Business

ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

VLSFO remains very tight in Singapore; availability of all grades good in Hong Kong; demand improving in Fujairah.

Published

2 years ago

December 14, 2022

Admin

ENGINE East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

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:

VLSFO remains very tight in Singapore
Availability of all grades good in Hong Kong
Demand improving in Fujairah

Singapore

Steady demand for VLSFO in Singapore coupled with limited supply has contributed to tighten the grade’s availability in the port. Recommended lead times now stretch to around two weeks.

Recommended lead times for LSMGO, on the other hand, have come down from 10-12 days last week to 4-5 days now. Availability of HSFO remains tight, with lead times stretching to 9-13 days.

Singapore’s residual fuel oil stocks have remained steady with prior-month levels in December, despite a 7% decline in fuel oil imports, according to Enterprise Singapore. Fuel oil exports have risen by 14% so far this month, and the port's net imports have dropped.

Meanwhile, middle distillate stocks in Singapore have averaged 2% lower so far in December than in November.

East Asia

Bunker operations had resumed at all four anchorages of Zhoushan by Tuesday morning, following weather-suspensions since Thursday last week, according to White Whale Shipping Agency.

Lead times of 3-5 days are recommended for VLSFO in Zhoushan. The Chinese bunkering hub has been witnessing an uptick in demand this week compared to the last week, a source says.

Availability of LSMGO has been getting tighter in Zhoushan as several suppliers are out of stocks and replenishment cargoes have been delayed until 19 December, a source says. LSMGO availability is subject to enquiry now.

HSFO is still tight in Zhoushan, with availability subject to enquiry, as most suppliers are sold out.

Availability of VLSFO remains steady in Hong Kong with lead times of around seven days. Demand for the grade remains good in Hong Kong’s bunker market, a source says.

Meanwhile, availability of VLSFO is getting very tight in South Korean ports as most suppliers are out of stocks. Recommended lead times for VLSFO in these ports are almost two weeks ahead in time now. Replenishment cargoes are expected to arrive towards the end of December, which is likely to alleviate the situation, a source says. Some suppliers can offer prompt deliveries of the grade, but these are usually at premiums.

Recommended lead times for LSMGO in South Korean ports are around 10 days, and about 9-10 days are needed for HSFO.

Weather-related disruptions may impact bunker operations in the South Korean ports of Ulsan, Onsan, Daesan, Taean and Yeosu in the coming week, a source says.

South Asia

VLSFO and LSMGO availability remains normal in India’s Mumbai, with lead times of around two days. HSFO is subject to barge availability, which is more limited than for the low sulphur grades.

Prompt delivery dates are available for both VLSFO and LSMGO in Mundra on India’s northwest coast. Lead times are short for both grades, at 1-2 days.

Availability across all grades remains good in the Sri Lankan port of Colombo, with short lead times of four days.

Middle East

Fujairah has been experiencing a demand surge since late last week as tightness in the VLSFO market has triggered some panic buying. Some sources argue that a slowdown in VLSFO production from a major refinery has contributed to the tightness of the grade.

Recommended lead times in the UAE port are 7-9 days, but some suppliers can supply prompter stems that are typically priced higher.

LSMGO in Fujairah requires lead times of around nine days, and about nine days are needed for HSFO.

Availability of prompt dates for both VLSFO and LSMGO remains good in Oman’s Sohar. Meanwhile, Duqm has almost run out of VLSFO.

By Tuhin Roy

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 14 December, 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

6 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

6 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

6 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