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ENGINE: Americas Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

LSMGO tight in NOLA; prompt HSFO supply improves in Panama; bad weather hinders Zona Comun bunkering.

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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:

13 July 2023

  • LSMGO tight in NOLA
  • Prompt HSFO supply improves in Panama
  • Bad weather hinders Zona Comun bunkering

 

North America

Demand for all fuel grades has improved in Houston this week. VLSFO and LSMGO grades are generally in good supply with suppliers in the Houston area. Most suppliers are able to deliver stems with 2-3 days of lead time, as well as on dates further out. HSFO needs a longer lead time of 6-7 days with most suppliers. However, one supplier can deliver it on very prompt dates.

Several cases of contaminated VLSFO stems supplied in the US Gulf Coast region have been reported in the past month, particularly in Houston and New Orleans. Several vessels using these fuels have reported loss of power.

Prompt delivery of VLSFO and LSMGO is possible in Bolivar Roads with a recommended lead time of 3-4 days. However, deliveries there are subject to weather conditions and anchorage space, a source says.

Similarly, availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is good in Beaumont and Port Arthur, but demand has been low in these ports this week.

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal for prompt dates in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA), a source says. The offshore area is forecast to experience favourable weather conditions this week, which would allow smooth bunker deliveries there.

Most suppliers can offer VLSFO for prompt dates at the New Orleans Outer Anchorage (NOLA) within five days. However, LSMGO availability can be tight with few suppliers and prices can fluctuate greatly between suppliers at the location, a source says.

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is good in the West Coast ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Recommended delivery time of several suppliers are between 5-7 days, which is better than normal in the West Coast ports. HSFO stems can also be secured, and has a longer lead time of more than seven days.

Bunker operations have not been affected in the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert due to the port workers’ strike in Canada’s British Columbia., a source said. Availability of all fuel grades is tight for prompt dates in Vancouver.

Securing HSFO deliveries in New York is difficult for prompt dates. Only three suppliers are able to offer HSFO stems in the port now, according to a source. Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO in the port remains good for prompt dates.

 

Caribbean and Latin America

Prompt availability of all fuel grades is normal in Panama’s Balboa and Cristobal. One supplier is able to deliver HSFO stems in the ports with a lead time of three days, up from last week’s 10-day lead time. Several other suppliers can deliver HSFO stems in Balboa only within 4-6 days of lead time.

Meanwhile, some bunker buyers have been keen to book Panama stems for dates between the end of August and September.

HSFO is tight for prompt dates off Trinidad. VLSFO and LSMGO can be secured with a lead time of 5-7 days.

Demand has been low this week in the Brazilian ports of Santos, Rio Grande and Rio de Janeiro. Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO remains good for prompt dates with most suppliers.

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO stems is tight at Argentina’s Zona Comun anchorage. The earliest delivery dates with several suppliers in Zona Comun stretch up to 22-23 July, a source said.

Bunker operations have been suspended in Zona Comun due to rough weather conditions. The area is currently experiencing strong gale-force wind gusts of up to 35 knots. The weather is expected to clear up from Thursday evening and deliveries are expected to restart. However, delays are expected as a large number of vessels is due to arrive.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 14 July, 2023

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Biofuel

NYK to launch Japan’s first antioxidant for biodiesel bunker fuel in August

When added to biofuel, BioxiGuard slows progression of oxidative degradation and helps deter issues such as metal corrosion, strainer blockage, and cleaning-system fouling often triggered by oxidised fuel.

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Japan’s first antioxidant by NYK for biodiesel bunker fuel set to release in August

Nippon Yuka Kogyo (Nippon Yuka), an NYK Group company specialising in chemical R&D as well as the manufacture and sale of chemical products, on Wednesday (21 May) announced the upcoming release of BioxiGuard, the Japan’s first antioxidant specially developed for marine biodiesel, from 10 August.

NYK said compared with conventional petroleum-based fuels, biofuel contains a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, making it more susceptible to oxidative degradation. Once oxidised, the biofuel can produce acidic substances and sludge, adversely affecting vessel fuel efficiency by reducing the fuel’s calorific value.

