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ENGINE: Americas Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Prompt HSFO tight in Houston; bad weather continues to hinder bunker deliveries in GOLA; bunker supply remains tight in Panama.
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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:

24 November 2022

  • Prompt HSFO tight in Houston
  • Bad weather continues to hinder bunker deliveries in GOLA
  • Bunker supply remains tight in Panama

 

North America

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal for prompt dates in the Houston area and off the US Gulf Coast. But HSFO deliveries can be trickier to secure in Houston. The earliest delivery dates with two suppliers in Houston stretch out to the beginning of next month, sources say.

Some sources argue that VLSFO and LSMGO availability in Houston may also tighten over the coming days amid a spike in demand. Houston has been offering VLSFO and LSMGO at competitive levels to regional ports and some other global bunker hubs over the past weeks.

Lower bunker prices have somewhat contributed to the steady flow of bunker enquiries in Houston, a trader says.

Bunker operations in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) have remained disrupted for periods since last week amid bad weather conditions. Some suppliers are trying to deliver stems as and when the weather allows, but deliveries usually get suspended when waves peak at more than five meters.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is slightly tight for prompt dates in New York. One supplier can supply for both grades with five days of lead time, while another can deliver prompt, sources say.

Prompt VLSFO availability is tight in San Francisco. One supplier has pulled back offers for the grade amid maintenance work to its onshore fuel oil storage tanks, sources say. However, the supplier can supply LSMGO for prompt dates.

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 10-15 days is generally recommended to ensure full coverage from all suppliers. One supplier can offer its earliest delivery of VLSFO from 7 December onwards in Long Beach. Securing HSFO can be tricky for both prompt dates 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.

Overall bunker demand in Manzanillo has increased slightly coming into this month, 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 HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO due to tight availability and busy schedules, which makes lead times more unpredictable.

HSFO deliveries can be even trickier to secure in Balboa and Cristobal. One supplier that was supplying the grade with a shorter lead time of five days last week, has now revised the delivery schedule from 15 December onwards. Another requires at least 10-12 days of lead time.

Bunker demand in the Colombian ports has been slightly slower this week than last week. Demand is likely to increase over the coming weeks in Colombia’s Cartagena and Santa Marta, a trader says. One supplier can supply VLSFO and LSMGO for prompt dates in both ports. Another requires at least three days of lead time.

Prompt LSMGO availability is tight in Peru’s Callao. One supplier is running low on LSMGO stock. VLSFO is more readily available for prompt dates in the port.

All grades are tight for prompt dates in Zona Comun anchorage in Argentina. One supplier is fully booked for the remaining days of the month and can supply VLSFO and LSMGO from 2 December onwards.

By Nithin Chandran

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE 
Published: 25 November, 2022

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Milestone

China: Xiamen port records 16.37% jump in bunker sales volume in 1H2025

Total of 416 international ships, an increase of 6.12% on year, received marine fuel in bunkering operations during the same period.
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July 11, 2025

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Xiamen port bunkering

The Port of Xiamen recorded bonded bunkering volume of 274,500 metric tonnes (mt) in the first half (1H) of 2025, representing a jump of 16.37% on year, reported Xiamen Daily on Thursday (10 July).

A total 416 international ships, an increase of 6.12% on year, received marine fuel in bunkering operations during the same period.

The report noted Xiamen Port to be increasing bunker players while optimising its bonded marine fuel supply chain system in recent years.

Before February 2025, there were only two bonded bunker fuel suppliers with national licenses operating at Xiamen Port.

The port welcomed Xiamen Kunlun Fuel Oil [厦门昆仑燃料油] as a new marine fuel supplier on 1 February; the company was awarded the first Xiamen local license by both Xiamen Customs and the local government.

Followingly, Xiamen Kunlun Fuel Oil performed its first bonded bunkering operation at Xiamen port on 26 February.

Xiamen Port earlier launched a pilot programme called “two warehouse functions superposition” which combines the functions of both bonded oil storage warehouse and export supervision warehouse into one unit.

