Business

ENGINE: Americas Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Bunker supply remains tight in Panama; VLSFO supply tight in Montevideo; bad weather hinders bunker deliveries in GOLA.

Published

2 years ago

November 18, 2022

Admin

Resized Americas Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook image for Manifold Times

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:

17 November 2022

Bunker supply remains tight in Panama
VLSFO supply tight in Montevideo
Bad weather hinders bunker deliveries in GOLA

North America

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in the Houston area and off the US Gulf Coast, but can be tight for very prompt dates (0-3 days) in Houston. The earliest delivery dates with a supplier are about five days out.

Bunker fuel availability is normal in Bolivar Roads. Recommended lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO are about 4-5 days.

Bad weather has disrupted bunker deliveries in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) this week. Some suppliers are trying to deliver stems as and when the weather allows, but have mostly halted deliveries otherwise, sources say. The weather is forecast to remain rough through the weekend in GOLA.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is tight at the Davant anchorage in Louisiana. Some suppliers are hesitant to confirm delivery dates due to tight availability. One supplier can supply both grades from 27 November onwards.

Prompt VLSFO availability is tight in San Francisco. One supplier is running low on VLSFO stock but can manage to accommodate smaller stem sizes. LSMGO availability is slightly better.

All grades remain tight for prompt dates in the twin ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles on the US West Coast. A longer lead time of at least 10 days is generally recommended to ensure full coverage from all suppliers. Securing HSFO can be tricky for both prompt and dates further out as the grade is offered by fewer suppliers.

Bunker availability remains steady for all fuel grades in Mexico’s Manzanillo. Recommended lead times for HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO are about five days out, while prompt stems can be accommodated, sources say.

Caribbean and Latin America

All grades are tight for prompt dates in Panama’s Balboa and Cristobal. Several suppliers in both ports are hesitant to confirm delivery dates for VLSFO and LSMGO due to tight product availability and busy schedules.

HSFO deliveries can be even trickier to secure in Balboa and Cristobal. The earliest delivery date with a supplier in Balboa stretches out to the beginning of next month, sources say. Others are fully booked for the remaining days of November.

Bunker demand has been roughly steady in Colombian ports so far in November, a trader says. One supplier can supply VLSFO and LSMGO for prompt dates in Cartagena and Santa Marta. Another requires at least three days of lead time.

Prompt VLSFO supply is tight in Uruguay’s Montevideo and some suppliers are hesitant to confirm delivery dates due to tight barge schedules and availability. Sources say that VLSFO availability could tighten further amid low supply from local refiners. LSMGO is more readily available.

VLSFO and LSMGO are in normal availability at Argentina’s Zona Comun anchorage. Recommended lead times are about 5-6 days.

By Nithin Chandran

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 18 November, 2022

Alternative Fuels

Singapore: MPA issues circular on resolutions adopted at IMO MSC 109

New circular informs shipping community of the resolutions, including on use of ammonia cargo as bunker fuel, and urges the shipping community to prepare for the implementation of these resolutions.

Published

14 hours ago

March 18, 2025

Admin

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Monday (17 March) issued Shipping Circular No. 2 of 2025 regarding resolutions adopted by the 109th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 109) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which was held from 2 to 6 December 2024:

This circular informs the shipping community of the resolutions adopted by MSC 109 and urges the shipping community to prepare for the implementation of these resolutions.

MSC 109 adopted the following mandatory resolutions:

Resolution MSC.566(109) – Amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code)

This resolution adopts amendments to Chapter 16 of the IGC Code, mainly to allow the use of ammonia cargo as fuel. The amendments will enter into force on 01 July 2026 and will be given effect through the Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) Regulations.

Resolution MSC.567(109) – Amendments to the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code)

This resolution adopts amendments to IGF Code regarding ship design and arrangements; general pipe design; safety functions of the gas supply system; fire protection; hazardous area zones; and ventilation requirements. The amendments will enter into force on 01 January 2028 and will be given effect through the Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) Regulations.

MSC 109 also adopted the following resolutions:

Resolution MSC.568(109) – Amendments to the Revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances (resolution MSC.81(70))

This resolution adopts amendments to Part 1- Prototype Test for Life-saving Appliances, for self-righting test requirements of totally enclosed lifeboats, under paragraph 6.14.1.1 of the Revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances (resolution MSC.81(70)).

