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Bunker Fuel Availability

ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (13 December)

Bunker fuel availability normal in the ARA hub; rough weather impacts bunkering in Malta and Istanbul; LSMGO tight in Durban and Richards Bay.

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RESIZED ENGINE Europe and Africa

The following article regarding Europe and Africa bunker fuel availability has been provided by online marine fuel procurement platform ENGINE for post on Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times:

  • Bunker fuel availability normal in the ARA hub
  • Rough weather impacts bunkering in Malta and Istanbul
  • LSMGO tight in Durban and Richards Bay

Northwest Europe

Bunker fuel availability is said to be normal in the ARA ports. Lead times of 5-7 days are recommended for HSFO and VLSFO, and shorter lead times of 4-5 days for LSMGO, a trader said.

LSMGO supply tightness towards the end of last week has now eased, and availability is back to normal in the wider ARA hub.

The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks have averaged 4% higher so far this month than across November, according to Insights Global Data.

The region has imported 167,000 b/d of fuel oil so far this month, down from 225,000 b/d imported in November, according to cargo tracker Vortexa.

Germany has been the ARA's biggest fuel oil import source this month, accounting for 19% of the region’s total imports. Poland followed close behind, accounting for 17% of the total imports, and the UK (16%).

Meanwhile, the ARA hub’s independent gasoil inventories — which include gasoil and heating oil — have held steady so far this month. 

HSFO availability remains tight for deliveries off Skaw. Lead times of 7-10 days are recommended for the high sulphur grade. LSMGO and VLSFO availability is relatively better. Lead times of 5-7 days are recommended for both grades.

Bunker fuel availability is normal in the German port of Hamburg. Lead times of 3-5 days are recommended for all three grades.

Mediterranean

Bunker fuel availability is normal for all grades in Gibraltar. All three bunker fuel grades are available for prompt delivery dates. Recommended lead times for LSMGO and VLSFO are 3-5 days, and 4-5 days for HSFO.

Rough weather conditions are forecast to hit Gibraltar Strait on Friday and over the weekend, which could impact bunkering in the ports there. Congestion was reported in Gibraltar on Wednesday because of rough weather conditions. Two suppliers were experiencing delays of more than 24 hours in Gibraltar on Wednesday.

Adverse weather continues to impact bunker deliveries off Malta. Several suppliers are reporting bunker delays because of rough weather. Lead times of more than seven days are generally recommended by suppliers, a trader says.

Strong wind gusts between 21 knots and 31 knots are forecast to hit off Malta in periods over the weekend and possibly into the next week. Stems are currently being supplied only at the bunkering area four, MH Bland says.

Meanwhile, bunker fuel availability is normal in the Greek port of Piraeus.

Bad weather has also impacted bunker operations at the Turkish port of Istanbul. Bunker fuel availability is tight in the port, and deliveries are mostly subject to enquiry there, a trader said.

Africa

In South Africa's Durban and Richards Bay, VLSFO availability is said to be normal. Lead times of 5-7 days are recommended for both grades, a source says.

LSMGO, however, remains very tight in both ports, two traders said. Lead times of over 10 days are generally recommended due to the limited supply of the grade. Some bunker suppliers are unable to confirm when replenishment cargoes will arrive to ease supply pressure. Availability of the grade has been tight since November.

Offshore bunkering in Algoa could resume from 1 February, after having been suspended since September, a port agent told ENGINE. While the port agent pegged it to a specific date, two other port agents were unable to confirm this.

Some traders argue that the mentioned date appears to be speculative as no official confirmation has been announced from South African authorities.

Speculation about when offshore bunkering can resume in Algoa Bay comes after the South African Revenue Service (SARS) on Monday issued amendments to its bunkering rules mentioned in the Customs and Excise Act. 

Offshore deliveries in Algoa Bay came to a halt in September after SARS detained bunker barges over import duty disputes. Supply has been limited to in-port deliveries by one supplier in Port Elizabeth.

In Mozambique’s Nacala port, the availability of HSFO and LSMGO grades is good. VLSFO availability is tight in the port. The earliest delivery date with a supplier stretches to 26 December.

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO grades is said to be normal in Maputo.

By Manjula Nair

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 14 December, 2023

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Bunker Fuel

AMSOL tanker “Uhambo” commences offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay

Firm announced that its product tanker Uhambo has started offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay, signalling that the service has resumed in the maritime bay of South Africa.

