Bunker Fuel

ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (13 August 2024)

Availability is good for all grades in Zhoushan; low bunker demand in several South Korean ports; LSMGO supply is good across Omani ports.

Published

7 months ago

August 14, 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:

Availability is good for all grades in Zhoushan
Low bunker demand in several South Korean ports
LSMGO supply is good across Omani ports

Singapore and Malaysia

VLSFO availability in Singapore remains tight, with several suppliers advising lead times of 9-13 days, consistent with last week. Some suppliers expect replenishment stocks to arrive towards the end of this month, which could boost supply in the port, according to a source.

HSFO supply is also under pressure, with lead times extending from last week's 8-11 days to 10-12 days. LSMGO is more readily available, with lead times of 2-5 days.

According to Enterprise Singapore, the port's residual fuel oil stocks have averaged 2% higher so far in August than in July. Singapore has experienced a significant 54% decline in net fuel oil imports so far this month, with a reduction of 1.86 million bbls, while fuel oil exports have increased by a modest 255,000 bbls. Additionally, the port’s middle distillate stocks have surged, averaging 14% higher on the month.

In Malaysia's Port Klang, VLSFO and LSMGO supply is good, with some suppliers offering prompt deliveries for smaller quantities, although HSFO availability remains limited.

East Asia

In Zhoushan, bunker demand remains low as it has been in recent weeks. Most suppliers recommend lead times of 3-6 days for VLSFO and LSMGO, and 4-7 days for HSFO, consistent with last week.

In Northern China, VLSFO and LSMGO are readily available at the ports of Dalian, Qingdao, and Tianjin. However, HSFO supply is somewhat limited in Qingdao and Tianjin. Shanghai has a strong supply of VLSFO and LSMGO, but HSFO availability is quite limited. The ports of Fuzhou and Xiamen also have good availability of VLSFO and LSMGO grades, while prompt availability of both grades is somewhat constrained in Guangzhou and Yangpu ports.

At Taiwanese ports like Hualien, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Keelung, the supply of VLSFO and LSMGO remains ample, with prompt lead times of about two days recommended, consistent with last week.

In Hong Kong, all bunker fuel grades are readily available, with typical lead times of seven days.

In South Korean ports, the availability of all fuel grades remains good due to low bunker demand. Most suppliers are recommending lead times of about 3-7 days for all grades in southern South Korean ports and around seven days in western South Korean ports.

High waves are forecasted to affect the South Korean ports of Ulsan, Onsan, and Busan between 13-14 August, and Yeosu between 16-18 August, which could impact bunker operations at these locations.

In Japan, LSMGO supply remains strong across major ports, including Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Nagoya, Yokkaichi, Mizushima, and Oita. VLSFO availability is tight across Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Nagoya, and Yokkaichi, according to a source. Prompt availability of HSFO is also constrained in most Japanese ports.

Oceania

In Western Australia, ports such as Kwinana, Fremantle, and Kembla offer a good supply of VLSFO and LSMGO, with lead times of 7-8 days. In New South Wales, Sydney has an adequate supply of LSMGO, but prompt HSFO availability is based on firm enquiries.

In Victoria, Melbourne and Geelong ports have ample VLSFO and LSMGO supplies, although prompt HSFO deliveries can be difficult. Queensland’s Brisbane and Gladstone ports maintain sufficient VLSFO and LSMGO stocks, with lead times of about 7-8 days, but HSFO availability is limited in Brisbane.

In New Zealand, Tauranga and Auckland ports have a decent supply of VLSFO, and Auckland also has a good supply of LSMGO. However, rough weather conditions in Tauranga over the weekend may affect bunker operations.

South Asia

In several Indian ports, including Kandla, Mumbai, Tuticorin, Chennai, Cochin, and Visakhapatnam, the availability of VLSFO and LSMGO remains limited, consistent with recent weeks.

In Haldia, both grades are tight, with a supplier running low on stock. One supplier in Paradip is nearly out of VLSFO.

