Connect with us

Bunker Fuel Availability

ENGINE: Americas Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (30 Nov 2023)

Slow demand in several Americas ports; fog season hits US Gulf Coast bunkering; prompt availability tight in Santos.

Admin

Published

on

RESIZED ENGINE Americas

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:

  • Slow demand in several Americas ports
  • Fog season hits US Gulf Coast bunkering
  • Prompt availability tight in Santos

North America

Demand for all grades has mostly dropped across major bunkering ports in the Americas. But Houston has seen a jump in enquiries for all grades this week. While prompt VLSFO and LSMGO availability was reported tight at the beginning of this week, it returned to normal levels in the port as the week progressed. Lead times of 3-4 days are recommended for both grades. One supplier can offer HSFO stems with 4-5 days of lead time.

Prompt supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal in Bolivar Roads. Several suppliers can deliver both grades with 2-5 days of lead times. Similarly, the availability of fuel grades in Beaumont has been good this week.

Bunkering was suspended in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) and off Corpus Christi in the US Gulf Coast on Thursday due to strong gale-force wind gusts of up 47 knots in the region. Calmer weather is forecast from Friday evening, which could allow bunkering to resume.

A moderate to high risk of fog and reduced visibility is forecast around Corpus Christi, Lake Charles, Port Arthur, Galveston and Freeport from Thursday, which could delay vessel traffic around the region and through the Houston Ship Channel until Sunday, Norton Lilly says.

The channel is a key waterway for vessels going in and out of ports in the Houston area, including Galveston, Baytown and Texas City.

Similarly, a high risk of fog and reduced visibility is also forecast at the New Orleans Outer Anchorage (NOLA). A supplier said they can deliver VLSFO and HSFO stems within three days of lead time if the weather permits.

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is good in the West Coast ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Several suppliers can deliver both grades with 5-7 days of lead times. However, demand has been extremely low in both ports this week.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is said to be normal in the East Coast port of New York. Securing HSFO in the port can be difficult for prompt dates. One supplier is unable to offer fuel grades for both prompt and non-prompt dates in New York.

Caribbean and Latin America

The ongoing drought in Panama has led to increased transit delays through the channel, impacting the demand for bunkers in the region. As a result, many shipowners are opting to lift bunkers at alternative ports in the Caribbean region due to the delays in the Panama Canal.

Despite the slowdown in vessel traffic, some suppliers are offering stems with lead times of 5-7 days in the Panamanian ports of Balboa and Cristobal.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is good for prompt dates off Trinidad and in Jamaica’s Kingston.

Bunker operations have been running smoothly in Argentina’s Zona Comun anchorage so far this week. Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal in Zona Comun. Overall, bunker demand has been muted at the anchorage this week.

Strong winds of up to 31 knots are forecast to hit the region on Friday, which could disrupt bunkering at the anchorage.

Prompt VLSFO and LSMGO availability is tight in Brazil’s biggest port – Santos. Lead times can stretch out to the second week of December, a trader says. Bunker fuel availability appears to be normal in other Brazilian ports like Rio Grande, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 1 December, 2023

Continue Reading

Bunker Fuel Availability

ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Prompt supply is tight in the ARA; prompt HSFO is tight in Gibraltar; LSMGO supply improves in Durban.

Admin

Published

on

By

RESIZED ENGINE Europe and Africa

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 the ARA
  • Prompt HSFO is tight in Gibraltar
  • LSMGO supply improves in Durban

Northwest Europe

All grades remain in tight supply for prompt dates in Rotterdam. HSFO now requires lead times of 7-10 days, while VLSFO and LSMGO need 5-7 days. Refinery maintenance work in Rotterdam has triggered the supply crunch, a source told ENGINE.

The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks averaged 2% higher in October than across September, according to Insights Global data.

The region imported 257,000 b/d of fuel oil in October, up from 229,000 b/d imported in September, according to data from cargo tracker Vortexa. The ARA imported low-sulphur fuel oil (LSFO) and HSFO in a 48/52 ratio in October, unlike September's 51/49 ratio which was leaning towards LSFO.

The UK (22% of the total) emerged as the region’s biggest fuel oil import source in October. The US (12%) came in second, while Turkey ranked third at 9%. This was followed by Lithuania (8%), France and Poland (7% each).

The ARA hub’s independent gasoil inventories - which include diesel and heating oil - came down by 10% in October, despite higher imports. The region imported 410,000 b/d of gasoil in October, a sharp rise from September’s 291,000 b/d, according to Vortexa data.

Securing prompt supply is not a challenge in Germany’s Hamburg port. The port has ample supply for all grades, a trader said. Lead times of 3-4 days are generally recommended, a trader said.

