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ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Availability remains tight in Hong Kong; Singapore suppliers struggle to offer prompt deliveries; gasoil more available than fuel oils in Zhoushan.

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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:

31 May 2022

  • Availability remains tight in Hong Kong
  • Singapore suppliers struggle to offer prompt deliveries
  • Gasoil more available than fuel oils in Zhoushan

Singapore

Bunker fuel availability remains tight across all grades in Singapore. Recommended lead times for VLSFO and HSFO are up to two weeks, and LSMGO around 7-10 days.

Some suppliers can offer HSFO for earlier dates, but prompt VLSFO deliveries are difficult to find, sources say.

Singapore’s residual fuel oil stocks have averaged 5% lower in May than in April, and middle distillate stocks 8% lower, according to Enterprise Singapore.

Cargo tracker Vortexa projects that Singapore’s total fuel oil imports could reach 792,000 b/d for the whole of May, which is higher than April’s 647,000 b/d. Inflows from Brazil and Russia are estimated to have surged and made them Singapore's top two and three import sources. The UAE has retained its place as the top source.

According to the data, high sulphur fuel oil imports will make up nearly 65% of total fuel oil imports in May, while low sulphur fuel oil inflows are down.

East Asia

Bunker demand remains robust in Hong Kong and supply is not keeping up with demand, making lead times more unpredictable, sources say.

Supply dates for all fuel grades remain subject to enquiry in Hong Kong as suppliers struggle to cater to both prompt deliveries and delivery dates further out. Availability is expected to improve in the second half of June as more replenishment cargoes arrive, a source says.

Availability remains tight across all grades in South Korea's Yeosu, Busan and Ulsan, with recommended lead times of around 7-10 days.

Supply is tight in China’s Zhoushan and Shanghai. Most suppliers are unable to offer HSFO and VLSFO for delivery dates in early June due to a lack of product, sources say.

Some suppliers in Zhoushan can offer VLSFO from 10 June onwards. LSMGO availability is slightly better with some suppliers offering prompt deliveries, sources say.

A supplier in Shanghai is out of VLSFO, adding more pressure on others’ supply, sources say.

In the Philippines’ Manila, LSMGO availability is normal and recommended lead times are around three days, a source says. Bunker demand has been sluggish.

Bunker fuel availability is normal in Port Klang. A supplier can offer limited quantities of VLSFO and LSMGO for prompt dates, sources say.

South Asia

Bunker fuel availability in the Indian ports of Mumbai and Kochi is normal. Some suppliers can offer prompt deliveries of VLSFO and LSMGO, a source says.

In the Pakistani ports of Karachi and Qasim, availability is normal for VLSFO and LSMGO. Only one local refinery is currently producing VLSFO while other refineries could start producing the grade in the coming months, a trader says.

In Sri Lanka’s Colombo, availability is slightly tight across all grades. A supplier has low stocks of VLSFO and LSMGO. Another supplier can offer both grades, but prompt deliveries are made difficult by a busy barge schedule, sources say.

HSFO availability is normal as a supplier has recently received a replenishment cargo, a source says. Port congestion has eased in Colombo to allow for smooth operations.

Middle East

In Fujairah, availability of HSFO is tight for prompt deliveries and recommended lead times are around 10 days. VLSFO and LSMGO grades have shorter lead times of seven days.

Prompt deliveries remain difficult to find in Fujairah forcing some buyers to look out for bunker options in other UAE ports such as Dubai, a source says.          

In Iraqi Basra, availability remains normal for VLSFO and LSMGO, sources say. A supplier can offer some prompt deliveries.

VLSFO availability in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah is normal, while LSMGO is slightly tighter, sources say.

Bunker fuel availability is normal in the Omani ports of Duqm and Sohar. A supplier can offer prompt deliveries for VLSFO and LSMGO.

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 1 June, 2022

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Mass Flowmeter

Singapore to implement new bunker mass flow metering standards from 1 April 2025

MPA will mandate the use of SS 648: 2024 for the custody transfer of bunker deliveries to ocean-going ships in the Port of Singapore from 1 April 2025; use of SS 648: 2019 will cease on the same date.

