Bunker Fuel

ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (9 Jan 2024)

VLSFO availability tight in Singapore and Zhoushan; availability improves across all grades in South Korean ports; demand low in Japanese ports.

Published

1 year ago

January 10, 2024

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:

VLSFO availability tight in Singapore and Zhoushan
Availability improves across all grades in South Korean ports
Demand low in Japanese ports

Singapore

Despite average bunker demand in Singapore this week, the availability of VLSFO remains constrained, leading to extended lead times of 9-13 days. Several suppliers are facing challenges in meeting delivery schedules, contributing to longer delivery lead times.

In contrast, HSFO availability has improved in Singapore, with lead times decreasing from 7-15 days last week to 6-9 days now. LSMGO requires lead times of 3-7 days, almost unchanged from the previous week.

Enterprise Singapore data revealed that residual fuel oil stocks in Singapore were 10% higher in December compared to November. However, the port's middle distillate stocks experienced a notable decline, averaging 18% lower during the same period.

China and East Asia

In Zhoushan, VLSFO supply pressure continues to persist, with lead times for most suppliers stretching to one week out. Meanwhile, HSFO and LSMGO supply has been relatively better. Lead times of 3-5 days are recommended for both grades, unchanged from the previous week.

In the northern Chinese port of Dalian and the southern ports of Shanghai and Xiamen, VLSFO and LSMGO lead times hover around a week, according to a source.

Availability has tightened across all grades in Hong Kong. Recommended lead times have doubled from last week's seven days to 14 days now.

South Korean ports' delivery lead times have improved for all grades amid moderate demand. Suppliers in southern and western ports are now recommending lead times of 4-7 days and 2-5 days, respectively, compared to 8-13 days in the previous week.

Notably, adverse weather conditions, including high waves and strong winds, are forecast intermittently between 10-14 January in the South Korean ports of Ulsan, Onsan, Busan, Daesan, Taean, and Yeosu, which could potentially impact bunker operations.

In Japan, rough weather conditions have dented bunker demand. Lead times of around 6-7 days are recommended for all grades in the Japanese ports of Nagoya, Yokkaichi, Tokyo, Chiba, Osaka, and Kobe, and about 10 days in the ports of Mizushima and Oita.

Additionally, adverse weather conditions are predicted in the Philippine port of Subic Bay on 14 January, posing potential challenges for bunker deliveries.

South Asia

Adverse weather is also forecast at the Indian ports of Kandla, Sikka, and Cochin on Wednesday, which could potentially disrupt bunkering operations.

On the other hand, the Sri Lankan ports of Colombo and Trincomalee have a good supply of both VLSFO and LSMGO, a source says.

Middle East

Some suppliers in Fujairah have reported healthy bunker demand despite ongoing concerns in the nearby Red Sea. The recent attacks on ships transiting the Red Sea have compelled several shipping companies to reroute their vessels via the southern tip of Africa instead of the shorter Suez Canal route.

Prompt availability of all grades remains tight in Fujairah, with lead times of 7-10 days recommended for all grades. Some suppliers can still supply prompt stems for all grades, a source claims. Bunkering also continues to run smoothly in the other UAE port of Khor Fakkan, with several suppliers advising lead times of 7-10 days for all grades.

By Tuhin Roy

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 10 January 2024

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Hong Kong-based Sun Ferry takes delivery of diesel-electric ferry “Xin Ming Zhu 30”

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The new vessel, designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Guangzhou-based shipbuilder AFAI Southern Shipyard, is the third vessel to join a fleet of seven new vessels designed by Incat Crowther for the mass transit operator.

The vessel will serve inter-island commuter and tourism operations across Hong Kong, connecting Peng Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung Chau.

The 300-seat passenger ferry boasts Veth azimuth thrusters that provide high manoeuvrability at operating speeds of 14 knots. The adoption of this technology makes the vessel suitable for berthing at piers on inter island routes.

The vessel is also fitted with 72 solar panels providing 7.5 kilowatts of on-board power.

Sam Mackay, Technical Manager at Incat Crowther, said: "This vessel reflects Sun Ferry’s commitment to future focused design solutions that not only meet operational needs, but that exceed customer expectations.”

“With diesel-electric propulsion, solar technology, and passenger-centric design, it sets a new benchmark for sustainable and efficient ferry services in Hong Kong.”

The delivery of the 35-metre hybrid vessel follows the delivery of two 45-metre conventional diesel-powered vessels to Sun Ferry. The final three vessels, all 45-metre vessels, will be delivered by the end of 2025. All vessels in the fleet have been designed by Incat Crowther and built by AFAI Southern Shipyard.

Photo credit: Incat Crowther
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Biofuel

PRIO delivers Eco Bunkers B30 to two cargo ships at ports in Portugal

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On 3 March, PRIO supplied the biofuel to cargo vessel BBC Lisbon at the Port of Aveiro and to another cargo vessel, ANNA, at the Port of Leixões on 18 March.

“With these two Eco Bunkers B30 deliveries, a product containing 30% renewable raw materials, PRIO enabled Briese Chartering to reduce around 60 tons of CO2 in just two port calls in Portugal,” it said in a social media post.

“Produced at PRIO’s Aveiro plant, biodiesel has the potential to reduce GHG emissions by approximately 88% compared to fossil fuels.”

“PRIO has been demonstrating its commitment to decarbonising the maritime sector by supplying more sustainable products, ranging from 1% to 100% renewable content.”

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LNG Bunkering

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Photo credit: Gasum
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