Developed by Nippon Yuka based on property analyses of the biofuel used in NYK-operated vessels, BioxiGuard is specifically formulated to enhance the oxidation stability of biodiesel. When added to biofuel, BioxiGuard slows the progression of oxidative degradation and helps deter issues such as metal corrosion, strainer blockage, and cleaning-system fouling often triggered by oxidised fuel.

According to laboratory tests conducted by Nippon Yuka researchers, the addition of BioxiGuard at a concentration of 1 part per 500 resulted in an approximate 50% reduction in the rate of biofuel degradation compared to untreated biofuel. 

This significant improvement underscores the potential for vessel operators to not only extend the useful life of biofuel on board but also maintain more stable and cost-effective vessel operations.

 

Photo credit: NYK
Published: 22 May, 2025

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Wind-assisted

Dealfeng to equip Singapore-based Hung Ze’s chemical tankers with rotor sails

Project marks Chinese firm Dealfeng’s first overseas commercial contract for its wind-assisted propulsion technology which entails equipping a new series of 14,000 DWT chemical tankers with Dealfeng Rotor Sails.

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Singapore-based Hung Ze chemical tankers to be equipped with Dealfeng rotor sails

Dealfeng, a Chinese provider of wind-assisted propulsion systems, on Tuesday (20 May) said it has assigned a cooperation agreement with Singapore-based shipowner Hung Ze Shipping.

The partnership will equip a new series of 14,000 DWT chemical tankers with Dealfeng® Rotor Sails. 

Each vessel will feature a 5m x 24m Dealfeng Rotor Sail installed on its forecastle deck. Collaborating with maritime software leader NAPA, the project will utilise route optimisation systems to maximise the efficiency of wind-assisted voyages, further enhancing fuel savings and emissions reduction while improving overall energy performance.

“The first vessel in the series is scheduled for delivery with the rotor sail system in the fourth quarter of 2025. Preliminary calculations indicate that the technology will achieve approximately 8% fuel savings on the vessel’s trading routes,” the company said in a social media post. 

The project marked Dealfeng’s first overseas commercial contract for its wind-assisted propulsion technology.

Dealfeng, a clean energy technology company specialising in the R&D, manufacturing, and EPC services of shipborne energy-saving systems, has long focused on developing Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS). Its core product, the Rotor Sail, harnesses wind energy via the Magnus effect to provide auxiliary propulsion for vessels. 

Tailored to different ship types, the system offers fuel and carbon emission reductions of 5%–25%, with even greater efficiency under favorable wind conditions. Dealfeng’s Rotor Sail technology has obtained certifications from multiple classification societies and has been successfully deployed across numerous vessels, accumulating years of operational experience that validate its safety, reliability, and effectiveness.

Hung Ze operates a diverse fleet ranging from 5,000 DWT vessels to MR product tankers. 

 

Photo credit: Dealfeng
Published: 22 May, 2025

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Newbuilding

Höegh Autoliners latest LNG dual-fuel PCTC en route to Shanghai for bunkering

The 9,100 CEU “Höegh Sunrise”, currently sailing the seas, is on its way to Shanghai for bunkering before sailing to Japan and then towards Europe.

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Höegh Autoliners latest LNG dual-fuel PCTC en route to Shanghai for bunkering

Höegh Autoliners on Tuesday (20 May) said its latest liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel pure car and truck carrier has departed China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard, ready to commence its commercial operations.

The 9,100 CEU Höegh Sunrise, currently sailing the seas, is on its way to Shanghai for bunkering before sailing to Japan and then towards Europe. 

The PCTC is the fifth in a series of 12 Aurora Class vessels built by the shipyard in China. The first eight Auroras are or will be equipped with engines primed to run on LNG and low-sulphur oil. 

These vessels can be converted to run on ammonia later. By 2027, Höegh Autoliners said the four last vessels of the series will be able to run net zero on ammonia directly from the yard when delivered.

Manifold Times previously reported the naming ceremony of Höegh Autoliner’s fourth Aurora Class newbuild, Höegh Sunlight, at Taicang Haitong Auto Terminal.

Related: Höegh Autoliners names LNG-powered RoRo ship “Höegh Sunlight” in China|
Related: Gasum completes SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation of PCTC “Höegh Sunlight”

 

Photo credit: Höegh Autoliners
Published: 22 May, 2025

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