Business

ENGINE: Americas Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Prompt supply getting tight in the Houston area; thick fog disrupts Houston Ship Channel vessel traffic;
suppliers in GOLA work to clear backlogs.

Published

9 months ago

January 6, 2023

Admin

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:

5 January 2022

Prompt supply getting tight in the Houston area
Thick fog disrupts Houston Ship Channel vessel traffic
Suppliers in GOLA work to clear backlogs

North America

Several suppliers in the Houston area have rushed to clear backlogs from recent fog disruptions. Thick fog and reduced visibility in recent days have impacted both inbound and outbound vessel traffic through the Houston Ship Channel. This resulted in a significant rise in congestion and delays that spilled into this week.

Securing stems for very prompt dates (0-3 days) can be difficult, although deliveries with a longer lead time can be manageable, a source says. Some suppliers in Houston are delivering on a first-come, first-serve basis to catch up on backlogs from the channel closures.

But suppliers have simultaneously cautioned bunker buyers about possible delays in the coming days. A moderate to high risk of fog and reduced visibility is forecast again this weekend and could halt vessel traffic in the channel.

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

Suppliers in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) are working to clear backlogs from recent weather disruptions. Calmer weather in the past two days has helped to ease some congestion, but bad weather is again forecast on Friday and Saturday, which could lead more congestion to build.

Meanwhile, suppliers continue to deliver stems as scheduled at the more sheltered Port of Galveston and no delays have been reported there, a source says. Some barges are trying to deliver stems in GOLA as and when the weather permits, a source says.

All grades remain tight for prompt delivery dates in the West Coast ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. A longer lead time of 10 days is generally recommended to ensure full coverage from suppliers. HSFO lead times are typically longer.

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.

Caribbean and Latin America

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in Jamaica's Kingston. One supplier can offer stems for prompt dates and its earliest delivery dates are about 3-4 days out.

All grades are tight for prompt dates in Panama’s Balboa and Cristobal. Some suppliers in Balboa have held back offers amid tight schedules. The earliest delivery date with a supplier for VLSFO and LSMGO is as far away as 18 January.

Bunker fuel availability is normal in Colombia’s Cartagena and Santa Marta. The recommended lead time for VLSFO and LSMGO is about five days, a trader says.

Prompt LSMGO supply is tight in Uruguay’s Montevideo. Recommended lead times are about seven days out.

LSMGO availability is tight for prompt dates at Argentina’s Zona Comun anchorage. Meanwhile, VLSFO supply is more readily available. One supplier can deliver stems for prompt dates. However, high winds are forecast from Friday evening and through the weekend, which could trigger a suspension or delays.

By Nithin Chandran

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 6 January, 2023

Milestone

Singapore retains titles as Best Global Seaport and Best Seaport in Asia

Port of Singapore has been named the “Best Global Seaport” for the third consecutive year and the “Best Seaport in Asia” for the 35th time at the 2023 AFLAS Awards.

Published

2 days ago

September 29, 2023

Admin

Singapore retains titles as Best Global Seaport and Best Seaport in Asia

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore on Friday (29 September) said the Port of Singapore has been named the “Best Global Seaport” for the third consecutive year and the “Best Seaport in Asia” for the 35th time at the 2023 Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain (AFLAS) Awards.

These accolades recognise the contributions by the Port of Singapore serving as a key node in the global supply chain, and Singapore’s leadership in driving maritime decarbonisation and transformation.

The annual AFLAS Awards is organised by freight and logistics publication, Asia Cargo News, to honour leading service providers in the supply chain community for demonstrating leadership as well as consistency in service quality, innovation, customer relationship management and reliability. Winners were determined by votes cast by readers of the publication.

Mr Chee Hong Tat, Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance, said: “Singapore is honoured to be named the Best Global Seaport and Best Seaport in Asia. These awards are the result of the shared effort and strong collaboration between the Government, industry, unions and workers. We will continue to grow our port as an efficient, sustainable, and trusted node in global supply chains.”