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RESIZED EH dual mfm setup

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Friday (1 November) issued Port Marine Circular No. 12 of 2024 informing the marine industry that the use of SS 648: 2024 for the custody transfer of bunker deliveries to ocean-going ships in the Port of Singapore will be mandatory from 1 April 2025:

This circular serves to inform the maritime industry that the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will mandate the use of SS 648: 2024 for the custody transfer of bunker deliveries to ocean-going ships in the Port of Singapore from 1 April 2025. Consequently, the use of SS 648: 2019 will cease from 1 April 2025. 

Published by the Singapore Standards Council in October 2024, the SS 648: 2024 serves as the latest version of the SS 648 and is the result of a joint review of the previous version (SS648: 2019) by the MPA, Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), as well as representatives from bunker suppliers/craft operators, bunker buyers, testing and surveying companies, oil majors, equipment vendors, relevant government agencies and industry experts to meet the changing needs of the bunkering industry. 

The SS 648: 2024 is divided into 2 parts for ease of operational use. Part 1 covers pre-approval processes such as meter selection, acceptance tests, etc.; while Part 2 covers post-approval processes such as health, safety and environment requirements, metrological requirements, system integrity requirements and metering procedures. Other key changes include:  

  • Updating of the acceptance test to include single tanker meter-in meter-out as an additional option for approval of Mass Flow Metering (MFM) system;
  • Considerations after a software update or upgrade to provide better clarity;
  • Biofuels in the coverage of the standard;
  • Use of data logger and edge device with enhanced requirements for data security, data integrity and data transmission requirements;
  • Replacing minimum measured quantity (MMQ) with new table on minimum bunker quantity (MBQ) for better clarity;
  • Updates of the sampling requirements with new information from SS 600:2022 Code of practice for bunkering by bunker tankers using tank gauging;
  • New content on digital documentation to be cross referenced to new Specification for Digital Bunkering Supply Chain Documentation; and
  • Reorganisation of the content of bunker claims procedures and dispute resolution

Training Requirements for Cargo Officers and Bunker Surveyors 

The MPA has worked with SSA and IBIA to develop a refresher course on the new requirements of the SS 648: 2024, which is expected to commence from January 2025. All in-service bunker cargo officers and bunker surveyors are required to complete this refresher course (conducted by SSA and IBIA) by 1 April 2025. Bunker cargo officers and bunker surveyors that have not attained the necessary certification will not be allowed to conduct bunkering operations in the Port of Singapore.

For further information on the courses, please contact SSA and IBIA as follows: 

Singapore Shipping Association
Website: www.ssa.org.sg
Tel: 6305 2260

International Bunker Industry Association

Website: www.ibia.net
Tel: 6427 0916

Queries relating to this circular can be directed to [email protected]

Manifold Times previously reported Enterprise Singapore (ESG), a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Government of Singapore administering the Singapore Standardisation programme launching two new bunkering standards while revising a third benchmark at the 23rd Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON 2024).

Related: SIBCON 2024: Singapore launches two new bunkering standards, revises third benchmark

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 1 November, 2024

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Methanol

South Korea achieves milestone with first SIMOPS methanol bunkering in Busan

Hyodong Shipping’s bunkering vessel “Hyodong Chemi” supplied 3,000 mt of methanol to containership “Antonia Maersk” at Busan New Port Terminal 2 (PNC) during cargo unloading.

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South Korea achieves milestone with first SIMOPS methanol bunkering in Busan

South Korea successfully conducted its first ever Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPs) of ship-to-ship methanol bunkering at Busan New Port on 4 October, according to Korean Register (KR) on Thursday (30 October). 

KR said this groundbreaking achievement marks a crucial advancement in the nation's commitment to developing a sustainable ship fuel supply chain.

In an 11-hour bunkering operation, Hyodong Shipping’s bunkering vessel Hyodong Chemi supplied 3,000 metric tonnes (mt) of methanol to containership Antonia Maersk at Busan New Port Terminal 2(PNC) during cargo unloading. 

