Business

ENGINE: Americas Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Availabilities vary between Houston area suppliers; tight prompt availability in LA/LB; Tropical Storm Bret to strike Caribbean islands.

Published

3 months ago

June 23, 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:

22 June, 2023

Availabilities vary between Houston area suppliers
Tight prompt availability in LA/LB
Tropical Storm Bret to strike Caribbean islands

North America

Bunker prices for all fuel grades in ports across major ports in the US have risen with Brent over the past week. Demand has dropped slightly, with many bunker buyers appearing to wait for Brent to stabilise before fixing stems, a source says.

Prompt VLSFO and LSMGO availability is tight with some suppliers in Houston. One supplier can offer the two grades with around two days of lead time in the Houston area. Some other suppliers require a longer lead time of seven days. Price offers can vary greatly between suppliers.

HSFO remains tighter in Houston, partly due to fewer suppliers offering the grade.

Securing LSMGO and VLSFO stems in Bolivar Roads can be possible for prompt dates. One supplier can offer VLSFO and LSMGO for prompt dates if the weather permits, while another supplier can offer prompt deliveries on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Suppliers in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) can accommodate prompt stems within 4-5 days of lead time amid conducive weather conditions this week.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is said to be normal at the New Orleans Outer Anchorage (NOLA). Most suppliers can offer stems with a recommended lead time of five days.

Securing stems for prompt dates in the West Coast ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles can be tricky. Recommended lead times have gone up from last week’s 5-6 days to 7-8 days now. HSFO in Los Angeles will require a longer lead time of at least 10-11 days, with just two suppliers offering it.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in San Francisco. One supplier requires six days of lead time.

Fixing stems in Vancouver further up the North American west coast is easier. A supplier can deliver LSMGO and VLSFO stems with a lead time of 2-4 days.

Availability is normal in the East Coast port of New York. Recommended lead times are about 6-7 days. However, some suppliers can deliver stems on very prompt dates.

LSMGO availability is tight for prompt dates in Baltimore. Most suppliers are able to offer stems for dates further out in July.

Caribbean and Latin America

Tropical Storm Bret has moved closer to the southern Caribbean region and is forecast to lash Trinidad and other islands there with strong winds, heavy rains and storm surges. Ports and vessels in the area have been warned that Bret could strike as in the early hours of Thursday local time.

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has also issued an alert for Barbados, Dominica, Martinique and St. Lucia, but has clarified that Tropical Storm Bret may not strengthen to a hurricane.

However, some suppliers off Trinidad continues to offer LSMGO and VLSFO stems for very prompt (0-3 days) days.

Demand has been muted in Jamaica’s Kingston. Availability is good for prompt dates with most suppliers.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in Panama’s Balboa, where several suppliers are able to supply the fuel grades with a lead time of 4-5 days, down from last week’s 6-8 days. HSFO remains tighter in the port and availability of the grade is now subject to enquiry, a source says.

The Brazilian port of Belem has seen an uptick of VLSFO and LSMGO demand in the past week. Availability is good in the port with a lead time of 2-3 days.

Prompt availability of VLSFO and LSMGO remains normal in Brazilian ports of Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande. Some suppliers can deliver stems with just two days of lead time.

Prompt deliveries of VLSFO and LSMGO are possible at Argentina’s Zona Comun anchorage, with recommended lead times of 5-7 days. Bunker demand has been low in the past week. With calmer weather, suppliers have delivered stems as scheduled.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 23 June, 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

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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