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ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (16 July 2024)

Bunkering disrupted in weather-exposed Zhoushan; bunker demand is low in South Korean ports; LSMGO supply good across Omani ports.
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ENGINE East of Suez 1

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:

  • Bunkering disrupted in weather-exposed Zhoushan
  • Bunker demand is low in South Korean ports
  • LSMGO supply good across Omani ports

Singapore and Southeast Asia

In recent weeks, lead times for VLSFO have fluctuated significantly in Singapore, with most suppliers now suggesting up to 14 days. However, some suppliers can manage stems within five days. Last week, the recommended lead times were approximately 7–11 days for the grade.

The availability of prompt HSFO supply remains tight, with lead times ranging between 9-14 days, which is almost unchanged from the previous week. Meanwhile, lead times for LSMGO have remained stable at 3–7 days.

According to Enterprise Singapore, Singapore’s residual fuel oil stocks have averaged 11% lower so far this month than compared to June. The port’s fuel oil stocks have dropped below 18 million bbls because of a significant 31% decline in net fuel imports this month. Both imports and exports have decreased, with fuel oil imports falling by 1.28 million bbls, surpassing the 283,000-bbl drop in exports.

The port’s middle distillate stocks have also declined, averaging 8% lower this month.

In Malaysia’s Port Klang, VLSFO and LSMGO grades are abundantly available. Some suppliers can offer VLSFO and LSMGO for prompt deliveries for smaller stem sizes, but HSFO supply is mostly limited.

In the Indonesian ports of Jakarta and Surabaya, VLSFO and LSMGO grades are readily available. Additionally, Balikpapan port has prompt VLSFO supply available.

East Asia

All grades are readily available in Zhoushan, with suppliers recommending lead times of 5-7 days. However, bunker deliveries at Zhoushan’s Tiaozhoumen and Xiazhimen outer anchorages have remained suspended since Friday due to rough weather. Most suppliers are unsure when operations will resume in these anchorages. Overall, demand has been low in Zhoushan.

In Northern China, VLSFO and LSMGO grades are easily accessible in Dalian, Qingdao, and Tianjin, although HSFO supply is limited in Qingdao and Tianjin. Shanghai has a good supply of VLSFO and LSMGO, but HSFO remains scarce. In Fuzhou and Xiamen, VLSFO and LSMGO grades are readily available, while prompt availability is restricted in Guangzhou and Yangpu.

Chinese refiners produced 1.29 million mt of VLSFO in June, slightly down from 1.31 million mt in May, market intelligence provider JLC reported.

In Taiwanese ports such as Hualien, Kaohsiung, and Keelung, VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries are available with lead times of 2-3 days, similar to last week. Suppliers in Taichung require slightly longer lead times of 4-5 days for both grades.

Hong Kong has an ample supply of all bunker fuel grades, with lead times of approximately 3-5 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 approximately three days for VLSFO and LSMGO across the country. For HSFO, lead times of around 2-3 days are advised in western South Korean ports, while suppliers in southern ports require a slightly longer six days. This week, strong winds and high waves may intermittently affect bunker operations in the South Korean ports of Ulsan, Onsan, Busan, Daesan, Taean, and Yeosu.

In Japan, bunker demand remains low. Lead times differ across major ports, with 5-7 days needed in Tokyo, Chiba, Osaka, Kobe, and Mizushima, while longer periods of 12–13 days are required in Nagoya, Yokkaichi, and Oita.

Adverse weather conditions are expected throughout the week in the Thai port of Koh Sichang. Similarly, the Vietnamese port of Ho Chi Minh is anticipated to experience adverse weather from 18-22 July, which could potentially impact bunker deliveries.

Oceania

In Western Australia, VLSFO and LSMGO grades are available at ports including Kwinana, Fremantle, and Kembla, with typical lead times of 7-8 days. In New South Wales, LSMGO is readily available in Sydney, while prompt HSFO supply depends on the enquiry.

Victoria’s ports of Melbourne and Geelong have good availability of VLSFO and LSMGO, though prompt HSFO deliveries can be challenging. In Queensland, Brisbane and Gladstone have ample stocks of VLSFO and LSMGO, with lead times around 7-8 days, but HSFO availability is limited in Brisbane.

In New Zealand, Tauranga and Auckland have ample VLSFO supply, with Auckland also having good LSMGO availability. However, Tauranga is expected to experience rough weather conditions over the weekend, which may impact bunker operations.

South Asia

In several Indian ports, including Kandla, Tuticorin, Chennai, Cochin, Visakhapatnam, and Haldia, the availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is currently limited.

Mumbai, Kandla, Sikka, Cochin, and Visakhapatnam are expected to encounter intermittent rough weather conditions this week, potentially disrupting bunker operations.

Similarly, the Sri Lankan port of Colombo is forecast to experience intermittent rough weather, which may impact bunker deliveries.

Middle East

In Fujairah, prompt availability of all grades has tightened, with most suppliers now requiring lead times of 7–10 days, up from 5-7 days last week.

Similarly, in the UAE port of Khor Fakkan, prompt availability of all grades is tight, with recommended lead times of 7-10 days.

In Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah port, there is an ample supply of VLSFO and LSMGO. In Djibouti, some suppliers are experiencing shortages of VLSFO, while LSMGO remains unaffected.

In Iraq’s Basrah, there is good availability of VLSFO and LSMGO, whereas Qatar’s Ras Laffan is nearly depleted of both low-sulphur fuel grades.

LSMGO is readily available in Omani ports, including Sohar, Salalah, Muscat, and Duqm.

By Tuhin Roy

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 17 July, 2024

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Mass Flowmeter

Hong Kong backs MFM adoption with voluntary scheme to boost bunkering competitiveness

Hong Kong’s Marine Department launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems on their bunker vessels.
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June 4, 2026

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RESIZED EH dual mfm setup

Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) on Wednesday (3 June) launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems (MFM systems) on their bunker vessels.