Mediterranean

HSFO is tight in Gibraltar for very prompt delivery dates, a trader told ENGINE. Lead times of 5-7 days are recommended for optimal coverage for the grade. VLSFO and LSMGO availability is relatively better with short lead times of 3-5 days advised. Bunkering may be disrupted in Gibraltar on Thursday and Friday because of wind gusts of 19-21 knots.

HSFO is tight in the Spanish ports of Las Palmas and Barcelona, according to a trader.

Las Palmas port in the Canary Islands has faced limited HSFO supply in recent weeks, with recommended lead times now around 11 days. In contrast, VLSFO and LSMGO supply is ample and most suppliers can deliver both grades for prompt dates, a trader said.

In Barcelona, all grades have been tight since the start of the week. HSFO and VLSFO supplies are particularly constrained, with recommended lead times of 7-10 days. LSMGO requires lead times of 5-7 days.

Demand has been negligible in other Mediterranean ports like Piraeus, Malta Offshore and Istanbul, a trader said.

Greece’s Piraeus port has normal availability across all three grades. After experiencing minor supply pressures earlier in the week, conditions eased on Wednesday, with suppliers now offering prompt delivery across all grades.

Bunkering disruptions may occur in Piraeus from Wednesday till Saturday amid rough weather, a source said.

Off Malta, bunker availability is normal for all three grades, a trader told ENGINE. Lead times of 3-4 days are advised across all three grades. Bad weather is forecast between Wednesday and Saturday, which may impact bunkering. 

Turkey’s Istanbul also has prompt supply available for all three grades, a trader said. Lead times of 3-4 days are recommended in the port. Adverse weather forecast in the port area between Wednesday and Saturday may disrupt bunkering.

Africa

VLSFO supply is good for non-prompt delivery dates in South Africa’s Durban and Richards Bay with lead times of 7-10 days advised. LSMGO supply has resumed in Durban after recent supply shortages. Lead times of 7-10 days are recommended for the grade.

Rough weather may cause bunkering delays in Durban on Wednesday with wind gusts of up to 30 knots forecast in the area. Bunkering in the area is typically halted when gusts exceed 35 knots and if visibility is low due to heavy rain, a source said. 

Meanwhile, supply pressures have eased in Mauritius’ Port Louis, a trader said. Suppliers are now able to offer prompt delivery dates for all grades. The port had previously faced tight supplies with lead times extending up to ten days until last week.

By Manjula Nair

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 7 November, 2024

Continue Reading

Bunker Fuel Availability

ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (5 Nov 2024)

VLSFO and HSFO supply improves in Singapore; bunker demand is low in Zhoushan; availability good in Sri Lankan ports.

Admin

Published

on

By

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:

  • VLSFO and HSFO supply improves in Singapore
  • Bunker demand is low in Zhoushan
  • Availability good in Sri Lankan ports

Singapore and Malaysia

In Singapore, VLSFO availability has improved amid "quiet" demand, reducing lead times from around 11 days last week to 4-7 days now.

HSFO supply has also improved, with lead times now at 5-11 days, down from the previous week's 7-14 days. LSMGO lead times remain steady at 2-7 days.

Singapore imported more fuel oil in October than in any month since April 2021, pushing residual fuel oil stocks to a two-month high due to increased net imports, according to Enterprise Singapore data. Net imports reached their highest level since February, while middle distillate stocks fell for the second consecutive month in October, reaching a four-month low.

In Malaysia’s Port Klang, VLSFO and LSMGO supplies are ample, with some suppliers offering prompt deliveries for smaller volumes. HSFO availability remains limited in the port.

East Asia

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is stable in Zhoushan amid low demand, with suppliers recommending lead times of 5–8 days, unchanged from last week. HSFO supply has improved, with suppliers advising lead times of 5–8 days, down slightly from 7–10 days last week.

In Northern China, the ports of Dalian and Qingdao have ample supplies of VLSFO and LSMGO, though HSFO is limited in Qingdao. Tianjin has tight supplies of HSFO and LSMGO, while VLSFO supply is good. In Shanghai, LSMGO is readily available, but VLSFO and HSFO are scarce. Suppliers in Fuzhou have strong stocks of both VLSFO and LSMGO, whereas Xiamen has limited LSMGO despite solid VLSFO supply. In Yangpu and Guangzhou, prompt availability for both grades remains limited.

In Hong Kong, lead times for all bunker grades remain stable at seven days.

In Taiwan’s ports—Hualien, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Keelung—VLSFO and LSMGO continue to be readily available, with consistent lead times of two days, just like last week.

