International bunker trading firm Integr8 Fuels on Monday (7 July) shared its new report ‘Mediterranean ECA: Immediate Operational and Commercial Impact of Implementation’ which provides the first comprehensive analysis of the rule’s effects on fuel quality and regional availability.

The data reveals a market in rapid transition, confirming some industry predictions while uncovering new, emerging risks for ship operators. The following key findings include:

1. Dramatic Supply Shift Confirmed: VLSFO Availability Contracts Sharply. VLSFO’s share of the Mediterranean fuel market has plummeted from over 60% in December to just 37.5% in May. In parallel, the number of ports supplying VLSFO has fallen by 47%, creating new logistical challenges for vessels that continue to use the grade.
2. VLSFO Instability Spikes as Supply Chain Adapts. Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) off specification rates more than doubled from 1.5% in December to 3.8% in May. Critically, one in four (25%) of these off-specs were for total sediment potential (TSP), indicating a rising risk of sludge formation that can damage engines. This trend appears linked to extended in-tank storage and the consolidation of older fuel stocks as demand slows and suppliers pivot away from VLSFO.
3. Persistent Flash Point Risks in Key LSMGO Hubs. Flash point non-conformance has increased significantly and now accounts for over two-thirds of all LSMGO off specs. Our data shows this is not a random problem, with over 75% of all flash point incidents concentrated in Spain, Turkey, and Italy, signalling a persistent potential for SOLAS violations in core supply zones.

Note: The full report may be obtained from Integr8 Fuels here.

Photo credit: Integr8 Fuels
Published: 8 July 2025

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:

• Hurricane season disrupts bunkering in GOLA
• HSFO availability improves in Balboa
• First vessel berthed at new Bahia Blanca terminal

North America

Bunker fuel demand has seen a slight uptick in Houston, and recommended lead times for VLSFO and HSFO stand at 5-7 days.

LSMGO is more readily available and can be delivered within five days, a source said.

The hurricane season has begun in the US Gulf and will run through November.

Its onset has resulted in tropical depressions and storms, causing intermittent disruptions to bunker operations, especially around Bolivar Roads and the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) on the east coast.

In GOLA, bunker deliveries are being managed on a first-come, first-serve basis and remain subject to weather conditions.

Peninsula announced last month the expansion of its physical bunkering operations in GOLA. It will offer all main conventional grades – HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO – along with biofuels.

Also, Coastal Bend LNG has plans to develop a 22.5 million mt/year LNG export facility on the Texas Gulf Coast. The facility will include up to five liquefaction trains of 4.5 million mt/year capacity each, LNG storage tanks and bunkering infrastructure.

Bunker demand in New York has remained static compared to the previous week, with spot premiums also seeing minimal movement so far, a source noted.

In terms of availability, the port is well stocked and can make prompt deliveries of VLSFO and LSMGO with lead times of 3-4 days.

HSFO requires longer lead times of around 5-7 days.

New York may also see high wind gusts between 3–6 July, potentially disrupting operations. While no backlog is reported, anchorage deliveries could be delayed due to limited barge availability.

Bunker demand is steady in Los Angeles and Long Beach. Fuel availability is good at both ports, and suppliers continue to recommend lead times of up to seven days.

The port of Los Angeles is seeing an increase in container volumes, one week ahead of the expiration of the reciprocal tariff pause for most countries—except China, where the deadline is about a month away.

According to the Port of Los Angeles, import volumes are projected to decline in the week of 6–12 July, with 108,557 TEU expected, a drop of 18.55% from the current week.

This comes after a strong performance during the week of 29 June–5 July, when volumes are estimated to reach 133,272 TEU, up 0.73% from the previous week and 17.25% higher than the same week last year.

The number of scheduled vessels is also set to fall from 26 this week to 21 next week, the port noted.

After 9 July, high import duties could come back into effect unless the US government delays or changes them. So far, the White House has left the door open to either raising, lowering, or postponing tariffs and has not confirmed its decision.

Montreal is expected to face disruptions from 3–6 July due to high wind gusts.

Barge operations are limited to daylight hours, which could lead to congestion. Delays are possible for anchorage deliveries due to bunker barge readiness issues.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Bunker fuel availability is good in Panama. In both Balboa and Cristobal, availability remains steady across all fuel grades, with recommended lead times of roughly four days.

HSFO availability has improved in Balboa after a recent resupply of the grade, a source said.

Balboa is forecast to experience thunderstorms from 3–6 July, which could impact operations.

Deliveries at the port are currently being carried out on a first-come, first-serve basis, with priority given to vessels with confirmed transit schedules through the Panama Canal. No bunker barge congestion is noted.

In Argentina’s Bahia Blanca port, calling costs have increased from 1 July, Antares Ship Agents informed.

The first vessel berthed at the new Oiltanking berth in the port last Saturday. The vessel SEAWAYS EAGLE berthed with the help of four tugs and lifted about 70,000 cbm of Medanito crude oil.

In Zona Comun, “availability and demand both appear to be normal,” a local supplier said. Lead times for VLSFO currently stand between 5-6 days.

The anchorage may be impacted by high wind gusts on 5 July.

Deliveries are done on a first-come, first-serve basis, and bunker operations could face delays if wind gusts exceed 20 knots.

Fuel availability is decent across Brazilian ports. Both VLSFO and LSMGO grades are available at Rio Grande and Rio De Janeiro, with recommended lead times of 3-4 days.

Port of Santos is facing congestion where wait times are higher and requires over five days for delivery, a source said.

Bunker fuel availability is good at key Colombian ports.

“VLSFO for $540/mt and LSMGO for $640/mt available at Santa Marta, Cartagena and Barranquilla with lead time of 3 days,” a bunker trader informed.

By Gautamee Hazarika

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 4 July, 2025

The following bunker report has been provided by freight market information provider Baltic Exchange for post on Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times:

Note:

All values are in US$/metric ton, all-in (invoice price), delivered on board
Delivery in 7-10 days
ISO 8217:2010
IFO 380 3.5% Sulphur
IFO 380 0.5% Sulphur
DMA 0.1% Sulphur

Fujairah – Offshore Anchorage Area
Gibraltar – Anchorage area
Houston – Houston Harbor
Panama – (Pacific) dangerous cargo area, Balboa
Rotterdam – Waalhaven – Maasvlakte range
Singapore – Anchorage, under SBA Scheme
Zhoushan – Southern anchorage area

Submitted weekly at Close of Business UK time Daily

Panellists:
Cockett Marine Oil Pte, Island Oil Limited, KPI OceanConnect, Monjasa A/S, NSI Marine and Transparensea Fuels

Photo credit and source: Baltic Exchange
Published: 4 July, 2025