This follows the successful LNG bunkering SIMOPs at Busan New Port in August. 

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) spearheaded this initiative as part of its plan to build an Eco-friendly Ship Fuel Supply Chain, announced in November 2023. The ministry has been diligently working on securing bunkering vessels, developing port infrastructure, and standardising bunkering procedures.

Busan Port Authority (BPA) supported the methanol bunkering demonstration project, offering exemptions on port facility usage fees and coordinating with relevant agencies to review safety protocols through an inter-agency consultative body.

Korean Register (KR) has played a pivotal role in providing technical support for the development of a methanol bunkering safety system. KR's contributions include developing standard operating procedures, defining safety management zones, and creating guidance for self-safety management plans.

This accomplishment is expected to significantly enhance the competitiveness of South Korean ports in the growing market for eco-friendly shipping. The successful implementation of SIMOPs, which allows for simultaneous cargo operations and supply of green fuel, is particularly attractive to shipping companies aiming to reduce costs and improve efficiency.  

KANG Joonsuk, CEO & President of BPA, said: “This successful demonstration marks a monumental achievement, showing that Busan Port is fully capable of supplying methanol. We plan to enhance Busan Port’s global competitiveness by developing infrastructure and advancing technology to expand eco-friendly fuel bunkering, positioning it as a leading green port on the world stage.”  

LEE Hyungchul, Chairman & CEO of KR, said: “As the maritime industry continues to seek greener alternatives, South Korea is trying to position itself at the forefront of sustainable shipping practices. KR will continue to provide full support for technical cooperation to ensure safe and successful green fuel bunkering operations.”

Related: South Korea achieves first-ever SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation of bulk carrier 

Photo credit: Korean Register
Published: 1 November, 2024

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Ammonia

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries wins DNV AiP for ammonia DF large container vessel

Milestone follows the successful completion of a joint development project aimed at addressing the challenges associated with using ammonia as a bunker fuel, says DNV.

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HD Hyundai Heavy Industries wins DNV AiP for ammonia DF large container vessel

Classification society DNV on Wednesday (30 November) said it has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) for its 15K TEU ammonia dual-fuelled container vessel design. 

DNV said the milestone follows the successful completion of a joint development project aimed at addressing the challenges associated with using ammonia as a marine fuel.

“The project focused on developing designs to enhance safety, including an optimised ammonia tank design, advanced fire safety systems, enhanced ammonia release mitigation system and boil-off gas (BOG) handling systems,” it said in a statement. 

“These innovations could play an important role in building confidence in the safe and efficient use of ammonia as a marine fuel.”

On container ships, where the upper deck is a safe working zone, DNV said an ammonia leak could pose a serious risk. This means, establishing safety design criteria to manage these risks is crucial for the wider commercialization of ammonia-fueled ships.

To this end, fuel pipe leakage scenarios were defined and quantitatively analysed through gas dispersion analyses. Consequently, it was confirmed that, with conventional systems, foreseeable small leakages occurring at connections within the ammonia piping system can form toxic areas with dangerous ammonia concentrations throughout the entire weather deck, highlighting the need for effective mitigation measures. 

The result showed that hazardous areas were significantly reduced by the enhanced ammonia release mitigation system, enabling not only safer enclosed spaces but also safer working areas across the entire weather deck of the vessel.

Seung-ho Jeon, SEVP, CTO of HD HHI, said: “The AiP reflects HD HHI’s dedication to developing sustainable, innovative solutions like ammonia-fuelled vessels, which will play a key role in reducing emissions and shaping the future of shipping.”

Vidar Dolonen, DNV Regional Manager Korea and Japan, said: "This AiP highlights the importance of safety in moving the maritime industry along the path to decarbonization.”

“There are many aspects to building out zero carbon fuels in shipping, and it’s essential that we have them all in place for ammonia to truly establish itself in the marine fuel market.”

“But with new technological solutions, alongside rigorous safety procedures, ammonia reach its full potential as one of the most promising green fuels. DNV is proud to support these advancements from HD HHI as we continue on this journey to an even more sustainable maritime industry.”

 

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 1 November, 2024

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