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ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (30 July 2024)

LSMGO availability improves in Singapore; VLSFO and LSMGO supply is good in Chinese and Oceanic ports; prompt supply is tight in Fujairah.
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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:

  • LSMGO availability improves in Singapore
  • VLSFO and LSMGO supply is good in Chinese and Oceanic ports
  • Prompt supply is tight in Fujairah

Singapore and Malaysia

In Singapore, the availability of VLSFO has tightened due to several suppliers running low on stocks and limited barge availability. Most suppliers now recommend lead times of 12-22 days for VLSFO, up from 12-18 days last week.

HSFO availability also remains tight for both prompt and non-prompt delivery dates, with recommended lead times of 12-16 days, almost the same as last week. In contrast, the availability of LSMGO has improved, with lead times dropping from 2-12 days last week to 2-5 days now.

According to the latest data from Enterprise Singapore, the country’s residual fuel oil stocks have averaged 3% lower so far in July than compared to June. The port’s fuel oil stocks have dropped below 20 million bbls despite a significant 27% increase in Singapore’s net fuel oil imports this month. Both fuel oil imports and exports have risen in July, with imports increasing by 876,000 bbls and exports by 22,000 bbls.

Unlike fuel oil, the port’s middle distillate stocks have surged, averaging 11% higher so far this month.

In Malaysia’s Port Klang, VLSFO and LSMGO grades are plentiful, with some suppliers providing prompt deliveries for smaller quantities. However, the supply of HSFO is largely limited.

East Asia

Availability of all grades remains good in Zhoushan, with several suppliers recommending lead times of 5-7 days.

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

In Taiwanese ports, VLSFO and LSMGO availability remain strong. A major supplier in Keelung and Hualien can supply both grades within two days, while in Taichung and Kaohsiung it takes 3-5 days.

In Hong Kong, all bunker fuel grades are available, and suppliers generally recommend lead times of seven days.

In South Korean ports, availability of all grades has tightened despite sluggish demand this week. Lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO now range from 3-11 days, up from around three days last week. HSFO requires longer lead times of approximately 8-14 days, significantly up from around three days in western South Korean ports and 3-8 days in southern ports last week.

High waves are predicted to intermittently hit the South Korean ports of Ulsan, Onsan, and Yeosu between 2-4 August, and in Daesan and Yeosu on 2 August, potentially affecting bunker deliveries at these ports.

In Japan, LSMGO and HSFO supplies remain strong in major ports, including Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Nagoya, Yokkaichi, Mizushima, and Oita. However, VLSFO availability has tightened across all major ports due to unknown technical issues at refineries. The supply tightness is particularly noted in Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Nagoya, and Yokkaichi, with expectations that it will continue until early August, a source says.

The closure of Idemitsu Kosan’s Yamaguchi refinery in March, which had a crude oil processing capacity of 120,000 b/d, has further constrained bunker supply in Oita, necessitating advance orders from bunker buyers.

Oceania

In Western Australia, VLSFO and LSMGO are available at ports including Kwinana, Fremantle, and Kembla, with typical lead times of 7-8 days. A bunker barge operating in Fremantle will be in dry dock from early September to mid-November, making VLSFO unavailable at that port during this period, a source says.

In New South Wales, LSMGO is readily available in Sydney, while prompt HSFO supply depends on the enquiry.

In Victoria’s ports of Melbourne and Geelong, VLSFO and LSMGO are readily available, though prompt HSFO deliveries can be challenging. In Queensland, Brisbane and Gladstone have ample stocks of VLSFO and LSMGO with lead times of 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, rough weather expected in Tauranga on Friday and Saturday may impact bunker operations.

South Asia

In several Indian ports, including Kandla, Mumbai, Tuticorin, Chennai, Cochin, and Visakhapatnam, VLSFO and LSMGO availability remains constrained as in recent weeks. In Haldia, both grades are subject to availability, while a supplier in Paradip is nearly out of stock for both.

Kandla, Sikka, and Mumbai ports are forecast to experience rough weather intermittently through the week, potentially disrupting bunker operations.

In contrast, the Sri Lankan port of Colombo has ample supplies of VLSFO, LSMGO, and HSFO, with lead times of around five days recommended.