In South Korean ports, lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO range from 4-12 days, nearly unchanged from last week. HSFO supply remains tight, with lead times of 8-12 days recommended. Last week, several suppliers were recommending 3-14 days for the grade.

Adverse weather is forecasted to intermittently disrupt bunker operations at Ulsan, Onsan, Busan, and Yeosu ports from 6-10 November, with possible interruptions at Daesan and Taean on 6 November.

VLSFO supply is generally stable across Japanese ports, though prompt deliveries are limited in Oita. HSFO remains tight for prompt delivery at most ports, while LSMGO is readily available at major ports, including Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Nagoya, Yokkaichi, Mizushima, and Oita.

Rough weather is expected at Thailand's ports of Koh Sichang and Laem Chabang on Friday and Saturday, potentially impacting bunkering operations.

Oceania

Since early September, a bunker barge has been in dry dock, restricting VLSFO availability by barge at Fremantle and Kwinana ports until mid-November. LSMGO is still available at berth. Meanwhile, Port Kembla remains unaffected, with bunkering available by truck and ex-pipe.

In New South Wales, Sydney has adequate LSMGO, though HSFO may require longer lead times. Melbourne and Geelong in Victoria have ample VLSFO and LSMGO, though prompt HSFO deliveries may be challenging.

In Queensland, Brisbane and Gladstone report sufficient VLSFO and LSMGO with 7–8-day lead times. HSFO availability in Brisbane is limited.

In New Zealand, Tauranga and Auckland have good VLSFO supplies, with Auckland also well-stocked in LSMGO.

South Asia

VLSFO and LSMGO supplies at Indian ports, including Mumbai, Kandla, Tuticorin, Cochin, and Chennai, remain limited, consistent with recent weeks.

In contrast, the Sri Lankan ports of Colombo and Hambantota have all three grades readily available, with prompt lead times of about two days, similar to last week.

Middle East

Prompt availability of all fuel grades is tight in Fujairah, with most suppliers indicating lead times of approximately 5-7 days for all grades, consistent with last week. Suppliers in Khor Fakkan also recommend lead times of 5-7 days across all grades.

In the Iraqi port of Basrah, both VLSFO and LSMGO are readily available, while supplies of both grades are nearly depleted in Ras Laffan, Qatar, and Suez in Egypt. The port of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia has a sufficient supply of LSMGO, but VLSFO availability is limited.

In Djibouti, both VLSFO and HSFO supplies are almost exhausted, and LSMGO is also constrained. Omani ports, including Sohar, Salalah, Muscat, and Duqm, have enough LSMGO to meet immediate demand.

By Tuhin Roy

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 6 November, 2024

Continue Reading

Bunker Fuel Availability

Baltic Exchange: Bunker Report (5 November 2024)

Bunker report panellists include Island Oil Limited, Cockett Marine Oil Pte, Monjasa A/S and KPI OceanConnect.

Admin

Published

on

By

Baltic Exchange: Bunker Report (5 November 2024)

The following bunker report has been provided by freight market information provider Baltic Exchange for post on Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times:

Note:

All values are in US$/metric ton, all-in (invoice price), delivered on board
Delivery in 7-10 days
ISO 8217:2010
IFO 380 3.5% Sulphur
IFO 380 0.5% Sulphur
DMA 0.1% Sulphur

Rotterdam – Waalhaven – Maasvlakte range
Houston – Houston Harbor
Singapore – Anchorage, under SBA Scheme
Fujairah – Offshore Anchorage Area

Submitted weekly at Close of Business UK time, on Tuesday & Thursdays

Panellists:
Island Oil Limited, Cockett Marine Oil Pte, Monjasa A/S, KPI OceanConnect

 

Photo credit and source: Baltic Exchange
Published: 6 November, 2024

Continue Reading
Advertisement
  • Aderco advert 400x330 1
  • RE 05 Lighthouse GIF
  • EMF banner 400x330 slogan
  • v4Helmsman Gif Banner 01
  • SBF2
  • Consort advertisement v2

OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS

  • Triton Bunkering advertisement v2
  • 102Meth Logo GIF copy
  • Singfar advertisement final
  • SEAOIL 3+5 GIF
  • HL 2022 adv v1


  • E Marine logo
  • Mokara Final
  • Uni Fuels oct 2024 ad
  • Synergy Asia Bunkering logo MT
  • Cathay Marine Fuel Oil Trading logo
  • PSP Marine logo
  • Auramarine 01
  • Kenoil
  • intrasea
  • Victory Logo
  • VPS 2021 advertisement
  • 400x330 v2 copy
  • Headway Manifold
  • Advert Shipping Manifold resized1

Trending