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ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

VLSFO and HSFO supply tight in Singapore; demand weak in rough weather-exposed Zhoushan; several East Asian ports face possible weather disruptions.

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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:

1 August 2023

  • VLSFO and HSFO supply tight in Singapore
  • Demand weak in rough weather-exposed Zhoushan
  • Several East Asian ports face possible weather disruptions

 

Singapore

Overall demand has been “muted” in Singapore so far this week, a source says. Availability of HSFO remains tight in Singapore as it has been in recent weeks, with several suppliers recommending lead times of almost two weeks – virtually unchanged from last week.

Meanwhile, increasing supply and weak demand have kept the VLSFO market under pressure in the East Asian bunkering hub. Some suppliers, who were offering the grade at lead times of 7-11 days last week, are now advising lead times of 11-13 days.

LSMGO remains more readily available with shorter lead times of 4-7 days recommended.

Singapore’s residual fuel oil stocks averaged 3% lower in July than across June, according to Enterprise Singapore. The port's fuel oil stocks decreased despite an increase in net fuel oil imports. Both fuel oil exports and imports were up in July. Fuel oil imports rose by 18%, and to their highest level since last June. Fuel oil exports also surged 21% in July.

In the same time frame, the port’s middle distillate stocks also declined by 5%.

 

East Asia and Oceania

Weak bunker demand along with intermittent weather-related disruptions have ensured a steady bunker supply in Zhoushan. Most suppliers recommend prompt lead times, however, these deliveries are still subject to weather conditions. Several “supplier barges are available for prompt delivery”, a source says.

Bunker operations have been suspended by rough weather across all anchorages in Zhoushan again. Adverse weather conditions have been triggered by Typhoon Khanun, which is moving in the west-northwestward direction in the Philippine Sea, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

Bunkering is likely to resume fully across all of these anchorages from 8-9 August, a second source adds.

China's National Meteorological Center (NMC) has issued typhoon alerts for strong winds as typhoon Khanun approaches east China. Authorities in China have cautioned all ports, ships and personnel operating in the region, especially the coastal province of Zhejiang.

Khanun follows Typhoon Doksuri which made landfall last week in the southeastern coastal province of Fujian in China after lashing the northern Philippines and parts of Taiwan. The influence of Doksuri has not waned as it continues to bring heavy rainfall to northern China.

Japanese authorities have also issued typhoon alerts for the island of Okinawa due to typhoon Khanun.

Rough weather is also forecast in Hong Kong on 4 August, which could impact bunker operations.

Availability of all bunker fuel grades remains good in Hong Kong, with most suppliers advising lead times of around seven days - virtually unchanged from last week.

Meanwhile, availability has improved across all grades in South Korean ports, with lead times coming down slightly from 5-8 days last week to around six days now.

Rough weather conditions are predicted in the South Korean ports of Ulsan and Onsan between 4-8 August, in Busan between 4-6 August, in Daesan and Taean between 4-5 August, and in Yeosu between 1-6 August, all of which could disrupt bunker deliveries.

Adverse weather conditions are also forecast in the Philippine port of Subic Bay between 2-8 August, in the Thai ports of Koh Sichang and Leam Chabang between 2-8 August, in the Vietnamese port of Ho Chi Minh between 2-8 August, and in the Kiwi port of Tauranga 2-4 August, which might disrupt bunker deliveries.

 

South Asia

Several Indian ports, including Kandla on the northwest coast, and Cochin and Chennai on the southern coast have good availability of VLSFO and LSMGO, with short lead times of around 2-3 days.

But both grades remain subject to availability in Mumbai and Visakhapatnam, as it has been in recent weeks. Meanwhile, supply is subject to enquiry in Tuticorin port located on the southeast coast and Haldia on the east coast, a source says.

Bad weather is forecast to hit the Indian ports of Kandla and Sikka between 1-3 August, and in Visakhapatnam on 2 August, which may hamper bunker operations.

The Sri Lankan port of Colombo is predicted to witness spells of bad weather on 1-2 August, and 7 August, which could impact bunker deliveries.

Meanwhile, Bangladeshi authorities have issued alerts across the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra due to monsoon depression over the northeast Bay of Bengal, according to GAC Hot Port News.

 

Middle East

A source says that prompt availability of all grades remains “super tight” in Fujairah amid good demand. Several suppliers are recommending lead times of 5-7 days – almost unchanged from last week. However, some can supply prompt dates, but these deliveries depend on stem sizes.

The other UAE port of Khor Fakkan also has unchanged lead times of 5-7 days across all grades.

By Tuhin Roy

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 2 August, 2023

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Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 9.1% on year in January 2025

4.46 million mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in January, a drop from 4.91 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2024, according to MPA data.

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Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 9.1% on year in January 2025

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port decreased by 9.1% on year in January 2025, according to Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) data.

In total, 4.46 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,461,710 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in January, a drop from 4.91 million mt (4,906,100 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2024.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in January (against on year) recorded respectively 1.66 million mt (zero from 1.66 million mt), 2.43 million mt (-15% from 2.86 million mt), 900 (+100% from zero), 3,100 mt (-77% from 13,500 mt) and zero (from zero).

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 9.1% on year in January 2025

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in January (against on year) recorded respectively 16,000 (+100% from zero), 92,000 mt (+103% from 45,300 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero).

