Business

ENGINE: Americas Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Availability tight in Beaumont; rough weather disrupts bunkering in Zona Comun; low demand in Brazil.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 8, 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:

Availability tight in Beaumont
Rough weather disrupts bunkering in Zona Comun
Low demand in Brazil

North America

Bunker demand in Houston has picked up again this week. VLSFO and LSMGO availability in Houston has remained good so far, with most suppliers able to offer both grades within 4-6 days of lead time.

Several suppliers are recommending longer delivery lead times of 7-8 days for HSFO in Houston, while one supplier can supply the grade for prompt dates.

Prompt VLSFO and LSMGO availability is tight in Beaumont. One supplier needs at least 12 days of lead time to deliver the stems there. Securing VLSFO and LSMGO stems for prompt delivery dates is also difficult in Bolivar Roads. Deliveries there are subject to weather conditions and availability of anchorage space, a source says.

At the New Orleans Outer Anchorage (NOLA), VLSFO and LSMGO can be secured for very prompt dates (0-3 days). However, demand has been low so far this week.

Calmer weather conditions have allowed bunkering to run smoothly in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA). Suppliers in the GOLA can accommodate LSMGO and VLSFO stems within 2-3 days of lead time. HSFO is tight in the lightering area, with only one supplier able to deliver stems for prompt dates.

LSMGO demand remains high in the West Coast ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, leading to tight availability of the grade in the region. As a result, LSMGO prices in both ports have surged to massive premiums over other American ports.

Meanwhile, VLSFO availability is good in Los Angeles and Long Beach. Most suppliers are able to deliver both grades with lead times of 4-7 days.

VLSFO and LSMGO grades are readily available in the East Coast port of New York.

Caribbean and Latin America

Demand for all grades has been low across Panamanian ports this week. Bunker fuel availability for prompt dates has improved in Balboa and Cristobal. Several suppliers are able to offer the fuel grades with lead times of 3-4 days, down from last week’s lead time of 5-7 days.

Meanwhile, the waiting time for ships looking to transit the Panama Canal was about 6 days on Thursday, according to the Panama Canal Authority. Due to the low water level in Gatun Lake, the Panama Canal Authority has limited the number of vessels that can cross the waterway, leading to increased waiting time there.

Prompt availability of both VLSFO and LSMGO remains tight off Trinidad and delivery prospects are subject to enquiries, a source says.

Bunker operations have been suspended in Argentina's Zona Comun anchorage since Wednesday due to strong wind gusts. Rough weather conditions are forecast until Friday, which could keep bunkering suspended there. Some suppliers are booking orders for VLSFO and LSMGO stems with lead times of 7-8 days.

Prompt VLSFO and LSMGO availability is good in Brazilian ports. One supplier can deliver stems with 2-3 days of lead time in Rio de Janeiro. However, demand for both grades has been low in Brazilian ports this week.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 8 September, 2023

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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

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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