MD said the scheme aims to enhance Hong Kong’s bunkering service quality and the competitiveness of Hong Kong ports, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre and a major bunkering port.

Under the Scheme, bunker operators of traditional maritime fuel and biodiesel that install and use MFM systems on their bunker vessels, with the MFM systems inspected and certified by an accredited body in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 22192 Standard or equivalent requirements, can apply to the MD for inclusion in the scheme’s “List of Quality Bunker Vessels”, provided they meet the relevant technical and operational requirements. 

Details of the bunker vessels successfully included in the List will be published on a dedicated page on the MD’s website for reference by shipping companies and relevant stakeholders.

Participation in the Scheme is voluntary. In addition to receiving recognition from the MD, participating bunker operators will benefit from enhanced corporate image and competitiveness through the adoption of MFM systems, thereby boosting customers’ confidence and helping to create new business opportunities.

 A spokesman for the MD, said: “As an international maritime centre supported by our country, Hong Kong has a strategic location adjacent to major international fairways. Coupled with years of development in marine fuel bunkering, Hong Kong possesses rich experience and talent in the field. For many years, Hong Kong has consistently ranked as the seventh-largest bunkering port globally, the second-largest in our country, and the largest in the Greater Bay Area, providing reliable and competitive fuel bunkering services to ocean-going vessels from around the world. 

“As the international shipping industry has an increasing demand for accuracy and transparency in bunkering services, service quality and measurement precision in bunkering operations have become important indicators of a bunkering port’s competitiveness. The Scheme will enhance bunkering accuracy and transparency, further enhancing the quality of Hong Kong’s bunkering services.

The spokesman added that comprehensive port services are one of Hong Kong’s key advantages as an international maritime centre.

“We will also mandate the use of MFM systems on all methanol bunker vessels this year to ensure that Hong Kong continues to provide high-quality bunkering services in the era of green maritime fuels.” 

Note: The application form for the Scheme can be found on the MD’s website. Interested bunker operators can download the application form from the website or contact the MD’s Green Maritime Fuel Team via email ([email protected]) for details.

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Alternative Fuels

MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency.
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MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (3 June) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company to strengthen collaboration in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, innovation, and manpower development. 

The MoU was signed on 25 May 2026 by Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, and Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC.

The MoU underscores the shared commitment of MPA and MSC to foster a sustainable, digital, and future-ready maritime sector, while enhancing MSC’s operational and business activities in Singapore. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of MSC establishing its Asia Regional Office and local office in Singapore.

Under the MoU, MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency and operational performance.

MPA and MSC will also collaborate on maritime digitalisation initiatives to improve operational efficiency, including streamlining vessel arrivals and port operations. 

On manpower development, MSC will support internship and scholarship opportunities through Singapore Maritime Foundation’s Maritime Outreach Network (MaritimeONE) platform, an industry-led tripartite partnership comprising industry, government and institutes of higher learning that aims to raise awareness of the maritime industry and attract quality talent into the maritime sector.

Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “This partnership reflects the strong collaboration between MPA and MSC in driving sustainability and digitalisation in the maritime sector. By working together on decarbonisation, operational efficiency and talent development, we aim to strengthen Maritime Singapore’s position as a trusted and future-ready global maritime hub.”

Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC, said: “Singapore is a strategically important hub for MSC and a key gateway to the broader Asia region. As we mark 30 years in Singapore, this MOU reinforces our long-term commitment to strengthening our presence here. MSC and Singapore are closely aligned on the priorities shaping the future of global shipping, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to drive the continued growth and resilience of the maritime industry.”

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Methanol

Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

Following “Seaspan Yangtze”, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the methanol retrofit programme are “Seaspan Amazon”, “Seaspan Ganges”, “Seaspan Thames”, and “Seaspan Zambezi”.
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June 4, 2026

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Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

Seaspan Corporation (Seaspan) and Hapag-Lloyd on Wednesday (3 June) announced the successful completion of the first of the five vessel conversions under their methanol retrofit programme with the delivery of Seaspan Yangtze.

From the early SAVER (Seaspan Action for Vessel Energy Reduction) programme to today’s CleanBlue initiative, Seaspan has committed over USD 230 USD million across 86 vessels, executing more than 550 efficiency and retrofit projects.

Following Seaspan Yangtze, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the programme are Seaspan Amazon, Seaspan Ganges, Seaspan Thames, and Seaspan Zambezi. Each retrofit is expected to reduce well-to-wake CO₂e emissions by approximately 30,000 to 50,000 metric tonnes per vessel annually when operating on low-carbon methanol, while also extending vessel lifespan and enhancing fuel flexibility.

“Decarbonisation is not just about building the fleet of tomorrow, it is also about unlocking the full potential of the fleet we have today. Retrofitting and upgrades on existing fleets play a practical, immediate, and economical role in accelerating shipping’s decarbonization journey,” said Bing Chen, Chairman, President and CEO of Seaspan. 

“Project SAVER CleanBlue highlights Seaspan’s strong customer partnerships, deep technical expertise, and unique platform integrated with JV partners, such as WattSpan Maritime Technology, in executing complex and large-scale retrofit projects.”

“The successful conversion of the Seaspan Yangtze together with the planned retrofit of its four sister vessels is another important step on our ambitious path towards net-zero fleet operations by 2045,” said Silke Lehmköster, Managing Director, Fleet, Hapag-Lloyd. 

“Together with Seaspan, we are demonstrating that retrofitting existing vessels for low-carbon methanol can be a practical way to reduce emissions in shipping.”

 

Photo credit: Seaspan
Published: 4 June, 2026

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