Bunker Fuel Availability

ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (1 Oct 2024)

VLSFO and HSFO supply is tight in Zhoushan; typhoon Krathon suspends bunkering across Taiwanese ports; VLSFO and LSMGO supply is good in several Oceanic ports.

Published

6 months ago

October 2, 2024

Admin

The following article regarding regional bunker fuel availability outlook for the East of Suez region has been provided by online marine fuels procurement platform ENGINE for publication on Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times:

VLSFO and HSFO supply is tight in Zhoushan
Typhoon Krathon suspends bunkering across Taiwanese ports
VLSFO and LSMGO supply is good in several Oceanic ports

Singapore and Malaysia

Despite normal bunker demand, prompt VLSFO availability in Singapore remains tight as some suppliers struggle with low stock levels and terminal loading delays. Several suppliers now recommend lead times of nearly two weeks for the grade. Some can accommodate stems with shorter lead times of around eight days, though these are typically priced higher, according to a source.

HSFO supply is also strained, with lead times extending beyond two weeks. In contrast, LSMGO availability is relatively better, with lead times ranging from 2-8 days.

Singapore's residual fuel oil stocks have averaged 7% lower so far this month compared to August, according to the latest data from Enterprise Singapore. Despite a 30% rise in Singapore's net fuel oil imports this month, stocks have fallen below 18 million bbls, the lowest level since November 2018. Both imports and exports of fuel oil have dropped, with imports down by 391,000 bbls and exports down by a massive 1.13 million bbls. The port’s middle distillate stocks have also declined, averaging 8% lower this month.

In Malaysia's Port Klang, VLSFO and LSMGO supplies are strong, with some suppliers able to offer prompt deliveries for smaller quantities. However, HSFO availability remains limited in the port.

East Asia

VLSFO and HSFO availability in Zhoushan has become tighter, with several suppliers recommending lead times of 7-10 days due to low stock levels. In contrast, LSMGO is more readily available, with shorter lead times of 3-5 days. Bunkering activity in Zhoushan remains subdued due to the Golden Week holidays in the country.

In Northern China, the ports of Dalian and Qingdao have ample VLSFO and LSMGO supplies, though HSFO is limited in Qingdao. All three fuel grades remain in short supply in Tianjin. Shanghai has strong LSMGO availability, but VLSFO and HSFO are scarce. Fuzhou has good supplies of both VLSFO and LSMGO, while Guangzhou and Yangpu face restrictions on the prompt availability of both grades. In Xiamen, VLSFO availability is good, but LSMGO is tight.

In Hong Kong, lead times of around seven days are recommended for all fuel grades, almost unchanged from last week. Weather forecasts predict intermittent wind gusts of 19-31 knots and swells exceeding one metre from 1-5 October, which could affect bunker deliveries at the port.

Meanwhile, bunker deliveries across Taiwanese ports, including Kaohsiung, Hualien, Suao, and Mailiao, were suspended Tuesday morning due to the effects of Typhoon Krathon, according to a source.

Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA) reported that the typhoon is expected to make landfall near Kaohsiung early Wednesday afternoon. Bunker operations at Taichung and Keelung ports are also expected to be suspended by Tuesday evening.

Lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO at Hualien, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Keelung have increased from 2-3 days last week to around 3-5 days.

In southern South Korean ports, VLSFO and LSMGO supplies remain stable, with lead times of 5-9 days recommended by several suppliers. However, HSFO availability is tight, with lead times of more than 15 days recommended.

In western South Korean ports, lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO have increased to 9-15 days, up from 7-11 days last week. HSFO now also requires lead times of 9-15 days, a significant jump from around four days last week.

Additionally, rough weather is forecast to intermittently impact bunker operations at the ports of Ulsan, Onsan, Busan, Daesan, Taean, and Yeosu throughout this week. A source reported that bad weather has been disrupting barge deliveries in several South Korean ports since yesterday.

In Japan, LSMGO supply remains strong at key ports, including Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Nagoya, Yokkaichi, Mizushima, and Oita. HSFO availability is generally good, though prompt supply is limited in Oita. VLSFO is available at most ports, but prompt supply is tight in Nagoya, Yokkaichi, and Oita.

Although HSFO availability is currently stable in Tokyo Bay, it is expected to tighten soon due to technical issues at refineries. One refinery has halted HSFO production until 10 October, and two others are experiencing cargo loading delays, according to a source.

The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts that Typhoon Krathon will approach the southwestern Okinawa Prefecture in the coming days. Severe Tropical Storm Jebi was tracking northward across the North Pacific on Tuesday, approaching the Kanto region, including Tokyo. These storms may disrupt bunker operations at Japanese ports.

Oceania

A bunker barge serving Fremantle and Kwinana ports is in dry dock until mid-November, leaving VLSFO unavailable by barge during this time. However, LSMGO can still be supplied at berth. The Western Australian port of Kembla remains unaffected, as bunker deliveries are made exclusively by truck and ex-pipe.

