Business

ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

VLSFO supply under pressure in Singapore; bunker business as usual in Shanghai during city lockdown; demand slows in Hong Kong.

Published

3 years ago

March 30, 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:

29 March 2022

VLSFO supply under pressure in Singapore
Bunker business as usual in Shanghai during city lockdown
Demand slows in Hong Kong

Prompt fuel availability remains tight across all grades in Singapore. HSFO380 and VLSFO are especially tight and require around 10-11 days, while LSMGO is more readily available with shorter lead times of 3-5 days.

Singapore’s residual fuel oil stocks dropped last week after four weeks of consistent build-ups, according to Enterprise Singapore. The port’s middle distillate stocks, which include gasoil and other products, held steady on the week and remain below their five-year average.

Delivered VLSFO price premiums over ex-wharf are narrow in Singapore, indicating supplier willingness to move product to avoid holding too much stock in a steeply backwardated market.

Singapore’s net fuel oil imports have gradually declined and more than halved since January. According to cargo tracker Vortexa, fuel oil inflows are also expected tail off further in April.

In addition to lower cargo inflows, Singapore’s VLSFO availability is also under pressure from a stronger pull on gasoil cargoes and lower availability of low sulphur blendstocks. With many European buyers now shunning Russian imports, loadings of Asian gasoil with options to deliver in Europe are set to double on the month in March, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights.

In Fujairah, HSFO380 remains in tighter supply than low sulphur grades, requiring 10 days of lead time against 7-8 days for VLSFO and LSMGO.

Some suppliers in Fujairah are still avoiding some offers for larger stem sizes due to the volatility in the market, sources say.

Bunker operations continue to run smoothly in Shanghai despite the city entering a new Covid-19 lockdown. The measures do not extend to cover shipping, and bunker operations remain unaffected so far, sources say, adding that all deliveries are being carried out on schedule.

Availability of HSFO380 is relatively tighter in Zhoushan compared to LSMGO and VLSFO. Recommended lead times are 8-9 days for HSFO380, whereas VLSFO and LSMGO require 4-5 days ahead.

South Korea’s southern ports of Busan, Ulsan and Yeosu continue to see tight prompt availability. Suggested lead times for VLSFO in these ports range from 6-12 days, depending on the supplier. Prompt LSMGO supply has also tightened due to pressure on overall barge availability.

Bunker demand has been slow in Hong Kong over the past few days. "Enquiries have dropped compared to last year,” sources say. VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal and stems require 4-5 days of lead times. HSFO380 availability is tight as fewer suppliers can offer the grade.

LSMGO availability in the Philippines’ Manila is normal and requires 4-5 days ahead. Bunker demand has been slower this month amid higher bunker prices and volatility, sources say.

In Colombo, the availability of VLSFO is very tight and only certain suppliers can offer limited quantities, sources say. LSMGO availability is better and prompt deliveries are possible.

In Mumbai, bunker fuel availability is tight across all grades. Suppliers are mostly offering prices for firm enquiries only, sources say. Demand is said to be normal, without any notable uptick in enquiries.

Bunker fuel availability in Bangladesh’s Chittagong is normal. Recommended lead times are around 3-5 days across all grades.

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 30 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

16 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

16 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

16 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