Business

Argus Media viewpoint: European marine fuels to feel diesel crunch

Russian oil products ban will affect Europe’s diesel supply most acutely, with the continent still relying on Russia for as much as 52% of its diesel imports in November.

Published

2 years ago

December 22, 2022

Admin

European marine fuels markets are set for a shake-up in 2023 when EU sanctions on Russian oil products come into effect, as a likely middle distillate supply crunch is being met with mixed demand signals.

21 December 2022

From 5 February all remaining imports of Russian oil products must be halted in the EU — after crude sanctions already took effect on 5 December — as part of the EU's sixth package of sanctions against Russia in response to the country's invasion of Ukraine.

The ban will affect Europe's diesel supply most acutely, with the continent still relying on Russia for as much as 52pc of its diesel imports in November. But it will have a knock-on effect on supply of marine gasoil (MGO) too, with the shortfall likely to push diesel margins up early in the year and incentivise refiners to produce as much road diesel as possible at the expense of other gasoils, such as MGO.

Reduced MGO availabilities are already being recorded in Europe's delivered bunker markets, with some refiners already reported to have issued bunker suppliers with warnings of possible shortages in 2023.

This anticipated drop in supply could be offset by steady availabilities of marine fuel oil grades. High-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) with 3.5pc sulphur remains well-supplied in Europe and prices have remained broadly dampened in recent months, even though Russia has traditionally constituted the lead exporter of that product to Europe. Russian HSFO supplies to Europe were curtailed in August by EU coal sanctions, because heavy fuel oil is shipped under the same EU customs code. But falling Russian imports have been balanced by increased shipments from Saudi Arabia, Greece and the UAE.

Very-low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) supplies are also likely to buoyed into 2023 by strong production in Europe and the Mideast Gulf. The start-up of KPC's new 615,000 b/d Al-Zour refinery will increase global VLSFO supply by as much as 10mn-12mn t/yr, which will either contribute to European stocks or displace European supply on its key arbitrage route to Asia-Pacific.

Supply of marine fuel oils will also depend on European refineries' crude slates, and it remains to be seen how the continent will adjust without Russian Urals crude. Alternative medium-sour grades from the Mideast Gulf or Norway — the second phase of the Johan Sverdrup field started production in December — could support residual fuel oil output, but conversely, in the event of stiff competition for those grades, Europe could move to a lighter sweeter slate, cutting residual fuel yields.

Demand signals

Bunkering demand from containerships could decrease in 2023. The global shipping industry is at the mercy of recessionary pressures — economic slowdowns typically restrict the chartering and movement of goods along international shipping lines. International container trades makes up the fourth largest shipping sector by tonne-miles — a measure of how far freight travels — after tanker, bulk and dry cargoes, with the biggest share trading along the main east-west routes.

But this could be partially offset by stronger demand for other large shipping segments. Sanctions on Russian oil will push Europe to look further afield for supplies, which is already being reflected in sharp rises in clean-tanker freight rates as tonne-miles surge. That is likely to continue into 2023 and support bunker demand from tankers.

Recent statistics from Rotterdam show increased sales across all marine fuel grades in the third quarter of 2022, but economic headwinds could strengthen in coming quarters as energy supply shortages pinch industry and inflation rises.

Demand for MGO could rise comparative to other grades, after the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) announced on 15 December that it will adopt a 0.1pc sulphur Emissions Control Area (ECA) in the Mediterranean from 2024. Shipowners will look to scale up usage of the marine gasoil ahead of then, which in a short-supplied market could support prices for the grade.

By James Marriott and Jonah Sweeney

Photo credit and source: Argus Media
Published: 22 December, 2022

Business

SMW 2025: MPA and Dalian Maritime University to partner on joint maritime training

Both signed a MoU to enhance talent development and academic exchange between Singapore and China, focusing on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation and covering areas such as clean energy.

Published

5 hours ago

March 28, 2025

Admin

SMW 2025: MPA and Dalian Maritime University to partner on joint maritime training

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Dalian Maritime University (DMU) on Friday (28 March) said they have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance talent development and academic exchange between Singapore and China in the maritime sector.

The MoU renewal was signed by MPA Chief Executive, Mr Teo Eng Dih, and Professor Shan Hongjun, President of DMU. This renewal builds on the successful collaboration established since 2021, and further strengthens talent development and knowledge exchange between both maritime ecosystems.

As part of the MOU, MPA and DMU will continue to engage in faculty exchanges, study visits and student exchanges in Singapore and Dalian, and joint maritime training and research programmes. Trainers from MPA, including subject matter experts and adjunct trainers, will contribute to courses, events and knowledge sharing.

