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ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (30 July 2024)

LSMGO availability improves in Singapore; VLSFO and LSMGO supply is good in Chinese and Oceanic ports; prompt supply is tight 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:

  • LSMGO availability improves in Singapore
  • VLSFO and LSMGO supply is good in Chinese and Oceanic ports
  • Prompt supply is tight in Fujairah

Singapore and Malaysia

In Singapore, the availability of VLSFO has tightened due to several suppliers running low on stocks and limited barge availability. Most suppliers now recommend lead times of 12-22 days for VLSFO, up from 12-18 days last week.

HSFO availability also remains tight for both prompt and non-prompt delivery dates, with recommended lead times of 12-16 days, almost the same as last week. In contrast, the availability of LSMGO has improved, with lead times dropping from 2-12 days last week to 2-5 days now.

According to the latest data from Enterprise Singapore, the country’s residual fuel oil stocks have averaged 3% lower so far in July than compared to June. The port’s fuel oil stocks have dropped below 20 million bbls despite a significant 27% increase in Singapore’s net fuel oil imports this month. Both fuel oil imports and exports have risen in July, with imports increasing by 876,000 bbls and exports by 22,000 bbls.

Unlike fuel oil, the port’s middle distillate stocks have surged, averaging 11% higher so far this month.

In Malaysia’s Port Klang, VLSFO and LSMGO grades are plentiful, with some suppliers providing prompt deliveries for smaller quantities. However, the supply of HSFO is largely limited.

East Asia

Availability of all grades remains good in Zhoushan, with several suppliers recommending lead times of 5-7 days.

In Northern China, VLSFO and LSMGO grades are readily available in Dalian, Qingdao, and Tianjin. However, HSFO supply is limited in Qingdao and Tianjin. Shanghai also has a good supply of VLSFO and LSMGO, but HSFO availability is scarce. In Fuzhou and Xiamen, VLSFO and LSMGO grades are easily accessible, while prompt availability is restricted in Guangzhou and Yangpu.

In Taiwanese ports, VLSFO and LSMGO availability remain strong. A major supplier in Keelung and Hualien can supply both grades within two days, while in Taichung and Kaohsiung it takes 3-5 days.

In Hong Kong, all bunker fuel grades are available, and suppliers generally recommend lead times of seven days.

In South Korean ports, availability of all grades has tightened despite sluggish demand this week. Lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO now range from 3-11 days, up from around three days last week. HSFO requires longer lead times of approximately 8-14 days, significantly up from around three days in western South Korean ports and 3-8 days in southern ports last week.

High waves are predicted to intermittently hit the South Korean ports of Ulsan, Onsan, and Yeosu between 2-4 August, and in Daesan and Yeosu on 2 August, potentially affecting bunker deliveries at these ports.

In Japan, LSMGO and HSFO supplies remain strong in major ports, including Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Nagoya, Yokkaichi, Mizushima, and Oita. However, VLSFO availability has tightened across all major ports due to unknown technical issues at refineries. The supply tightness is particularly noted in Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Nagoya, and Yokkaichi, with expectations that it will continue until early August, a source says.

The closure of Idemitsu Kosan’s Yamaguchi refinery in March, which had a crude oil processing capacity of 120,000 b/d, has further constrained bunker supply in Oita, necessitating advance orders from bunker buyers.

Oceania

In Western Australia, VLSFO and LSMGO are available at ports including Kwinana, Fremantle, and Kembla, with typical lead times of 7-8 days. A bunker barge operating in Fremantle will be in dry dock from early September to mid-November, making VLSFO unavailable at that port during this period, a source says.

In New South Wales, LSMGO is readily available in Sydney, while prompt HSFO supply depends on the enquiry.

In Victoria’s ports of Melbourne and Geelong, VLSFO and LSMGO are readily available, though prompt HSFO deliveries can be challenging. In Queensland, Brisbane and Gladstone have ample stocks of VLSFO and LSMGO with lead times of around 7-8 days, but HSFO availability is limited in Brisbane.

In New Zealand, Tauranga and Auckland have ample VLSFO supply, with Auckland also having good LSMGO availability. However, rough weather expected in Tauranga on Friday and Saturday may impact bunker operations.

South Asia

In several Indian ports, including Kandla, Mumbai, Tuticorin, Chennai, Cochin, and Visakhapatnam, VLSFO and LSMGO availability remains constrained as in recent weeks. In Haldia, both grades are subject to availability, while a supplier in Paradip is nearly out of stock for both.

Kandla, Sikka, and Mumbai ports are forecast to experience rough weather intermittently through the week, potentially disrupting bunker operations.

In contrast, the Sri Lankan port of Colombo has ample supplies of VLSFO, LSMGO, and HSFO, with lead times of around five days recommended.

Middle East

In Fujairah, prompt availability of all grades remains tight due to some suppliers experiencing delays in loading products from oil terminals caused by recent bad weather, according to a source. Most suppliers recommend a lead time of around 7-10 days, nearly unchanged from last week.

In Iraq’s Basrah, VLSFO and LSMGO are readily available, while both grades are nearly depleted in Qatar’s Ras Laffan.

The Saudi Arabian port of Jeddah has a good LSMGO supply, but VLSFO availability is constrained. In Djibouti, both VLSFO and LSMGO supplies are tight. Omani ports, including Sohar, Salalah, Muscat, and Duqm, have ample LSMGO supply with prompt supply available.

By Tuhin Roy

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 31 July, 2024 

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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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Methanol

Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

Following “Seaspan Yangtze”, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the methanol retrofit programme are “Seaspan Amazon”, “Seaspan Ganges”, “Seaspan Thames”, and “Seaspan Zambezi”.
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June 4, 2026

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Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

Seaspan Corporation (Seaspan) and Hapag-Lloyd on Wednesday (3 June) announced the successful completion of the first of the five vessel conversions under their methanol retrofit programme with the delivery of Seaspan Yangtze.

From the early SAVER (Seaspan Action for Vessel Energy Reduction) programme to today’s CleanBlue initiative, Seaspan has committed over USD 230 USD million across 86 vessels, executing more than 550 efficiency and retrofit projects.

Following Seaspan Yangtze, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the programme are Seaspan Amazon, Seaspan Ganges, Seaspan Thames, and Seaspan Zambezi. Each retrofit is expected to reduce well-to-wake CO₂e emissions by approximately 30,000 to 50,000 metric tonnes per vessel annually when operating on low-carbon methanol, while also extending vessel lifespan and enhancing fuel flexibility.

“Decarbonisation is not just about building the fleet of tomorrow, it is also about unlocking the full potential of the fleet we have today. Retrofitting and upgrades on existing fleets play a practical, immediate, and economical role in accelerating shipping’s decarbonization journey,” said Bing Chen, Chairman, President and CEO of Seaspan. 

“Project SAVER CleanBlue highlights Seaspan’s strong customer partnerships, deep technical expertise, and unique platform integrated with JV partners, such as WattSpan Maritime Technology, in executing complex and large-scale retrofit projects.”

“The successful conversion of the Seaspan Yangtze together with the planned retrofit of its four sister vessels is another important step on our ambitious path towards net-zero fleet operations by 2045,” said Silke Lehmköster, Managing Director, Fleet, Hapag-Lloyd. 

“Together with Seaspan, we are demonstrating that retrofitting existing vessels for low-carbon methanol can be a practical way to reduce emissions in shipping.”

 

Photo credit: Seaspan
Published: 4 June, 2026

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