LNG and methanol sales were posted respectively at 6,600 mt (-36.5% from 10,400) and zero (from zero).

A complete series of articles on Singapore bunker volumes by Manifold Times in 2024 can be found below:

Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 5.2% on year in December 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales gain by 4.6% on year in November 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales gain by 10.8% on year in October 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales continue to increase by 2.8% on year in September 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 7.2% on year in August 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales up by 3.3% on year in July 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales gain 8.7% in June 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 6.7% in May 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 0.6% on year in April 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 6.4% on year in March 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales up by 18.8% on year in February 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales up by 12.1% on year in January 2024

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 14 February, 2025

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Bunker Fuel

Singapore-based Straits Bio-LNG aims to deliver 250,000 mt of bio-LNG bunker fuel per year

Firm is currently in advanced stage of testing breaking down Empty Fruit Bunch through an established biological process with high enzyme concentration in its R&D facility in Malaysia to produce bio-LNG.

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Singapore-based Straits Bio-LNG aims to deliver 250,000 mt of bio-LNG bunker fuel per year

Straits Bio-LNG, a privately owned supplier of bio-LNG, is aiming to deliver 250,000 metric tonnes (mt) of bio-LNG per year in Singapore, according to SEA-LNG on Thursday (13 February).

The Singapore-based company, led by SK Tan as CEO, is doing so in response to the growing demand for LNG. LNG bunkering volumes have grown significantly in key bunkering hubs as more LNG-fuelled vessels have entered into operation. 

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) saw a dramatic four-fold increase in 2024 to almost 340,000 mt, SEA-LNG said in a statement announcing Straits Bio-LNG joining the coalition. 

Headquartered in Singapore, the company boasts a growing team led by SK Tan as CEO.  

Yiyong He, Director at Straits Bio-LNG, said: “We’re firmly convinced in the viability of the LNG pathway to decarbonise the shipping industry. With its very low carbon intensity and improving commerciality, liquified biomethane will be a critical piece of the puzzle for decarbonising the sector.”

“By joining SEA-LNG, we’re proud to be part of a collection of first movers making real strides to make the LNG pathway a tangible reality today.”

Straits Bio-LNG aims to reach its bio-LNG supply goal by using pioneering methods. It is currently in the advanced stage of testing breaking down Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) through an established biological process with high enzyme concentration in its R&D facility in Malaysia. 

Both Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) and EFB are sustainable biomass resources listed in the “List of Materials Eligible for ISCC EU Certification” and are therefore compliant with the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED).

Peter Keller, chairman of SEA-LNG, added: “The Port of Singapore is the largest global bunkering hub. As seen in our View from the Bridge report, 2024 saw record growth in LNG and liquified biomethane bunkering, but we need more fuel to meet upcoming demand.”

“The use of liquefied biomethane as a marine fuel can reduce GHG emissions by up to 80% compared to marine diesel on a full well-to-wake basis. When produced from the anaerobic digestion of waste materials, such as manure, POME or EFB, methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere is captured, resulting in negative emissions of up to -190% compared with diesel."

An independent study by the Maritime Energy and Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence at Nanyang Technical University in Singapore found that pure bio-LNG could cover up to 13% of the total energy demand for shipping fuels in 2050, rising to 63% for a 20% blending ratio. 

SEA-LNG added MPA has firmly established itself as a leader in the LNG pathway, with suppliers such as Straits Bio-LNG reinforcing this position. 

Recently, the port launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) to explore scalable solutions for sea-based LNG reloading to complement the existing onshore LNG bunkering storage and jetty capacities and the supply of e/bio-methane as marine fuel in the Port of Singapore.

“Straits Bio-LNG will play a critical role in furthering the expansion of liquified biomethane at scale to meet the demand and continuing to showcase the LNG pathway as a practical and realistic solution for shipowners to decarbonise their operations, starting today,” it said. 

Related: Singapore: MPA launches EOI to expand LNG bunkering services amid growing demand

 

Photo credit: Straits Bio-LNG
Published: 14 February, 2025

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Winding up

Singapore: Final meetings scheduled for Gagarmayang Maritime and related companies

Other companies involved are Pramoni Maritime Pte Ltd, Wulansari Maritime Pte Ltd, Anjasmoro Maritime Pte Ltd and Indradi Maritime Pte Ltd.

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Resized benjamin child

The final meetings of members of Gagarmayang Maritime Pte Ltd and related companies, has been scheduled to take place on 12 March, according to the company’s liquidators on a notice posted on Wednesday (12 February) on the Government Gazette.

The other companies involved in the matter are Pramoni Maritime Pte Ltd, Wulansari Maritime Pte Ltd, Anjasmoro Maritime Pte Ltd and Indradi Maritime Pte Ltd.

The meetings will be held by way of electronic means at 11am for the purpose of having an account laid before the members showing the manner in which the winding up has been conducted and the property of the company disposed of and of hearing any explanation that may be given by the liquidators.

The details of the liquidators are as follows:

Hamish Alexander Christie
c/o H.A. Christie & Co
20 Collyer Quay, #11-05
Singapore 049319

Related: Singapore: Wulansari Maritime Pte Ltd and related companies to be wound up voluntarily
Related: Creditors meeting for Anjasmoro Maritime and affiliated sister firms to be held in Oct

 

Photo credit: Benjamin-child
Published: 14 February, 2025

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