Middle East

In Fujairah, prompt availability of all grades remains tight due to some suppliers experiencing delays in loading products from oil terminals caused by recent bad weather, according to a source. Most suppliers recommend a lead time of around 7-10 days, nearly unchanged from last week.

In Iraq’s Basrah, VLSFO and LSMGO are readily available, while both grades are nearly depleted in Qatar’s Ras Laffan.

The Saudi Arabian port of Jeddah has a good LSMGO supply, but VLSFO availability is constrained. In Djibouti, both VLSFO and LSMGO supplies are tight. Omani ports, including Sohar, Salalah, Muscat, and Duqm, have ample LSMGO supply with prompt supply available.

By Tuhin Roy

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 31 July, 2024 

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Methanol

World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to “Arctic Tern” via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel “M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan”.
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July 22, 2026

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World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Marine fuel provider World Fuel on Tuesday (21 July) said it successfully completed the first green methanol bunkering of M/V Arctic Tern, with EUKOR Car Carriers and SIPG Energy at the Port of Shanghai. 

Arctic Tern is the first vessel in the new Shaper Class series of car carriers. 

The operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to Arctic Tern via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan, the largest vessel of its kind in operation. 

The bunkering operation was carried out at Haitong Terminal, Waigaoqiao Port Area, Shanghai Port, with cargo handling operations conducted simultaneously during bunkering.

This marks EUKOR Car Carriers’ first green methanol operation and the first time Arctic Tern has bunkered methanol since its delivery on 9 July. The operation marked the first bunkering at Shanghai Port of green methanol produced locally in Shanghai for an international PCTC operator. 

It also demonstrated the city’s integrated green methanol value chain, spanning local production, storage and bunkering, and established a replicable “Shanghai Model” for green methanol supply.

World Fuel arranged the supply and delivery of the fuel on behalf of EUKOR Car Carriers, working with SIPG Energy as the physical supplier at the Port of Shanghai.

The green methanol supplied was produced from municipal solid waste, ISCC-EU certified, and had a carbon intensity value below 25 gCO₂e/MJ.

Arctic Tern is the first of fourteen Shaper Class vessels ordered by Wallenius Wilhelmsen. With a capacity of 9,300 car equivalent units and methanol dual-fuel capability, the vessel will be operated by EUKOR Car Carriers, jointly owned by Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Hyundai Motor Group. Following her first green methanol bunkering, Arctic Tern will continue her maiden voyage from Asia to Europe.

Xavier Leroi, COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen and CEO of EUKOR Car Carriers, said: “Completing Arctic Tern’s first green methanol bunkering shortly after delivery is a significant milestone towards our decarbonisation ambition for both EUKOR Car Carriers and Wallenius Wilhelmsen. It demonstrates how investments in next-generation vessel technology and fuel flexibility are being translated into real-world operations. 

“This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between all parties involved. Together, we have shown how partnerships across the maritime value chain can help make lower-emission fuels available and operationally viable at scale.”

Mark Tamsitt, SVP Global Marine Sales at World Fuel, said, “The first bunkering event with a new fuel is a significant moment for any shipowner, and our role is to make it as seamless as possible. By connecting EUKOR Car Carriers with SIPG Energy’s proven green methanol capability at the Port of Shanghai, we were able to deliver on reliable supply, fuel quality, and safe processes. As more of our customers bring methanol dual-fuel tonnage into service, we are committed to being the partner that makes these kinds of operations routine.”

Mr. Zhang Da, General Manager of SIPG Energy, said, “Welcoming Arctic Tern to the Port of Shanghai for her first green methanol bunkering demonstrates the strength and maturity of our supply capability. Building on our well-established methanol ship-to-ship bunkering services for container vessels, we have already extended such services to pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). This bunkering sets a new record for the largest single SIMOPs green methanol bunkering for PCTCs in China, marking another step in building Shanghai’s position as a global green energy hub for international shipping.”

This operation follows Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s announcement on 9 July that Arctic Tern would complete her first methanol bunkering shortly after delivery. The vessel entered service on routes between Asia and Europe immediately following handover from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing.