Adverse weather is forecast in Fremantle between 2-3 October, and the port authority has issued a notice outlining the necessary precautions for vessels operating in the Port of Fremantle to protect port infrastructure and vessels.

In Victoria, Melbourne and Geelong have ample VLSFO and LSMGO supplies, though securing prompt HSFO deliveries may be difficult. In Queensland, Brisbane and Gladstone ports have sufficient VLSFO and LSMGO with lead times of 7-8 days, but HSFO availability is limited in Brisbane.

In New Zealand, Tauranga and Auckland have a good supply of VLSFO, with Auckland also having strong LSMGO availability. However, intermittent rough weather in Tauranga this week may affect bunker operations.

South Asia

In the Indian ports of Mumbai, Kandla, Tuticorin, Cochin, and Chennai, VLSFO and LSMGO supplies remain limited. Both grades are available in Visakhapatnam, while a supplier in Paradip and Haldia is nearly out of both.

In contrast, Sri Lanka's ports of Colombo and Hambantota have ample supplies of all grades, with prompt deliveries also possible.

Middle East

Availability of all grades remains tight in Fujairah, with most suppliers recommending lead times of 7-10 days, similar to last week. But some suppliers can still offer grades for prompt deliveries, according to a source. A similar situation exists in Khor Fakkan, where lead times of 7-10 days are advised for all grades.

In Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah port, VLSFO and LSMGO are in abundant supply. VLSFO supply is limited in nearby Djibouti, while LSMGO is more readily available.

Omani ports, including Sohar, Salalah, Muscat, and Duqm, have ample LSMGO supplies with prompt delivery options.

By Tuhin Roy

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 2 October, 2024

Up Next

GENA Solutions: Total renewable and low-carbon methanol project pipeline rises from 36.1 to 37.5 Mt by 2030

Don't Miss

Sea Trader subsidiary opens third Asia bunker trading office in Singapore

Bunker Fuel Availability

ENGINE: Americas Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (20 Mar 2025)

New York bunker supply is steady; fog season across the US Gulf Coast; VLSFO availability in Zona Comun remains volatile.

Published

13 hours ago

March 21, 2025

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:

New York bunker supply is steady
Fog season across the US Gulf Coast
VLSFO availability in Zona Comun remains volatile

North America

Bunker fuel availability across all grades in Houston remains tight through 21 March, with lead times extending beyond seven days.

Weather conditions at the East Coast port are currently stable, but high wind gusts are expected to pick up by the end of the week.

The US Gulf Coast is in the midst of its fog season, leading to reduced visibility across the region. Bunkering operations at ports such as Houston, Galveston, Lake Charles, Pascagoula, Mobile, Port Arthur, Freeport and Corpus Christi could face further delays due to fog, a source said.

Bunker fuel availability in New York and across the East Coast is steady. In New York, suppliers can offer prompt deliveries with expected lead times of 3-4 days.

Strong wind gusts between 20-23 March could lead to possible delays at New York and affect the availability of bunker barges. However, there are no reported backlogs.

On the West Coast, in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, demand has been quiet so far this week, and prompt availability across all fuel grades is good. Suppliers recommend lead times of 6-7 days.

Bunker deliveries in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) are currently in progress and are expected to fully resume this afternoon.

However, operations may face further disruptions until March 20 due to strong wind gusts, a source said.

In Canada’s Montreal, bunker operations could face disruptions from 20-24 March due to high wind gusts. Barge activity remains limited to daylight hours, contributing to backlog congestion. High winds may also cause delays.

Caribbean and Latin America

Bunker demand in Panama has been relatively slow this week, a source says.

HSFO availability in Cristobal requires a lead time of at least seven days for prompt deliveries, while in Balboa, lead times are shorter due to a higher number of barges operating on that side of the canal, allowing for quicker deliveries.

For VLSFO and LSMGO, supply is available in both Balboa and Panama within a week.

“It is best to book bunkers only after the vessel's transit slot is confirmed to ensure timely delivery, and secure the most cost-effective refueling option,” the source added.

VLSFO availability at the Zona Comun anchorage remains volatile, with lower prices indicating a drop in demand. Lead times are currently around 10-12 days.

Strong wind gusts exceeding 20 knots are forecast at the anchorage through 23 March, potentially disrupting operations until next Tuesday. These conditions may cause delays in bunker deliveries and could lead to prolonged interruptions.

In Argentina, Bahía Blanca port, a key hub for wheat exports operations, are gradually returning to normal after being severely impacted by a strong gale on 7 March.

The storm caused widespread flooding, power outages, and brought all transport to a halt in the city and port area.

The last berths to resume operations include a grain export facility at Puerto Galván, a key terminal in Bahía Blanca that handles agricultural and industrial cargo, and a urea production facility.

Both suffered significant power supply damage, leading to extended repair work.

Bunker fuel availability in the Brazilian port of Santos was very tight earlier in March, but the situation is getting better now, a source said.

Availability across all grades is good in Santa Marta, Barranquilla, and Cartagena, with recommended lead times of 2-3 days, another source said.

