Business

ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Buyers looking more at non-prompt Singapore stems; VLSFO supply improves in Hong Kong; bad weather hampers OPL deliveries in Colombo.

Published

3 years ago

February 8, 2023

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:

7 February 2023

Buyers looking more at non-prompt Singapore stems
VLSFO supply improves in Hong Kong
Bad weather hampers OPL deliveries in Colombo

Singapore

Bunker demand has been robust in Singapore following the Chinese Lunar New Year holidays. VLSFO and HSFO availability remains tight in the port, and while prompt dates can still be available, these offers are typically fewer and generally priced higher, a source says. Recommended lead times for VLSFO and HSFO are about 8-10 days, almost the same as last week’s 7-9 days.

Meanwhile, two suppliers in Singapore can supply HSFO stems with a shorter lead time of five days.

LSMGO is slightly better placed availability-wise, with prompt supply more readily available. A lead time of 5-6 days is generally recommended for smooth coverage. Sources argue that some buyers have been rushing to book bunkers for dates further out as prices for these stems have been more competitive than for prompt dates.

Singapore’s residual fuel oil stocks averaged 1% lower in January than in December, data from Enterprise Singapore shows. The port’s fuel oil imports surged by 22% in January, while exports dipped by 11%.

East Asia

Securing VLSFO and LSMGO stems for very prompt dates (0-3 days) can be hard in Zhoushan. A lead time of about five days is generally recommended for both grades. One supplier is running low on VLSFO stocks as a replenishment cargo it expected to receive has been delayed.

A tanker carrying 34,000 bbls of low sulphur fuel oil (LSFO) is scheduled to arrive in Zhoushan-Ningbo from Russia by 18 February, according to cargo tracker Vortexa.

HSFO supply remains tight in Zhoushan, with longer lead times typically recommended.

Several suppliers have cautioned that strong winds and swells are forecast in Zhoushan from Thursday and could disrupt bunkering again.

VLSFO supply in Hong Kong has improved with the arrival of a replenishment cargo, a source says. A tanker carrying 415,000 bbls of LSFO arrived in Hong Kong from Singapore on 5 February, Vortexa data shows. The cargo has helped to ease some supply pressure, a source says.

Recommended lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO have come down from 6-9 days in Hong Kong last week, to 3-4 days now. The lead time for HSFO remains steady at seven days.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is tight for prompt dates in South Korea’s Busan and Yeosu ports. Most suppliers have pushed their earliest delivery dates back to 17 February onwards, while only one supplier can supply on prompt dates, a source says. One Korean supplier, meanwhile, has halted its VLSFO offers as it is fully booked for the remaining days of this month, a source says. The supplier is expected to resume offers from early next month.

Strong winds gusts reaching up to 40 knots are forecast in the Vietnamese ports of Ho Chi Minh and Hai Phong, which could hamper bunkering throughout this week.

South Asia

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO remains good in India’s Mumbai port, with a shorter lead time of 2-3 days recommended.

HSFO and VLSFO availability remains normal in Mundra on India’s northwest coast and requires about six days of lead time.

HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO availability is said to be normal in Sri Lanka’s Colombo. Recommended lead times for the grades are about six days. However, bad weather conditions have disrupted bunkering at Colombo’s outer port limits (OPL) area. Some suppliers are trying to supply stems at the OPL when the weather allows, a source says.

Similarly, bunkering has been disrupted in Trincomalee, which is located on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka. One supplier can supply VLSFO and LSMGO stems for prompt dates if the weather permits. Due to rough weather conditions, the supplier has been moving deliveries from Trincomalee’s Back Bay anchorage to Round Islands.

But deliveries at Round Islands can be only undertaken during the daytime, as vessel navigation is not permitted during night hours, the supplier added.

Middle East

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is said to be good in Fujairah. One supplier can supply them with lead times of four days, another requires six days. Securing HSFO stems for prompt dates can be hard. The earliest delivery date with one supplier is from 18 February, while another can supply from 22 February onwards.

LSMGO availability remains good across the Omani ports of Duqm, Sohar, Salalah and Muscat, with prompt dates available.

By Nithin Chandran

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 8 February, 2023

Mass Flowmeter

Hong Kong backs MFM adoption with voluntary scheme to boost bunkering competitiveness

Hong Kong’s Marine Department launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems on their bunker vessels.

Published

3 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Admin

Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) on Wednesday (3 June) launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems (MFM systems) on their bunker vessels.

MD said the scheme aims to enhance Hong Kong’s bunkering service quality and the competitiveness of Hong Kong ports, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre and a major bunkering port.

Under the Scheme, bunker operators of traditional maritime fuel and biodiesel that install and use MFM systems on their bunker vessels, with the MFM systems inspected and certified by an accredited body in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 22192 Standard or equivalent requirements, can apply to the MD for inclusion in the scheme’s “List of Quality Bunker Vessels”, provided they meet the relevant technical and operational requirements.

Details of the bunker vessels successfully included in the List will be published on a dedicated page on the MD’s website for reference by shipping companies and relevant stakeholders.

Participation in the Scheme is voluntary. In addition to receiving recognition from the MD, participating bunker operators will benefit from enhanced corporate image and competitiveness through the adoption of MFM systems, thereby boosting customers’ confidence and helping to create new business opportunities.

