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ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

LSMGO availability good in Singapore; demand weak in Zhoushan; several ports face weather disruptions.

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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:

21 February 2023

  • LSMGO availability good in Singapore
  • Demand weak in Zhoushan
  • Several ports face weather disruptions

 

Singapore

Singapore has been witnessing steady bunker demand so far this week. Availability of prompt dates for VLSFO and HSFO remains tight in the port, with recommended lead times of 7-9 days and 8-9 days, respectively. This is almost same as the previous week’s 7-8 days and 6-9 days, respectively.

Residual fuel oil stocks in Singapore have averaged 2% higher so far in February than in January, according to Enterprise Singapore. The port’s net fuel oil imports have declined 6% so far this month than across January. Both fuel oil imports and exports are down this month.

Meanwhile, Singapore’s middle distillate stocks are down 11% lower so far this month amid few incentives to store product in a backwardated market.

The port’s LSMGO price currently lingers around multi-month low levels after having lost a massive $122/mt since the beginning of this month. The downward LSMGO price trend in Singapore has largely mirrored front-month Singapore 10ppm gasoil futures.

Singapore 10ppm is in backwardation, with nearly $8/mt between the front- and second-month contracts. Its second-to-third month spread is slightly wider at around $9/mt. LSMGO stems need lead times of 2-3 days, steady with prior week.

Strong wind gusts between 19-22 knots are forecast in Singapore on 26 February, which may hit bunkering operations.

 

East Asia

Bunkering has resumed at Zhoushan’s slightly sheltered Xiushandong anchorage and at the inner anchorage of Mazhi after being suspended by bad weather on Monday evening, according to White Whale Shipping Agency.

Meanwhile, rough weather has kept bunkering halted in the Tiaozhoumen and Xiazhimen anchorages. The port is currently witnessing strong wind gusts of up to 17 knots.

Bunkering operations are likely to resume in the Tiaozhoumen and Xiazhimen anchorages from morning tomorrow when calmer weather is forecast.

Fuel availability remains tight for prompt dates across all grades in Zhoushan, but recent bouts of weather disruptions have hit bunker demand and by extension prevented further tightness in the port. VLSFO and LSMGO stems require lead times of 3-5 days, and HSFO needs 5-7 days.

However, strong wind gusts of 19-24 knots and swells of close to a metre are forecast to hit the Chinese bunkering hub between 24-25 February, which might lead to another bunker suspension.

Strong wind gusts and swells are also forecast to hit Hong Kong between 21-22 February and towards the beginning of next week, which might impact bunkering operations in the port.

Availability remains good across all grades in Hong Kong, while demand has been sluggish. VLSFO and LSMGO stems require lead times of around four days in the port, down from seven days previously. Prompt dates for HSFO are, however, subject to enquiry, a source says.

Bunker demand remains sluggish across South Korean ports, a source says. Lead times across all grades in southern South Korean ports are 4-8 days, down from a wide range of 3-11 days in the prior week. Meanwhile, stems require 3-4 days in western South Korean ports, almost same as the last week’s around four days.

Bad weather is forecast intermittently through the week in the South Korean ports of Ulsan, Onsan, Daesan, Taean and Yeosu, which may hamper bunkering, a source says.

Bad weather might disrupt bunker operations in the Philippine port of Subic Bay between 25-28 February.

The Thai ports of Koi Sichang and Leam Chabang are likely to experience adverse weather conditions between 26-28 February, which might hamper delivery of stems.

 

South Asia

VLSFO and LSMGO remains readily available in India’s Mumbai, with short lead times of 2-3 days.

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO remains good in Kandla on India’s northwest coast, with lead times of 2-3 days advised.

Cochin and Chennai on the southern coast of India have good availability of both VLSFO and LSMGO, with lead times of 2-3 days recommended. Meanwhile, availability of both the grades remains subject to enquiry in Tuticorin.

Prompt dates are available for both VLSFO and LSMGO in Visakhapatnam on India’s southwestern coast.

Availability of the grades in Haldia on India’s east coast is subject to enquiry.

However, the Indian ports of Kandla, Sikka and Mundra are struggling with congestion and backlogs, which is only expected to ease by 27 February, a source says.

LSMGO and HSFO are readily available in the Sri Lankan port of Colombo, with prompt dates possible.

 

Middle East

Availability across all grades remains tight in Fujairah as several suppliers are working to clear backlogs created by rough weather conditions over the weekend. A source says suppliers are working through choppy weather conditions to prevent congestion at the port.

Normal bunker demand at the UAE port has contributed further to the tightness of the port. Lead times of around seven days are recommended across all grades in the port now. While lead times are up for VLSFO (around six days) and LSMGO (around four days) from the previous week, it has come down for HSFO (almost 11 days).

Availability of LSMGO remains very good in the Omani ports of Muscat, Salalah, Sohar and Duqm, with prompt dates available.

By Tuhin Roy

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 22 February, 2022

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Milestone

China: Xiamen port records 16.37% jump in bunker sales volume in 1H2025

Total of 416 international ships, an increase of 6.12% on year, received marine fuel in bunkering operations during the same period.