Kochi is expected to face rough weather on Thursday, which could disrupt bunker operations.

In contrast, the port of Colombo in Sri Lanka has ample supplies of VLSFO, LSMGO and HSFO. However, adverse weather conditions are forecasted for Colombo on Wednesday and next Monday, which may affect bunker deliveries.

Middle East

In Fujairah, prompt availability of all fuel grades remains limited, with most suppliers requiring lead times of 5-7 days.

The situation is similar in Khor Fakkan, UAE, where suppliers also recommend lead times of 5-7 days.

In contrast, Jeddah port in Saudi Arabia has ample supplies of VLSFO and LSMGO. In Djibouti, VLSFO supply is under pressure, while LSMGO is more readily available. Omani ports, including Sohar, Salalah, Muscat, and Duqm, have ample availability of LSMGO.

By Tuhin Roy

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 14 August, 2024

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Alternative Fuels

SMW 2025: Singapore to launch new standard for electric harbour craft this week

MPA and Enterprise Singapore will launch the Technical Reference 136 to provide guidelines for the development and operation of charging and battery swap systems for electric harbour craft, says minister.

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SMW 2025: Singapore to launch new standard for electric harbour craft this week

Minister of State for Transport Murali Pillai on Monday (24 March) said Singapore will launch a new standard for electric harbour crafts this week as part of Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s (MPA) efforts in facilitating decarbonisation for domestic harbour craft to achieve the republic’s national target of net-zero emissions by 2050.

“MPA and Enterprise Singapore will launch the new Technical Reference 136 this week to provide guidelines for the development and operation of charging and battery swap systems for electric harbour craft,” Murali said during his speech at the opening ceremony of the Singapore Maritime Week 2025 (SMW 2025).

“This will enhance the safety and interoperability of electric harbour craft charging infrastructure.”

This is one of the initiatives MPA is undertaking to prepare for the bunkering of alternative marine fuels and decarbonising Singapore’s domestic maritime sector.

The minister said Singapore is taking steps to support the use of various fuels by the industry and position Singapore as a leading bunkering hub for alternative fuels.

“Over the past two years, we have supported trials of alternative fuels such as ammonia and methanol. These have contributed to the development of new technical references and IMO guidelines to enable the safe and efficient use of these marine fuels,” he said.

“MPA and Enterprise Singapore published the new Technical Reference 129 on Methanol Bunkering earlier this month, and we plan to launch a new standard for ammonia bunkering later this year.”

He added MPA has also recently allowed licensed bunker tankers to carry and deliver biofuels up to B30.

“Pilots for up to B100 are ongoing, and we welcome bunker suppliers to engage in these pilots,” he said.

At the opening ceremony of SMW 2025, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, together with Murali, also launched Singapore’s first Maritime Digital Twin, an advanced simulation model developed by MPA in partnership with the Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech) that integrates real-time data to enhance decision-making and improve management of maritime operations in Singapore waters.

Murali said the digital twin will integrate data from different sources and provide a platform for information sharing. This will enable the development of tools to optimise port efficiency and reliability above, at and below the sea surface.

“For example, the digital twin will enable scenario simulations and dispersion modelling, which can inform standard operating procedures for the safe bunkering of alternative fuels such as methanol and ammonia,” he said.

The minister added MPA will roll out the digital twin to pilot users later this year, before progressive implementation for the wider industry.

“In future, we can extend this to the global maritime ecosystem through our Green and Digital Shipping Corridors with other countries and ports,” he said.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of SingaporePublished: 24 March, 2025

Alternative Fuels

TFG Marine welcomes first of four ‘L’ series IMO type II bunkering tankers of Consort Bunkers

TFG Marine to operate Consort Bunkers’ bunkering tanker “Pearl Lavender”, capable of carrying methanol, biogrades up to B100, as well as conventional fuels, at Singapore port from April onwards.