 

Photo credit: World Fuel
Published: 22 July, 2026

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Ammonia

HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

HPA says the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.
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July 22, 2026

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HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and integrated energy company MB Energy on Tuesday (21 July) said they have completed a comprehensive risk analysis and developed a dedicated safety concept for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering.

MB Energy said the analysis lays the groundwork for the safe introduction of ammonia as a future marine fuel.

“With our planned ammonia import terminal in Hamburg-Blumensand, MB Energy intends to provide the reliable land side supply infrastructure needed to support this transition across northern German ports,” it said in a social media post. 

Mabanaft Group was renamed to MB Energy last year and merged over 50 existing brands under one identity. 

Separately, HPA said the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

“The focus is in particular on container ships, cruise ships as well as RoRo and ConRo (Container/RoRo) ships,” it said. 

“We expect ammonia to establish itself as an alternative marine marine fuel in the coming years. With our preparatory work, we are already creating the conditions to welcome the first ammonia-powered ships in Hamburg and to bunker them safely.:

HPA added that the import terminal for ammonia planned by MB Energy from 2029 will make a decisive contribution to ensuring the reliable availability of ammonia as a bunker fuel in northern German ports in the long term. 

“The use of an ammonia bunker barge is considered a possible addition to the landside infrastructure to enable ship bunkering in the port and beyond in the future,” it said.

Related: Mabanaft Group renames as MB Energy, merging over 50 brands under one identity

 

Photo credit: Hamburg Port Authority
Published: 22 July, 2026

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Bunker Fuel

Alkagesta highlights key insights of Malta bunkering market in 2026

Darren Lee Axisa discusses the key trends influencing Malta’s bunkering market and the factors that will determine Malta’s long-term competitiveness as a regional bunkering hub.
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July 22, 2026

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Alkagesta highlights key insights of Malta bunkering market in 2026

In an article published on Alkagesta Market Insights, Darren Lee Axisa, Malta Country Manager of Alkagesta, on Monday (20 July) discussed the key trends influencing Malta’s bunkering market and the factors that will determine Malta’s long-term competitiveness as a regional bunkering hub: 

Malta’s bunkering and energy market is moving through a period of structural adjustment. The disruptions that defined the first half of 2026 have accelerated shifts in product demand, terminal strategy, and the competitive dynamics of one of the Mediterranean’s most strategically positioned bunkering hubs. For Alkagesta, whose storage footprint on the island approaches 300,000 cubic metres, the period has tested operational flexibility while reinforcing the value of diversified infrastructure access.

A Market Shifting in Two Directions

Malta’s broader economy has remained resilient — GDP growth reached 3.9% in Q1 2026 — but the bunkering market has undergone a significant product mix shift, the roots of which predate the current geopolitical disruption.

The Mediterranean Emission Control Area, which came into force on 1 May 2025, triggered an immediate and measurable realignment in fuel demand across the region. VPS data covering the first six months post-ECA implementation shows that across the top ten Mediterranean bunkering ports, VLSFO volumes fell 23%, MGO more than doubled, ULSFO quadrupled, and biofuels increased fivefold. In Valletta specifically, the shift was even more pronounced: VLSFO dropped 57% from 111,641 mt to 47,732 mt, while MGO volumes more than tripled from 33,299 mt to 103,445 mt, and ULSFO rose from 2,821 mt to 34,535 mt over the same period.

This structural rotation has been further accelerated by the broader regulatory environment. FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS requirements are pushing shipowners toward cleaner, verifiable fuel options at every port call — a direction Alkagesta had already positioned itself ahead of, having been among the first movers in the Mediterranean to support the transition to 0.1% sulphur fuel oil following the ECA’s introduction.

Layered on top of this regulatory shift has been a period of reduced terminal capacity affecting bunkering market availability across the island. Fuel oil volumes dropped roughly 35% year-on-year between January and May 2026, falling from approximately 382,000 mt in 2025 to 247,000 mt. DMA demand moved sharply in the opposite direction, rising from around 150,000 mt in January to April 2025 to 247,000 mt over the same period in 2026 — a trend consistent with both the ECA-driven product mix shift and the disruption to heavier fuel availability during the constrained period.

Note: The full article can be read here. 

 

Photo credit: Alkagesta
Published: 22 July, 2026

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