Resolution MSC.569(109) – Performance standards for the reception of maritime safety information and search and rescue related information by MF and HF digital navigational data (NAVDAT) system

This resolution adopts the Performance standards for the reception of maritime safety information and search and rescue related information by MF and HF digital NAVDAT system.

Resolution MSC.509(105)/REV.1 – Provision of radio services for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

This resolution adopts the revised Recommendation on provision of radio services for the GMDSS, the Criteria for use when providing shore-based digital selective calling (DSC) facilities for use in the GMDSS, the Criteria for establishing GMDSS sea areas, the Criteria for use when providing a NAVTEX service and the Criteria for use when providing a NAVDAT service, set out in annexes 1 to 5, respectively, to the resolution. This resolution revokes resolution MSC.509(105).

Resolution MSC.570(109) – Performance standards for a universal shipborne Automatic Identification System (AIS)

This resolution adopts the revised Performance standards for a universal shipborne AIS, recognising the need for measures to prevent unauthorised entry or tampering of the ship's identity information in shipborne AIS.

Any queries relating to this circular should be directed to MPA Shipping Division via email at [email protected].

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 18 March, 2025

Business

Singapore-based AET appoints Nick Potter as new President and CEO

Potter, who assumes the CEO role from Zahid Osman, also assumed the role of Vice President, Petroleum & Products at MISC Group, joining the MISC Executive Leadership Team.

Published

14 hours ago

March 18, 2025

Admin

Singapore-based AET appoints Nick Potter as new President and CEO

Singapore-headquartered AET, MISC’s petroleum arm, on Monday (17 March) announced the appointment of Nick Potter as the new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company.

Potter also assumed the role of Vice President, Petroleum & Products at MISC Group, joining the MISC Executive Leadership Team.

With over 35 years of experience in the maritime and energy sectors, Potter has led commercial, technical, and operational teams across the globe. He previously served as Head of Shipping and Maritime for Asia, Pacific, and the Middle East at Shell, and before that, as Global Head of Maritime at BG Group.

His career began at sea as an Engineering Officer, before progressing through various roles at Shell and BG, giving him deep expertise in maritime logistics and the tanker business.

Beyond his leadership roles, Potter is a strong advocate for energy transition, maritime talent development, and seafarer welfare. He has actively contributed to key industry bodies, including OCIMF, the Singapore Maritime Foundation, and the International Chamber of Shipping's Clean Energy Marine Hubs Task Force.

Outgoing CEO Zahid Osman welcomed Potter in a symbolic leadership handover at AET’s headquarters, marking a new chapter in our journey.

“As Zahid takes on his expanded leadership role as President & Group CEO at MISC, we look forward to continuing our close collaboration as part of MISC Group,” AET added.

Photo credit: AET
Published: 18 March, 2025

Alternative Fuels

AAL Shipping names methanol-ready multipurpose heavy lift vessel in China

Singapore-based AAL Shipping says it held a naming ceremony for “AAL Dubai” – a multipurpose heavy lift vessel that is methanol-ready – at CSSC Huangpu-Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou.

Published

14 hours ago

March 18, 2025

Admin

AAL Shipping names methanol-ready multipurpose heavy lift vessel in China

Singapore-headquartered project heavy lift carrier AAL Shipping (AAL) on Thursday (13 March) said it held a formal naming ceremony for its fifth Super B-Class vessel, AAL Dubai.

The 32,000 dwt AAL Dubai – a multipurpose heavy lift vessel that is methanol-ready – was officially named on March 12 at the CSSC Huangpu-Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou, China.

The AAL Dubai is engineered to transport a vast array of cargo, including heavy lift project equipment, breakbulk, and dry bulk, all on a single voyage. With a combined lifting capacity of 700 tonnes, this vessel is designed to offer high efficiency, cargo flexibility, and economies of scale to shippers worldwide.

The vessel will now embark on its maiden voyage, joining sister vessels AAL Limassol, AAL Hamburg, AAL Houston, and AAL Antwerp in serving project cargo customers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.

“We are now over the halfway mark with our Super B-Class deliveries, and those already in service are exceeding our expectations,” said Liew Teck Liong, Chief Financial Officer at AAL.

“With these vessels, we have achieved both company and industry firsts, and we look forward to redefining what a heavy lift, multipurpose vessel can accomplish as we deploy them for complex cargo challenges.”

Later this year, AAL will take delivery of the AAL Dammam, which will be shortly followed by the AAL Newcastle and AAL Mumbai that have an increased maximum heavy lift capability of 800 tonnes.

Photo credit: AAL Shipping
Published: 18 March, 2025