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Xiamen port bunkering

The Port of Xiamen recorded bonded bunkering volume of 274,500 metric tonnes (mt) in the first half (1H) of 2025, representing a jump of 16.37% on year, reported Xiamen Daily on Thursday (10 July).

A total 416 international ships, an increase of 6.12% on year, received marine fuel in bunkering operations during the same period.

The report noted Xiamen Port to be increasing bunker players while optimising its bonded marine fuel supply chain system in recent years.

Before February 2025, there were only two bonded bunker fuel suppliers with national licenses operating at Xiamen Port.

The port welcomed Xiamen Kunlun Fuel Oil [厦门昆仑燃料油] as a new marine fuel supplier on 1 February; the company was awarded the first Xiamen local license by both Xiamen Customs and the local government.

Followingly, Xiamen Kunlun Fuel Oil performed its first bonded bunkering operation at Xiamen port on 26 February.

Xiamen Port earlier launched a pilot programme called “two warehouse functions superposition” which combines the functions of both bonded oil storage warehouse and export supervision warehouse into one unit.

Using just a single oil storage tank allows bunker fuel suppliers at Xiamen to save on renting tanks, reduce time spent on tank unloading, improve utilisation rates, and shorten bunker delivery times.

Related: PetroChina subsidiary wins first bonded bunkering licence in Xiamen

 

Photo credit: Xiamen Port Authority, China
Published: 11 July 2025

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Newbuilding

China: Steel cutting ceremony for methanol bunkering tanker “Lucia Cosulich” held

A steel cutting ceremony was held for the 7,999 DWT IMO Type 2 chemical bunker tanker at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard, China.

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Lucia Cosulich

Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy on Wednesday (9 July) announced the steel cutting ceremony of Lucia Cosulich, a 7,999 DWT IMO Type 2 chemical bunker tanker – the second vessel in a series of four – at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard, China.

“This milestone marks another bold step in our Marine Energy business unit’s commitment to clean fuel readiness and operational excellence,” said the company.

The vessel will be fully methanol-ready, capable of carrying, burning, and bunkering methanol safely and efficiently, with full regulatory compliance standards.

It will feature an integrated Nitrogen Generator System, ensuring safe and inert tank operations at all times. Equipped with advanced safety systems specifically engineered for low-flashpoint fuel handling, the vessel sets a new benchmark in future fuel readiness.

A complete methanol bunkering setup will come as standard, including the Quick Connect/Disconnect Couplings (QCDC), dedicated transfer lines and comprehensive monitoring and control systems to ensure efficient and secure fuel handling.

“Built on state-of-the-art architecture, she is designed not only to meet but to exceed the evolving demands of tomorrow’s energy supply chain,” noted the firm.

Lucia Cosulich embodies our vision to lead the transition within the maritime fuel landscape.”

 

Photo credit: Fratelli Cosulich
Published: 11 July 2025

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Financial Result

Glander International Bunkering reports EBT of USD 22 million for FY2025

‘This fiscal year, we focused on staying close to our clients, while adapting to a fast-changing market,’ says CEO Carsten Ladekjær.

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Glander Result 2024 2025 MT

Global bunker trading and energy solutions provider Glander International Bunkering on Thursday (10 July) posted financial results for the year ended on April 30, 2025 – reflecting stable performance amid ongoing changes in global maritime and regulations.

The company reports a turnover of USD 3 billion and earnings before tax (EBT) of USD 22 million, including a non-recurring item.

“These results demonstrate consistent performance compared to the previous fiscal year, as the company continues to focus on conventional fuels, new fuels, risk management and extensive global reach,” CFO David Varghese comments.

Navigating change in maritime

Throughout the 2024-25 fiscal year, the bunker industry faced critical challenges including the escalation of the US-China trade conflict, ongoing Red Sea and Suez Canal security risks, and the first full-year impact of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) for maritime shipping.

Compliance with IMO CII measures and the uptake of new fuel products also influenced bunker demand patterns and pricing strategies.

“This fiscal year, we focused on staying close to our clients, while adapting to a fast-changing market,” says CEO Carsten Ladekjær. “In a time of uncertainty and transformation, we focused on staying agile, supporting customers with conventional fuels, and laying the groundwork for new fuel solutions.”

New fuels and other key achievements

Glander International Bunkering made significant progress in 2024-25: completing bioLNG deliveries, expanding biofuel supply, and launching a compliance calculator to help customers navigate FuelEU Maritime. Compared to the previous fiscal year, the company achieved a 71% increase in biofuel volume and 85% increase in LNG volume, along with the sale of nearly 100,000 EUAs.

Other achievements throughout the year include the renewal of its ISCC certifications, membership in the Smart Freight Centre, and Great Place to Work certification for the 7th consecutive year.

Looking ahead, Ladekjær says, “We will do what we have always done since 1961– adapt to new changes and be there for our clients.” He added that Glander International Bunkering is prepared for the next phase of change in global shipping, as decarbonisation, regulatory expansion and geopolitical developments continue to shape the bunker fuel market.

 

Photo credit: Glander International Bunkering
Published: 11 July 2025

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