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ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

HSFO and VLSFO availability tight in Singapore; South China ports brace for typhoon Doksuri; LSMGO availability good across Oman.

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RESIZED ENGINE East of Suez

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:

25 July 2023

  • HSFO and VLSFO availability tight in Singapore
  • South China ports brace for typhoon Doksuri
  • LSMGO availability good across Oman

 

Singapore

HSFO availability has been tight in Singapore amid strong demand for the grade and some suppliers running low on stocks, a source says. Some suppliers are recommending lead times of almost two weeks for HSFO – virtually unchanged from last week.

Meanwhile, the VLSFO market also remains under pressure due to sluggish bunker demand amid increasing supply. More VLSFO has been imported by suppliers and bunker traders in Singapore, with imports increasing by 43,000 b/d from June to 504,000 b/d in July, according to cargo tracker Vortexa.

Despite ample supply of VLSFO, prompt availability remains under pressure and lead times of 9-12 are still recommended for bunker deliveries in the East Asian bunker hub – slightly up from last week.

LSMGO is more readily available, with relatively shorter lead times of 5-8 days.

 

East Asia and Oceania

Weak demand coupled with recent weather-related disruptions has ensured steady supply for all grades in Zhoushan. But bunker deliveries are still subject to weather conditions, a source says.

Bunker deliveries have been suspended by bad weather since Friday in Zhoushan’s OPL area, a source says. Bunkering at Zhoushan's slightly more sheltered Xiushandong anchorage could be suspended on Wednesday if bad weather persists, the source adds.

Adverse weather conditions are forecast to persist for the remaining days of this month, which could keep bunkering halted. The source asserts that it is “hard to tell” when bunkering will fully resume in the Chinese bunkering hub.

China Meteorological Administration has issued an alert for upcoming typhoon Doksuri, which is predicted to make landfall between the Chinese provinces of Fujian and Guangdong provinces on Friday. This might disrupt port operations in the southern part of China.

All bunker fuel grades remain in ample supply in Hong Kong, with unchanged lead times of around seven days.

Meanwhile, the availability of all grades has tightened in South Korean ports. Some suppliers, who were offering all bunker fuel grades at lead times of around 2-6 days, are now offering the grades at longer lead times of 5-8 days.

Bad weather conditions are forecast in the South Korean ports of Ulsan, Onsan and Busan between 26-30 July, in Daesan and Taean between 29-30 July, and in Yeosu between 28-30 July, all of which might disrupt bunker operations.

Adverse weather conditions are also predicted intermittently in the Philippine port of Subic Bay between 25 July and 1 August, the Thai ports of Koh Sichang and Leam Chabang between 27 July and 1 August, the Vietnamese port of Ho Chi Minh between 26 July and 1 August, and the Kiwi port of Tauranga between 25-27 July, which could disrupt bunkering.

Taiwanese and Philippine authorities have also raised typhoon alerts for Doksuri.

 

South Asia

VLSFO and LSMGO can be delivered with around 2-3 days of lead time in several Indian ports, including Kandla on the northwest coast and Cochin and Chennai on the southern coast.

A source says both grades remain relatively tight in Mumbai and Visakhapatnam and deliveries are subject to availability. Meanwhile, supply is subject to enquiry in Tuticorin port located on the southeast coast and Haldia on the east coast as it has been in recent weeks. A supplier in Paradip on the eastern coast of India is almost out of stock for both grades.

Rough weather is forecast to hit the Indian ports of Kandla, Sikka and Visakhapatnam between 28-29 July, 26-27 July and 26-27 July, respectively, which may hamper bunker deliveries.

 

Middle East

Prompt availability of VLSFO remains under pressure in Fujairah, with one supplier recommending lead times of 5-8 days – virtually unchanged from last week. Lead times for LSMGO and HSFO have also remained unchanged at 5-7 days in Fujairah. But some suppliers can offer all grades at prompt dates, these deliveries are subject to stem size, a source says.

Suppliers can offer LSMGO in the Omani ports of Muscat, Duqm, Salalah and Sohar, with prompt deliveries in 1-2 days possible.

By Tuhin Roy

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 26 July, 2023

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Biofuel

Ulsan Port aims to become leading bio bunker fuel supply hub in Northeast Asia

UPA’s Director Byeong-gu Kim unveiled comprehensive plans to promote marine biofuel adoption centered on Ulsan Port at 2nd Forum on the Commercialization of Biofuels for Maritime Vessels in Seoul.

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Ulsan Port aims to become leading bio bunker fuel supply hub in Northeast Asia

Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) on Thursday (24 April) said it is looking to position the port as a leading biofuel supply hub in Northeast Asia. 

UPA, Korea’s port operator for energy and petrochemical logistics, emphasised its strategic role in building a stable marine biofuel supply chain aligned with tightening global regulations.

UPA's Director Byeong-gu Kim unveiled comprehensive plans to promote marine biofuel adoption centered on Ulsan Port at a recent biofuel forum in Seoul, highlighting the port's strategic advantages including its world-class petrochemical infrastructure, extensive storage facilities, and specialised handling expertise.

The presentation showcased UPA's commitment to developing the necessary facilities and operational frameworks to become Northeast Asia's “premier biofuel bunkering destination”.

“As IMO environmental regulations intensify, Ulsan Port Authority is strategically positioned to lead the transition to alternative fuels,” stated UPA President Jae-young Byeon. 

