The UAE port of Khor Fakkan presents a similar supply scenario with lead times of 7-10 days across all grades.

Omani ports including Sohar, Salalah, Duqm and Muscat have prompt supply of LSMGO.

By Tuhin Roy

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 23 January, 2024

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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