A spokesman for the MD, said: “As an international maritime centre supported by our country, Hong Kong has a strategic location adjacent to major international fairways. Coupled with years of development in marine fuel bunkering, Hong Kong possesses rich experience and talent in the field. For many years, Hong Kong has consistently ranked as the seventh-largest bunkering port globally, the second-largest in our country, and the largest in the Greater Bay Area, providing reliable and competitive fuel bunkering services to ocean-going vessels from around the world.

“As the international shipping industry has an increasing demand for accuracy and transparency in bunkering services, service quality and measurement precision in bunkering operations have become important indicators of a bunkering port’s competitiveness. The Scheme will enhance bunkering accuracy and transparency, further enhancing the quality of Hong Kong’s bunkering services.

The spokesman added that comprehensive port services are one of Hong Kong’s key advantages as an international maritime centre.

“We will also mandate the use of MFM systems on all methanol bunker vessels this year to ensure that Hong Kong continues to provide high-quality bunkering services in the era of green maritime fuels.”

Note: The application form for the Scheme can be found on the MD’s website. Interested bunker operators can download the application form from the website or contact the MD’s Green Maritime Fuel Team via email ([email protected]) for details.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 4 June, 2026

Alternative Fuels

MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency.

Published

3 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Admin

MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (3 June) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company to strengthen collaboration in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, innovation, and manpower development.

The MoU was signed on 25 May 2026 by Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, and Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC.

The MoU underscores the shared commitment of MPA and MSC to foster a sustainable, digital, and future-ready maritime sector, while enhancing MSC’s operational and business activities in Singapore. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of MSC establishing its Asia Regional Office and local office in Singapore.

Under the MoU, MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency and operational performance.

MPA and MSC will also collaborate on maritime digitalisation initiatives to improve operational efficiency, including streamlining vessel arrivals and port operations.

On manpower development, MSC will support internship and scholarship opportunities through Singapore Maritime Foundation’s Maritime Outreach Network (MaritimeONE) platform, an industry-led tripartite partnership comprising industry, government and institutes of higher learning that aims to raise awareness of the maritime industry and attract quality talent into the maritime sector.

Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “This partnership reflects the strong collaboration between MPA and MSC in driving sustainability and digitalisation in the maritime sector. By working together on decarbonisation, operational efficiency and talent development, we aim to strengthen Maritime Singapore’s position as a trusted and future-ready global maritime hub.”

Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC, said: “Singapore is a strategically important hub for MSC and a key gateway to the broader Asia region. As we mark 30 years in Singapore, this MOU reinforces our long-term commitment to strengthening our presence here. MSC and Singapore are closely aligned on the priorities shaping the future of global shipping, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to drive the continued growth and resilience of the maritime industry.”

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 4 June, 2026

Emissions reporting

StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

Cooperation combines StormGeo’s expertise in operational vessel and emissions data with OceanScore’s expertise in emissions compliance workflows across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and UK ETS requirements.

Published

3 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Admin

StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

Weather intelligence and decision support solutions provider StormGeo and Hamburg-based technology platform OceanScore on Wednesday (3 June) said they have deepened their ongoing cooperation through the signing of a collaboration agreement during Posidonia 2026 in Athens on 2 June.

The cooperation combines StormGeo’s expertise in operational vessel and emissions data with OceanScore’s expertise in emissions compliance workflows across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and upcoming UK ETS requirements.

Together, the companies aim to help shipping companies seamlessly navigate increasing regulatory complexity more efficiently — from emissions reporting and data validation to compliance exposure management, pooling and financial settlement.

As emissions regulation becomes an increasingly important part of commercial shipping operations, the need for reliable operational data and streamlined compliance processes continues to grow. The cooperation between StormGeo and OceanScore is designed to support shipping companies with more connected, transparent and actionable processes across operational and commercial teams.

“From the outside, companies like StormGeo and OceanScore may sometimes be perceived as competitors because both operate around emissions and compliance workflows,” said Albrecht Grell, Managing Director at OceanScore.

“But in reality, the industry increasingly needs both perspectives working together: trusted operational emissions data on one side and commercial compliance execution on the other. Our cooperation reflects that shipping companies are no longer looking for isolated solutions — they need connected processes, automated across different systems and reliable decision-making throughout the full compliance chain.”

By connecting validated operational emissions data with commercial compliance management, the cooperation supports workflows across:

emissions reporting and validation
compliance management across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and upcoming UK ETS requirements
exposure visibility and cost transparency
pooling, settlement and financial processes

The cooperation also aims to improve commercial transparency and coordination across operational and commercial stakeholders.

“StormGeo plays a central role in helping shipping companies turn operational vessel and emissions data into trusted, decision-ready insights,” said Espen Martinsen, Chief Commercial Officer at StormGeo.

“As emissions regulations become more complex, this data is essential for transparent and efficient compliance management. By working with OceanScore, we can help customers connect StormGeo’s validated operational data with commercial compliance processes, creating a more integrated and practical approach to emissions management.”

The signing ceremony took place at the StormGeo booth during Posidonia 2026 in Athens and was attended by representatives from both companies.

Both companies expect the cooperation to continue evolving alongside upcoming regulatory developments, including FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS, the upcoming UK ETS and future emissions-related frameworks affecting global shipping.

Photo credit: StormGeo
Published: 4 June, 2026