By Gautamee Hazarika

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 21 March, 2025

Bunker Fuel Availability

ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (19 Mar 2025)

HSFO supply tightens in the ARA; severe backlog in Gibraltar; LSMGO still dry in Durban.

Published

2 days ago

March 20, 2025

Admin

The following article regarding Europe and Africa bunker fuel availability has been provided by online marine fuel procurement platform ENGINE for post on Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times:

HSFO supply tightens in the ARA
Severe backlog in Gibraltar
LSMGO still dry in Durban

Northwest Europe

Prompt HSFO availability is tight in Rotterdam and the wider ARA hub. Lead times for HSFO have stretched to 8-10 days from 5-7 days last week due to barge loading delays, a trader said. VLSFO is comparatively better, but remains tight for very prompt delivery dates, with recommended lead times of 5-7 days. LSMGO supply is ample, with lead times of 3-5 days as advised.

The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks have declined by 9% so far this month compared to February, according to Insights Global data.

The region has imported 157,000 b/d of fuel oil so far this month, down from 298,000 b/d of fuel oil in February, according to data from cargo tracker Vortexa.

The United Kingdom (28% of the total) has become the region’s biggest fuel oil import source, followed by Mexico (20%), Germany (16%), Poland (15%), the Bahamas (14%) and Nigeria (7%).

The region’s independent gasoil inventories - which include diesel and heating oil – have averaged 9% lower so far this month. The ARA hub has imported 220,000 b/d of gasoil and diesel so far this month, registering a decline from 277,000 b/d imported in February, according to Vortexa data.

Prompt bunker supply in Germany’s Hamburg is well stocked, a trader told ENGINE. Lead times of 3-5 days for all three grades.

Mediterranean

Lead times remain consistent with last week in Gibraltar, a trader said, recommending 5-7 days for optimal coverage from suppliers. Severe congestion was reported in Gibraltar port on Tuesday due to a backlog of 24 vessels triggered by rough weather conditions in the port area, according to port agent MH Bland. Congestion has persisted on Wednesday, but the backlog has reduced slightly to 16 vessels today, MH Bland said.

In the Canary Islands’ port of Las Palmas, prompt supply is still tight, a trader said. Lead times have remained unchanged over the last few weeks with suppliers able to offer within 5-7 days.

Meanwhile, in the other Mediterranean bunker hubs like Istanbul, Piraeus and Malta Offshore, supply is ample, a trader said.

In Turkey’s Istanbul, bunkers are well stocked and recommended lead times are 3-5 days. Weather is forecast to remain calm for the rest of the week, conducive to smooth bunkering in the port area.

The Greek port of Piraeus has good availability of VLSFO and LSMGO with lead times of 3-5 days. HSFO is subject to enquiry in the port.

Off Malta, supply is good, with lead times of 3-5 days advised. Rough weather may hamper bunkering off Malta this week, a source said. Strong easterly wind gusts around 19 knots are forecast off Malta today, said MH Bland. Rough weather is also forecast on Saturday with south-easterly wind gusts of around 27 knots.

Africa

Prompt VLSFO supply is tight in the South African ports of Durban and Richards Bay, a trader told ENGINE. Lead times of 7-10 days are advised for the grade in both ports. LSMGO is still dry in Durban, the trader added.

VLSFO and LSMGO supply is good in Angola’s Luanda, a source said. Lead times of up to five days are advised for optimal coverage.

By Manjula Nair

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 20 March, 2025

Bunker Fuel

Panama bunker fuel sales up by 17.5% on year in February 2025

Total bunker sales at Panama was 415,430 metric tonnes in February 2025, compared to sales of 353,629 mt during the similar period in 2024, according to latest PMA data.

Published

3 days ago

March 19, 2025

Admin

Bunker fuel sales at Panama increased by about 17.5% in February 2025, according to the latest data from La Autoridad Maritima de Panama, also known as the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA).

Total bunker sales at Panama was 415,430 metric tonnes (mt) in February 2025, compared to sales of 353,629 mt during the similar period in 2024.

In February 2025, the Pacific side of Panama posted bunker sales of 337,620 mt; 217,165 mt of VLSFO, 90,815 mt of RMG 380, 2,187 of marine gas oil (MGO), and 27,453 mt of low sulphur marine gas oil (LSMGO) were delivered.

The similar region saw total marine sales of 272,618 mt a year before in February; with VLSFO sales at 156,053 mt, RMG 380 sales at 86,515 mt, MGO sales at 8,639 mt, and 21,411 mt of LSMGO being sold.

Panama’s Atlantic side, meanwhile, recorded total bunker fuel sales of 77,810 during February 2025; the figure comprised 47,835 mt of VLSFO, 17,138 mt of RMG 380, 4,744 mt of MGO, and 8,093 mt of LSMGO.

It saw total sales of 81,011 mt in February a year before; with VLSFO sales of 63,554 mt, RMG 380 sales of 7,636, 4,219 mt of MGO, and LSMGO sales of 5,602 mt.

Photo credit: jhernandezb05 from Pixabay
Published: 19 March, 2025