Bunker Fuel

ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (14 Jan 2025)

Prompt supply is tight in Gibraltar; fuel availability improves in Las Palmas; HSFO and VLSFO availability very tight in Port Louis.

Published

5 months ago

January 15, 2026

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:

Prompt supply is tight in Gibraltar
Fuel availability improves in Las Palmas
HSFO and VLSFO availability very tight in Port Louis

Northwest Europe

In the ARA bunkering hub, HSFO and LSMGO deliveries are readily available with a short notice of 2-4 days, while VLSFO supplies may require longer lead times of more than a week, a trader told ENGINE.

Buyers are advised to book B30 stems in the ARA at least a week in advance. All grades are available, although some suppliers require higher minimum volumes than others.

The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks have fallen by 1% in January to date, according to Insights Global data.

The region has imported 181,000 b/d of fuel oil in January so far, slightly lower than the 188,000 b/d imported in December, according to cargo tracker Vortexa. Brazil (45%), Poland (22%) and France (15%) have been the top suppliers.

The ARA has imported 369,000 b/d of gasoil in January, up from the 244,000 b/d imported in December, according to Vortexa data. Majority of the shipments have arrived from India (63%), while the U.S. (13%) and France (10%) have also contributed some supplies.

Bunker availability remains stable in Germany’s Hamburg, with all fuel grades available easily with a notice of 3-5 days, a trader said.

In Scandinavia, fuel availability is tight in Sweden’s Gothenburg and off Denmark’s Skaw, and buyers are advised to book stems with a lead time of more than 10 days for any fuel grade, another trader said.

Mediterranean

Bunker fuel availability remains tight for prompt supplies in the Gibraltar strait ports, and buyers are being advised to book with lead times of between 5-7 days to get competitive offers from a wider selection of suppliers, a trader said.

B30 blends are available in the Gibraltar Strait but require lead times of around 10 days.

The port of Gibraltar is seeing strong bunker demand this week. Some suppliers are requiring more than two days to deliver supplies, port agent MH Bland said.

In neighbouring Algeciras, some suppliers may be delayed by anywhere between 4-18 hours, MH Bland said.

In Barcelona, suppliers need a notice of around 5-7 days to arrange supplies of any fuel type, a trader said.

All fuel grades are now easily available in Las Palmas with a notice of around 2-4 days, compared to last week, when all fuel grades required between 7-10 days of notice, a trader told ENGINE.

Las Palmas is seeing high swells of around 2 metres. This has restricted all bunkering operations to the berth area and in the inner anchorage, where limited space is causing some delays, port agent MH Bland said.

Weather is expected to worsen in the coming days with winds gusting at more than 25 knots and waves higher than 3 metres forecast intermittently between 18-23 January, which could suspend all bunkering operations.

Weather has improved in the East Mediterranean ports this week.

Suppliers delivering fuel off Malta are seeing stable demand. Buyers are requested to book stems with lead times of around 4-5 days for all fuel grades, a trader said. Rough winds of more than 30 knots and waves of over 3 metres are again forecast in the location between 19-20 January.

Availability of HSFO and LSMGO remains normal in Piraeus, with any deliveries readily available with a notice of 3-4 days, a trader said. VLSFO demand remains low in the Greek port and only supplier is currently delivering the fuel grade and only for large quantities, a source told ENGINE.

Some suppliers in Istanbul were facing delivery backlogs and delays earlier in the week due to the weather-related traffic suspension at the Turkish port. While fuel supplies are now available promptly, snowfall expected over the coming days may impact operations due to low visibility, a local supplier said.

Africa

In Togo’s Lome and off Namibia’s Walvis Bay, HSFO availability is very tight, a trader said.

LSMGO and VLSFO deliveries can be arranged with around 5-7 days of lead time at both locations, the trader added.

One supplier in Nigeria’s Lagos anchorage said they can deliver VLSFO with a shorter notice of 3 days.

In South Africa’s Durban and Richards Bay, both HSFO and VLSFO supplies are readily available with a short notice of 2-4 days.

All inbound traffic in Durban has been suspended due to rough northeasterly wind gusts of more than 30 knots seen at the port, shipping agent Trade Ocean confirmed. Rough winds are forecast to last until Thursday, 15 January.

HSFO and VLSFO supplies are very tight in Mauritius’ Port Louis, while LSMGO supplies remain available with a lead time of around 5-7 days, a trader told ENGINE.

By Nachiket Tekawade

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 15 January, 2025

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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.

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

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.

Published

2 hours ago

June 17, 2026

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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

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.

Published

2 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Admin

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.”

Photo credit: Venture Energy
Published: 17 June, 2026