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TFG Marine welcomes first of four 'L' series IMO type II bunkering tankers of Consort Bunkers

Global marine fuel supply and procurement firm TFG Marine on Friday (21 March) said it attended the delivery ceremony of bunker tanker Pearl Lavender at China Merchants Jinling shipyard in Nanjing.

The IMO type II chemical bunkering tanker newbuilding is amongst others under long-term time charter from Singapore-based bunker supplier and logistics services provider Consort Bunkers Pte Ltd (Consort).

"This state of the art vessel, capable of carrying methanol, biogrades up to B100, as well as conventional fuels, will be operational at the Port of Singapore from April 2025, further advancing our product offering to our client base in the APAC region," said TFG Marine.

"As the first of four barges in this order, this investment builds on our commitment to low-carbon fuel bunkering infrastructure, reinforcing our vision for a multi-fuel future.

"With methanol, biofuels, ammonia, and other alternative fuels playing an increasingly significant role alongside traditional marine fuels, we continue to support the industry's transition towards cleaner energy solutions."

Manifold Times previously reported that Consort first contracted six ‘L’ series 6,500 dwt IMO Type II bunker tankers with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Nanjing) Co., Ltd. in April 2023.

The ‘L’ series of bunker tanker newbuildings gained recognition from the China Association of The National Shipbuilding Industry (CANSI) as amongst the Chinese shipbuilding sector’s top 10 innovative vessels for 2024.

Last year, TFG Marine announced the signing of a long-term time charter agreement with Singapore-based bunker supplier and logistics services provider Consort Bunkers for four newbuild bunker tankers.

Photo credit: TFG Marine
Published: 24 March, 2025

Alternative Fuels

RINA awards Type Approval to VINSSEN for maritime fuel cell stack

Approval of VINSSEN 60kW maritime fuel cell stack will accelerate the demonstration and commercialisation of its 120kW maritime fuel cell power generation system.

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March 24, 2025

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RINA awards Type Approval to VINSSEN for maritime fuel cell stack

South Korea’s maritime decarbonisation technology provider VINSSEN on Friday (21 March) said it has received Type Approval from Italian classification society RINA for its 60kW maritime fuel cell stack.

The company said the approval will accelerate the demonstration and commercialisation of VINSSEN's 120kW maritime fuel cell power generation system.

Despite the absence of clear maritime hydrogen-related legal standards, the company has leveraged regulatory sandboxes to systematically conduct technology verification and rigorous certification procedures, demonstrating its technical expertise.

“The recent Type Approval from RINA not only strengthens international confidence in hydrogen fuel cell technology for eco-friendly ships but also marks a significant step toward full commercialisation,” it said.

“This milestone reflects the company's commitment to promoting hydrogen fuel cells as a key solution for reducing maritime carbon emissions.”

The certification process involved performance and environmental tests based on IEC standards, all of which VINSSEN successfully passed. The vibration test confirmed the system's durability under specific frequency and acceleration conditions.

Additionally, the dielectric strength test showed that the system could withstand high voltage without insulation failure, meeting all required standards.

“These challenging tests were successfully completed, confirming the reliability and safety of VINSSEN's fuel cell module for maritime and shipbuilding applications,” the company said.

Looking ahead, VINSSEN plans to accelerate the development of next-generation hydrogen fuel cell solutions, including a 150kW high-output fuel cell stack and an onboard fuel cell power generation system using reformed gas (75% hydrogen and 25% nitrogen). These innovations will increase the feasibility of applying MW-class hydrogen fuel cell systems to larger vessels.

A VINSSEN representative said: “This Type Approval is a key milestone for the commercialisation of MW-class maritime hydrogen fuel cell systems. We will continue leading the maritime market through ongoing technological innovation and the pursuit of global certifications.”

Manifold Times recently reported VINSSEN receiving an Approval in Principle (AIP) certification from the Korean Register (KR) for Korea's first tugboat featuring a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system.

Photo credit: VINSSEN
Published: 24 March, 2025