The collaboration will focus on digitalisation and decarbonisation, covering areas such as clean energy and sustainable practices in the maritime sector, digital transformation of maritime operations, environmental management, maritime safety, navigational technologies, and port management and smart technologies.

DMU is home to world-class facilities, including two ocean-going training vessels and state-of-the-art research centre. A leader in autonomous ship technology and innovation in smart and sustainable shipping, the university has recently launched its 3rd ocean-going new generation autonomous training vessel.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, said, “The renewal of this MOU reflects the strong partnership between MPA and DMU. As the maritime industry evolves, our collaboration in maritime education and training is more crucial than ever in preparing the next generation of maritime professionals. This agreement will enhance maritime talent development and knowledge sharing between Singapore and China, fostering innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector.”

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 March, 2025

Environment

SMW 2025: Maritime drone training for ship emission monitoring to be established

MPA and Republic Polytechnic ink a MoU to start a specialised Unmanned Aircraft Pilot Training programme for MPA pilots to operate drones for maritime applications such as monitoring vessel emissions.

Published

5 hours ago

March 28, 2025

Admin

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Republic Polytechnic (RP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a specialised Unmanned Aircraft (UA) Pilot Training programme for MPA UA pilots, which will also provide internship opportunities for RP students.

This initiative aims to equip MPA, as well as commercial UA pilots, with advanced competencies to operate drones for maritime applications. These include inspection of vessel structures, monitoring of vessel emissions, and supporting emergency response efforts.

The course will cover essential skills, including take-off and landing from vessels, emergency procedures at sea, and Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations. UA pilots will also be trained to operate drones equipped with various sensor payloads such as electro-optics, infrared, and multispectral imaging. Tethered drone operations, which enable extended flight times for surveillance and monitoring, will also be included.

Under this five-year collaboration arrangement, MPA and RP plan to develop competency frameworks for UA pilots operating at sea, and will train over 20 MPA UA pilots annually. The collaboration will also explore the potential development of a maritime-specific qualification for UA pilots for interested parties. The training will be conducted by RP’s team of full-time lecturers who are also certified UA Pilot Licence trainers.

Through this partnership, RP students have internship opportunities with MPA, and can explore potential career pathways as UA pilots and watch supervisors coordinating the deployment of unmanned systems for port operations and maritime safety.

RP lecturers and students will also have opportunities to gain industry exposure and practical experience through participation in MPA’s upcoming drone-related projects. In addition, RP will work with MPA in relevant committees and forums to shape policies, safety standards, and regulations for maritime drone operations.

In 2025, MPA will trial new drone capabilities, including coordinated drone operations for chemical spill management and the Maritime Drones Traffic Management System to ensure safety in port waters.

The Maritime Drone Estate, launched in 2021, will also be expanded to support commercial drone services such as remote inspections and shore-to-ship deliveries. These advancements will contribute to safer, more fuel-efficient, and sustainable maritime operations.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 March, 2025

Alternative Fuels

SMW 2025: Geospatial tools to be explored for port operations including bunkering

MPA and partners will explore the use of geospatial tools to develop solutions to improve safety and efficiency of port operations, such as bunkering of alternative fuels and vessel navigation.

Published

5 hours ago

March 28, 2025

Admin

SMW 2025: Geospatial tools to be explored for port operations including bunkering

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (26 March) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with several partners to promote knowledge-sharing initiatives and explore geospatial technologies to address real-world challenges in the republic.

Partners will explore the use of geospatial tools to develop solutions to strengthen preparedness, monitor sea level rise, and improve the safety and efficiency of port operations, such as vessel navigation, marine services and the bunkering of alternative fuels.

MPA signed a three-year MOU with Jurong Port, Singapore Cruise Centre Private Limited, Esri Singapore, Hexagon’s Safety Infrastructure and Geospatial Division, Nika, Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore (TCOMS), A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing (A*STAR IHPC) and the Centre of Excellence in Modelling and Simulation for Next Generation Ports (C4NGP) in the College of Design and Engineering of the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Geospatial tools use location-based data such as satellite images, traffic and weather data, and sensor readings from buoys and on land to create 2D and 3D visual insights.

These can help stakeholders monitor real-time conditions, manage risks, and plan operations more effectively by improving risk management and decision-making, and enhancing operational planning for improved safety and efficiency.

MPA also signed a three-year MOU with NUS to develop a skilled maritime geospatial workforce.

Under this partnership, MPA and NUS will explore the development of maritime geospatial courses for NUS undergraduate and post-graduate geography students, and a professional certification programme for mid-career professionals.

The maritime geospatial programmes will cover skills in 2D and 3D mapping, geospatial analytics, and advanced environmental and operations modelling. This will build a pipeline of talent equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive maritime geospatial innovation in the industry and government.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 March, 2025