“Marine biofuels represent a practical alternative that can be implemented immediately without requiring new vessel construction or retrofitting. UPA will continue to strengthen port-centered biofuel supply networks and create a competitive eco-friendly marine fuel market through our advanced infrastructure and technical expertise.”

Chief Executive of the Korea Maritime Cooperation Center (KMC), Hong Sun-bae, emphasised that “the strategic partnership between the shipping industry and the logistics sector has become more important than ever in this era of climate-friendly economic transition.”

The 2nd Forum on the Commercialisation of Biofuels for Maritime Vessels, hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and co-organized by UPA and KMC, drew around 300 key stakeholders from across the shipping, energy, terminal, shipbuilding, and finance sectors. 

The event underscored the increasing urgency of eco-friendly fuel adoption, following the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s approval of mid-term greenhouse gas reduction measures.

Expert sessions featured actionable insights and market intelligence from key players in the maritime and energy sectors: 

  •     Key outcomes from the 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC83) by Team Leader Dae-jung Hwang of KMC
  •     Biofuel utilisation and demonstration cases by Manager Dae-sik Seo of HMM
  •     Current usage status and challenges of B100 biofuel by Manager Min-guk Jang of G-Marine Service
  •     Market outlook for marine biofuels by Chief Surveyor Jae-hoon Lim of DNV
  •     Case studies of biofuel applications for marine engines by Team Leader Jae-yup Seo of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering
  •     Global marine biofuel market trends and bunkering developments by Senior Manager Yul-kyung Hong of Hyundai Fuels

 

Photo credit: Ulsan Port Authority
Published: 25 April, 2025

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Shipping Corridor

SFOC report proposes green methanol-fuelled Korea-Europe shipping corridor

Corridor will run between Pyeongtaek Port—the largest hub for automobile imports and exports in South Korea—and major European ports of Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Southampton.

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SFOC report proposes green methanol-fuelled Korea-Europe green shipping corridor

Korean non-government organisation Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC) on Wednesday (23 April) released a report proposing the establishment of a green methanol-fuelled South Korea-Europe shipping corridor. 

The proposed corridor will run between Pyeongtaek Port—the largest hub for automobile imports and exports in South Korea—and major European ports of Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Southampton, presenting strategic pathways for the decarbonization of the maritime sector.

South Korea has announced its “Greenship-K Program” to accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly vessels and set a national goal to achieve a 100% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping by 2050.

Focusing on a green methanol-fuelled Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) operation model, the report quantitatively assessed the potential for greenhouse gas reduction along key routes. Notably, the Bremerhaven–Pyeongtaek route alone is estimated to reduce more than 1.4 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, given its high cargo volume.

The report proposed the adoption of green methanol as the primary fuel for the corridor, with a long-term goal to transition toward e-methanol. This shift is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 70% compared to conventional fossil fuel use.

Beyond fuel switching, the report emphasised the importance of securing a stable green fuel supply chain, establishing supportive legal and institutional frameworks, and fostering close public-private cooperation among shipping companies, cargo owners, port operators, and fuel suppliers to make the corridor a viable reality.

“With these foundational elements in place, Pyeongtaek Port is well positioned to become the starting point of Korea’s transition toward a decarbonised maritime sector,” SFOC said. 

Note: The full report by SFOC can be viewed here and it is also available in Korean here.  

 

Photo credit: Solutions for Our Climate
Published: 25 April, 2025

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Biofuel

MASH Makes powers first vessel trial with bio bunker fuel from carbon-negative process

NORDEN and MASH Make completed the world’s first commercial vessel trial using B20 blend produced from a carbon-negative process; vessel operated on a roundtrip voyage from Singapore to Brazil.

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MASH Makes powers first vessel trial with bio bunker fuel from carbon-negative process

Global shipping company DS NORDEN and renewable energy company MASH Makes on Thursday (21 April) successfully completed the world’s first commercial vessel trial using biofuel produced from a carbon-negative process. 

The vessel operated on a roundtrip voyage from Singapore to Brazil, successfully using 65 tonnes of fuel blend with 20% MASH Makes biofuel in its auxiliary engine.

“This trial proves that MASH Makes’ biofuel is suitable for marine engines, and it marks an important milestone towards bringing the fuel into our operation,” said Henrik Røjel, Head of Decarbonisation and Climate Solutions, NORDEN.

The trial demonstrated that MASH Makes’ biofuel is technically a drop-in fuel, compatible with existing systems and capable of reducing reliance on fossil fuels in specific marine applications. 

The results point to a practical path for shipowners to cut emissions without waiting for new infrastructure.

If the new agreement by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to cap and price excess emissions globally is ratified in October 2025, MASH Makes offers a solution that enables shipowners to start significantly reducing their emissions well before the agreement takes effect in 2028.

“Our biofuel meets the technical requirements of the shipping industry and can be used in unmodified engines. It’s a seamless, scalable alternative ready to cut emissions today,” said MASH Makes CEO Jakob Bejbro Andersen.

Unlike emerging fuels like green hydrogen or ammonia, which require new infrastructure, MASH Makes biofuel integrates directly with existing systems.

NORDEN acquired a minority stake in MASH Makes in 2023 to strengthen its future supply of renewable fuels. Since the acquisition, the two companies have worked closely together to validate the biofuel for marine usage. 

 

Photo credit: DS NORDEN
Published: 25 April, 2025

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