Business

ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Singapore stocks rise on net import surge; Zhoushan continues to see muted demand; fuel oil grades tight in Fujairah, according to latest report.

Published

3 years ago

March 16, 2022

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:

15 March 2022

Singapore stocks rise on net import surge
Zhoushan continues to see muted demand
Fuel oil grades tight in Fujairah

Availability varies between fuel grades in Singapore. Lead times of 7-10 days are recommended for VLSFO and HSFO380 grade, while LSMGO requires around 4-6 days.

Singapore’s residual fuel oil inventories climbed to three-week highs last week, boosted by a 158% net import increase, according to Enterprise Singapore data. Fuel oil mostly arrived from the UAE, Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia and Brazil in the week, according to Vortexa.

The port’s middle distillate stocks inched up to five-week highs, but remained close to recent multi-year lows.

Lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO in Fujairah are up to seven days out, while HSFO380 lead times are about 10 days out.

Suppliers in Fujairah typically source gasoil and other products loaded from Russian Black Sea ports. These cargo flows have been disrupted by ongoing war in Ukraine and limited access to gasoil and blend stocks. Cargoes have been difficult to secure, a source says.

Fujairah total oil product stocks were down 1.30 million bbls last week, with overall stocks down 6.8% in the week to 7 March, according to Fujairah Oil Industry Zone and S&P Global Platts data. The port’s light and middle distillate stocks dwindled on the week, while heavy residues posted a build.

In Zhoushan, bunker fuels are available for prompt delivery across fuel grades. Demand remains muted, says a source.

Bunkering could be suspended at anchorage in Zhoushan towards the end of the week as the port is forecast to experience gale-force gusts of up to 29-35 knots on Thursday and Friday, according to a weather forecast.

Chinese ports may see more congestion because of restrictions from the country’s zero Covid-policy. A pilot shortage has been observed in the port of Shanghai port as curbs on movement have been imposed due to a rise in Covid-19 cases, says a source.

Ports in the Shenzhen have seen more Covid-19 testing protocols introduced, potentially holding up port operations, according to freight forwarder SEKO Logistics.

Bunkering has been suspended in the Yangtze River port of Nantong, at Qingdao's inner anchorage, at Lianyungang's anchorage and the anchorage in Xiamen, the source adds.

HSFO380 availability is tight in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, bunker fuel availability is tight across fuel grades in South Korea’s southern ports of Busan, Ulsan and Yeosu. Suggested lead times across fuel grades in these ports are 8-11 days out.

These ports may also witness gale-force gusts of up to 25-31 knots Thursday through Friday.

Bunker fuel availability in Japan’s Tokyo Bay area has become more limited as one refiner has stopped taking orders due to troubles at its refineries, says a source. Suggested lead times are up to 15 days out across fuel grades.

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 16 March, 2022

Safety

Singapore: MPA urges port users to stay vigilant during monsoon surge

Moderate to heavy showers and strong winds are expected from 19 to 21 March due to a north-east monsoon surge and as such, vessels must be properly secured for sea at all times, says MPA.

Published

15 hours ago

March 20, 2025

Admin

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (19 March) has reminded owners, agents and masters of vessels to stay vigilant from 19 to 21 March due to a north-east monsoon surge.

“Moderate to heavy showers, and strong winds are expected during this period. Vessels must be properly secured for sea at all times,” MPA said in a port marine notice.

“The life-saving and firefighting equipment onboard must also be in good working condition and in accordance with the International Code for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations,” it said.

“Crew members shall be familiar with all emergency procedures, especially when embarking and disembarking passengers during adverse weather conditions. Vessels should maintain safe speeds, observe International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).”

Masters of vessels are reminded to keep a safe anchor watch.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 20 March, 2025

Alternative Fuels

Hong Kong-based Sun Ferry takes delivery of diesel-electric ferry “Xin Ming Zhu 30”

New vessel, designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Guangzhou-based shipbuilder AFAI Southern Shipyard, will serve inter-island commuter and tourism operations across Hong Kong.

Published

15 hours ago

March 20, 2025

Admin

Hong Kong-based Sun Ferry takes delivery of diesel-electric ferry “Xin Ming Zhu 30”

Global digital shipbuilder Incat Crowther on Wednesday (19 March) said Hong Kong-based ferry operator Sun Ferry has taken delivery of Xin Ming Zhu 30, a new, 35-metre diesel-electric ferry.

The new vessel, designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Guangzhou-based shipbuilder AFAI Southern Shipyard, is the third vessel to join a fleet of seven new vessels designed by Incat Crowther for the mass transit operator.

The vessel will serve inter-island commuter and tourism operations across Hong Kong, connecting Peng Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung Chau.

The 300-seat passenger ferry boasts Veth azimuth thrusters that provide high manoeuvrability at operating speeds of 14 knots. The adoption of this technology makes the vessel suitable for berthing at piers on inter island routes.

The vessel is also fitted with 72 solar panels providing 7.5 kilowatts of on-board power.

Sam Mackay, Technical Manager at Incat Crowther, said: "This vessel reflects Sun Ferry’s commitment to future focused design solutions that not only meet operational needs, but that exceed customer expectations.”

“With diesel-electric propulsion, solar technology, and passenger-centric design, it sets a new benchmark for sustainable and efficient ferry services in Hong Kong.”

The delivery of the 35-metre hybrid vessel follows the delivery of two 45-metre conventional diesel-powered vessels to Sun Ferry. The final three vessels, all 45-metre vessels, will be delivered by the end of 2025. All vessels in the fleet have been designed by Incat Crowther and built by AFAI Southern Shipyard.

Photo credit: Incat Crowther
Published: 20 March, 2025

Biofuel

PRIO delivers Eco Bunkers B30 to two cargo ships at ports in Portugal

Company supplied the bio bunker fuel, a product containing 30% renewable raw materials, to “BBC Lisbon” at Port of Aveiro on 3 March and to “ANNA” at Port of Leixões on 18 March.

Published

15 hours ago

March 20, 2025

Admin

PRIO delivers Eco Bunkers B30 to two cargo ships at ports in Portugal

Biofuels producer PRIO on Wednesday (19 March) said it carried out Eco Bunkers B30 fuel deliveries to shipping company Briese Chartering in collaboration with its partner UFS Unites Fuel Services this month.

On 3 March, PRIO supplied the biofuel to cargo vessel BBC Lisbon at the Port of Aveiro and to another cargo vessel, ANNA, at the Port of Leixões on 18 March.

“With these two Eco Bunkers B30 deliveries, a product containing 30% renewable raw materials, PRIO enabled Briese Chartering to reduce around 60 tons of CO2 in just two port calls in Portugal,” it said in a social media post.

“Produced at PRIO’s Aveiro plant, biodiesel has the potential to reduce GHG emissions by approximately 88% compared to fossil fuels.”

“PRIO has been demonstrating its commitment to decarbonising the maritime sector by supplying more sustainable products, ranging from 1% to 100% renewable content.”

Manifold Times previously reported PRIO launching its ECO Bunkers B30 biofuel in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and World Fuel Services.

PRIO previously launched ECO Bunkers B15, a green fuel for ships with 15% biodiesel and the company then launched a 20% biofuel blend, ECO Bunkers E20.

Photo credit: PRIO
Published: 20 March, 2025