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “These awards are testament to the partnership and collaboration between Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) with industry and international partners, the research and enterprise community, as well as unions. MPA remains committed to fostering an environment that encourages enterprise, innovation, and talent development.”

“We will continue to work with our partners to enhance Singapore’s connectivity, advance digitalisation efforts, and accelerate the decarbonisation of international shipping in line with the 2023 IMO strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships.”

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 29 September, 2023

Employment

Melvin Lum appointed as KPI OceanConnect Global Accounts Commercial Director in Singapore

Lum will take on the position of Commercial Director from Thomas Lee who was recently promoted to Head of APAC in a management restructure within KPI OceanConnect.

Published

2 days ago

September 29, 2023

Admin

Melvin Lum appointed as KPI OceanConnect Global Account Commercial Director in Singapore

Global marine energy solutions provider KPI OceanConnect on Thursday (28 September) announced the appointment of Melvin Lum as Commercial Director for its Global Accounts team in Singapore.

Lum will take on the position of Commercial Director from Thomas Lee who was recently promoted to Head of APAC in a management restructure within KPI OceanConnect.

The Global Accounts team is an expert unit within KPI OceanConnect, specialised in providing long-term, tailored fuel strategy solutions to a portfolio of Key Accounts on a global scale. Dedicated regional teams located in London, Houston and Singapore work seamlessly across the world and around the clock to support their clients.

Lum joined KPI OceanConnect in 2021 as Senior Key Account manager and has made a significant contribution to the development of the team and optimisation of the daily operations of the unit in Singapore. Lum has vast experience across the supply chain and previously worked with TotalEnergies, Glencore and Global Energy Group prior to joining KPI OceanConnect.

Henrik Zederkof, Head of Global Accounts at KPI OceanConnect, said: "It is always a pleasure to witness the growth of our team members, and Melvin's progression is no exception. I have full confidence in Melvin's expertise, ability to lead the unit and dedication to his team. I look forward to seeing the progress of Melvin and his team, which will undoubtedly bring significant value to our numerous partners and the wider organisation.”

"Melvin will assume a pivotal role within the Global Accounts management team, leveraging his extensive experience in supply chain management and profound insight into emerging technologies. In his new role, Melvin will further enhance our team's skill set, aligning them with our ongoing objectives of supporting our partners in their green transition and digitalisation endeavours."

Melvin Lum, Commercial Director of KPI OceanConnect Global Accounts in Singapore, said: "I am very appreciative of the support and confidence from our management team as I take on this exciting new role. I am enthusiastic to work with the team as we continue to deliver an exceptional experience to our partners and stakeholders with dedication, innovation and passion."

Photo credit: KPI OceanConnect
Published: 29 September, 2023

Biofuel

TotalEnergies Marine Fuels renews ISCC EU certification for bio bunker fuel

Firm’s operations teams in Singapore and Geneva successfully renewed its ISCC EU sustainability certification for the supply of biofuel bunkers, says Louise Tricoire, Vice President.

Published

2 days ago

September 29, 2023

Admin

TotalEnergies Marine Fuels renews ISCC EU certification for bio bunker fuel

Louise Tricoire, Vice President of TotalEnergies Marine Fuels recently said the firm’s operations teams in Singapore and Geneva successfully renewed its International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) EU sustainability certification for the supply of biofuel bunkers.

“This means that TotalEnergies Marine Fuels can continue sourcing and supplying marine biofuels in accordance with EU renewable energy regulations ensuring the highest sustainability standards,” she said in a social media.

“It's the third year in a row that we have successfully renewed this certification, after a deep and comprehensive audit which showed zero non-conformity.”

She added marine biofuels have grown in demand among shipping companies that want to cut greenhouse gas emissions immediately.

“TotalEnergies Marine Fuels offers marine biofuels commercially in Singapore and we are starting in Europe. This certification enables us to accompany our customers in their decarbonisation journey with the best standard solutions available today.”

Photo credit: TotalEnergies Marine Fuels
Published: 29 September, 2023