Business

ENGINE: Americas Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

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

Published

3 months ago

July 14, 2023

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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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
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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.”

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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
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“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.

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Photo credit: TotalEnergies Marine Fuels
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