Using just a single oil storage tank allows bunker fuel suppliers at Xiamen to save on renting tanks, reduce time spent on tank unloading, improve utilisation rates, and shorten bunker delivery times.

Related: PetroChina subsidiary wins first bonded bunkering licence in Xiamen

 

Photo credit: Xiamen Port Authority, China
Published: 11 July 2025

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Newbuilding

China: Steel cutting ceremony for methanol bunkering tanker “Lucia Cosulich” held

A steel cutting ceremony was held for the 7,999 DWT IMO Type 2 chemical bunker tanker at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard, China.
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July 11, 2025

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Lucia Cosulich

Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy on Wednesday (9 July) announced the steel cutting ceremony of Lucia Cosulich, a 7,999 DWT IMO Type 2 chemical bunker tanker – the second vessel in a series of four – at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard, China.

“This milestone marks another bold step in our Marine Energy business unit’s commitment to clean fuel readiness and operational excellence,” said the company.

The vessel will be fully methanol-ready, capable of carrying, burning, and bunkering methanol safely and efficiently, with full regulatory compliance standards.

It will feature an integrated Nitrogen Generator System, ensuring safe and inert tank operations at all times. Equipped with advanced safety systems specifically engineered for low-flashpoint fuel handling, the vessel sets a new benchmark in future fuel readiness.

A complete methanol bunkering setup will come as standard, including the Quick Connect/Disconnect Couplings (QCDC), dedicated transfer lines and comprehensive monitoring and control systems to ensure efficient and secure fuel handling.

“Built on state-of-the-art architecture, she is designed not only to meet but to exceed the evolving demands of tomorrow’s energy supply chain,” noted the firm.

“Lucia Cosulich embodies our vision to lead the transition within the maritime fuel landscape.”

 

Photo credit: Fratelli Cosulich
Published: 11 July 2025

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Financial Result

Glander International Bunkering reports EBT of USD 22 million for FY2025

‘This fiscal year, we focused on staying close to our clients, while adapting to a fast-changing market,’ says CEO Carsten Ladekjær.

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July 11, 2025

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Glander Result 2024 2025 MT

Global bunker trading and energy solutions provider Glander International Bunkering on Thursday (10 July) posted financial results for the year ended on April 30, 2025 – reflecting stable performance amid ongoing changes in global maritime and regulations.

The company reports a turnover of USD 3 billion and earnings before tax (EBT) of USD 22 million, including a non-recurring item.

“These results demonstrate consistent performance compared to the previous fiscal year, as the company continues to focus on conventional fuels, new fuels, risk management and extensive global reach,” CFO David Varghese comments.

Navigating change in maritime

Throughout the 2024-25 fiscal year, the bunker industry faced critical challenges including the escalation of the US-China trade conflict, ongoing Red Sea and Suez Canal security risks, and the first full-year impact of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) for maritime shipping.

Compliance with IMO CII measures and the uptake of new fuel products also influenced bunker demand patterns and pricing strategies.

“This fiscal year, we focused on staying close to our clients, while adapting to a fast-changing market,” says CEO Carsten Ladekjær. “In a time of uncertainty and transformation, we focused on staying agile, supporting customers with conventional fuels, and laying the groundwork for new fuel solutions.”

New fuels and other key achievements

Glander International Bunkering made significant progress in 2024-25: completing bioLNG deliveries, expanding biofuel supply, and launching a compliance calculator to help customers navigate FuelEU Maritime. Compared to the previous fiscal year, the company achieved a 71% increase in biofuel volume and 85% increase in LNG volume, along with the sale of nearly 100,000 EUAs.

Other achievements throughout the year include the renewal of its ISCC certifications, membership in the Smart Freight Centre, and Great Place to Work certification for the 7th consecutive year.

Looking ahead, Ladekjær says, “We will do what we have always done since 1961– adapt to new changes and be there for our clients.” He added that Glander International Bunkering is prepared for the next phase of change in global shipping, as decarbonisation, regulatory expansion and geopolitical developments continue to shape the bunker fuel market.

 

Photo credit: Glander International Bunkering
Published: 11 July 2025

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