Business

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.

Published

3 years ago

June 1, 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:

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

Business

SMW 2025: MPA and Dalian Maritime University to partner on joint maritime training

Both signed a MoU to enhance talent development and academic exchange between Singapore and China, focusing on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation and covering areas such as clean energy.

Published

5 hours ago

March 28, 2025

Admin

SMW 2025: MPA and Dalian Maritime University to partner on joint maritime training

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Dalian Maritime University (DMU) on Friday (28 March) said they have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance talent development and academic exchange between Singapore and China in the maritime sector.

The MoU renewal was signed by MPA Chief Executive, Mr Teo Eng Dih, and Professor Shan Hongjun, President of DMU. This renewal builds on the successful collaboration established since 2021, and further strengthens talent development and knowledge exchange between both maritime ecosystems.

As part of the MOU, MPA and DMU will continue to engage in faculty exchanges, study visits and student exchanges in Singapore and Dalian, and joint maritime training and research programmes. Trainers from MPA, including subject matter experts and adjunct trainers, will contribute to courses, events and knowledge sharing.

The collaboration will focus on digitalisation and decarbonisation, covering areas such as clean energy and sustainable practices in the maritime sector, digital transformation of maritime operations, environmental management, maritime safety, navigational technologies, and port management and smart technologies.

DMU is home to world-class facilities, including two ocean-going training vessels and state-of-the-art research centre. A leader in autonomous ship technology and innovation in smart and sustainable shipping, the university has recently launched its 3rd ocean-going new generation autonomous training vessel.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, said, “The renewal of this MOU reflects the strong partnership between MPA and DMU. As the maritime industry evolves, our collaboration in maritime education and training is more crucial than ever in preparing the next generation of maritime professionals. This agreement will enhance maritime talent development and knowledge sharing between Singapore and China, fostering innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector.”

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 March, 2025

Environment

SMW 2025: Maritime drone training for ship emission monitoring to be established

MPA and Republic Polytechnic ink a MoU to start a specialised Unmanned Aircraft Pilot Training programme for MPA pilots to operate drones for maritime applications such as monitoring vessel emissions.

Published

5 hours ago

March 28, 2025

Admin

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Republic Polytechnic (RP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a specialised Unmanned Aircraft (UA) Pilot Training programme for MPA UA pilots, which will also provide internship opportunities for RP students.

This initiative aims to equip MPA, as well as commercial UA pilots, with advanced competencies to operate drones for maritime applications. These include inspection of vessel structures, monitoring of vessel emissions, and supporting emergency response efforts.

The course will cover essential skills, including take-off and landing from vessels, emergency procedures at sea, and Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations. UA pilots will also be trained to operate drones equipped with various sensor payloads such as electro-optics, infrared, and multispectral imaging. Tethered drone operations, which enable extended flight times for surveillance and monitoring, will also be included.

Under this five-year collaboration arrangement, MPA and RP plan to develop competency frameworks for UA pilots operating at sea, and will train over 20 MPA UA pilots annually. The collaboration will also explore the potential development of a maritime-specific qualification for UA pilots for interested parties. The training will be conducted by RP’s team of full-time lecturers who are also certified UA Pilot Licence trainers.

Through this partnership, RP students have internship opportunities with MPA, and can explore potential career pathways as UA pilots and watch supervisors coordinating the deployment of unmanned systems for port operations and maritime safety.

RP lecturers and students will also have opportunities to gain industry exposure and practical experience through participation in MPA’s upcoming drone-related projects. In addition, RP will work with MPA in relevant committees and forums to shape policies, safety standards, and regulations for maritime drone operations.

In 2025, MPA will trial new drone capabilities, including coordinated drone operations for chemical spill management and the Maritime Drones Traffic Management System to ensure safety in port waters.

The Maritime Drone Estate, launched in 2021, will also be expanded to support commercial drone services such as remote inspections and shore-to-ship deliveries. These advancements will contribute to safer, more fuel-efficient, and sustainable maritime operations.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 March, 2025

Alternative Fuels

SMW 2025: Geospatial tools to be explored for port operations including bunkering

MPA and partners will explore the use of geospatial tools to develop solutions to improve safety and efficiency of port operations, such as bunkering of alternative fuels and vessel navigation.

Published

5 hours ago

March 28, 2025

Admin

SMW 2025: Geospatial tools to be explored for port operations including bunkering

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (26 March) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with several partners to promote knowledge-sharing initiatives and explore geospatial technologies to address real-world challenges in the republic.

Partners will explore the use of geospatial tools to develop solutions to strengthen preparedness, monitor sea level rise, and improve the safety and efficiency of port operations, such as vessel navigation, marine services and the bunkering of alternative fuels.

MPA signed a three-year MOU with Jurong Port, Singapore Cruise Centre Private Limited, Esri Singapore, Hexagon’s Safety Infrastructure and Geospatial Division, Nika, Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore (TCOMS), A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing (A*STAR IHPC) and the Centre of Excellence in Modelling and Simulation for Next Generation Ports (C4NGP) in the College of Design and Engineering of the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Geospatial tools use location-based data such as satellite images, traffic and weather data, and sensor readings from buoys and on land to create 2D and 3D visual insights.

These can help stakeholders monitor real-time conditions, manage risks, and plan operations more effectively by improving risk management and decision-making, and enhancing operational planning for improved safety and efficiency.

MPA also signed a three-year MOU with NUS to develop a skilled maritime geospatial workforce.

Under this partnership, MPA and NUS will explore the development of maritime geospatial courses for NUS undergraduate and post-graduate geography students, and a professional certification programme for mid-career professionals.

The maritime geospatial programmes will cover skills in 2D and 3D mapping, geospatial analytics, and advanced environmental and operations modelling. This will build a pipeline of talent equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive maritime geospatial innovation in the industry and government.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 March, 2025