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AMSOL tanker “Uhambo” commences offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay

Marine services provider AMSOL recently announced that its product tanker Uhambo has started offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay, signalling that the service has resumed in the maritime bay in South Africa.  

“Now flying the South African flag and an important platform for the ongoing training and development of tanker-endorsed South African seafarers, the Uhambo has commenced offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay, delivering locally refined marine fuel on behalf of its oil industry client,” the company said in a statement shared with Manifold Times

In November 2024, the South African Revenue Services (SARS) released new protocols including amendments under sections 21, 60, and 120 of the Customs and Excise Act. Some amendments pertain to the storage of imported bonded fuel goods in designated customs and excise storage warehouses.

SARS' move was anticipated to facilitate bunkering to resume off Algoa Bay, which has been shut down since September 2023

AMSOL’s Chief Commercial Officer Graham Dreyden, said: “Our ability to comply with stringent operating regulations and legislation as well as international maritime and marine standards underpins AMSOL’s track record.”

“This is the case for operations in Algoa Bay and we have worked closely with authorities and relevant stakeholders to ensure all legislative requirements for offshore bunkering operations are met.”

AMSOL’s CEO Dan Ngakane said he is positive about the growth of the company and its broader impact. 

“We have acquired five vessels in the last 4 years in order to meet the needs of our clients in the region for reliable and professional, risk managed marine solutions,” he said.

“In leading growth in the South African maritime sector, we remain committed to meeting the highest standards for environmental protection, safety and compliance whilst developing the talent required to keep our industry growing and moving forward.”

AMSOL said it is the only marine services business operating in the region with a proven track record in effective management of risk-mitigated fuel transfers through a portfolio of services that include in-port bunker delivery, offshore bunkering, ship-to-ship fuel transfer services and offshore terminal management.

Related: ENGINE: SARS releases final rules for South Africa’s offshore bunkering
Related: SARS seeks public comments on amendments to bonded bunker fuel storage regulations
Related: South African Revenue Service issues media statement on detention of bunkering vessels
Related: ENGINE: Algoa Bay bunkering at a standstill as authority detains barges – sources
Related: ENGINE: Algoa Bay closure spurs surge in bunker calls at nearby ports

 

Photo credit: AMSOL
Published: 12 February, 2025

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Bunker Fuel Availability

ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (11 Feb 2025)

Bunker demand is low in Singapore; VLSFO and LSMGO availability is tight in several Indian ports; several Australian ports brace for weather disruptions.

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RESIZED ENGINE East of Suez

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:

  • Bunker demand is low in Singapore
  • VLSFO and LSMGO availability is tight in several Indian ports
  • Several Australian ports brace for weather disruptions

Singapore and Malaysia

Bunker demand in Singapore has been sluggish so far this week, according to a source. Most suppliers recommend lead times of 5–9 days for VLSFO, nearly unchanged from last week. HSFO lead times have dropped from around 13 days last week to 2–9 days now, while LSMGO lead times remain steady at 3–6 days.

Residual fuel oil stocks in Singapore averaged 10% lower in January compared to December, according to Enterprise Singapore data. The port's fuel oil stocks fell below 21 million bbls as net fuel oil imports declined by 29% in January. Imports decreased by 924,000 bbls, while exports increased by 599,000 bbls. Middle distillate stocks at the port also fell, averaging 9% lower than the previous month.

At Malaysia’s Port Klang, VLSFO and LSMGO supplies are abundant, with prompt small-quantity deliveries readily available, but HSFO supply remains limited.

East Asia

In Zhoushan, recommended lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries have risen from four days last week, to approximately six days now. HSFO supply remains tight, with lead times of around 10 days.

In northern China, Dalian and Qingdao ports have ample supplies of VLSFO and LSMGO, though HSFO is scarce in Qingdao. Tianjin is facing tight availability of both HSFO and VLSFO, while LSMGO supply remains stable.

Suppliers in Shanghai have ample supply of LSMGO, but VLSFO and HSFO availability is under pressure.

In Fuzhou, availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is good. VLSFO supply is good in Xiamen, whereas LSMGO is limited.

At Yangpu and Guangzhou, prompt deliveries of VLSFO and LSMGO remain constrained.

VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries at several Taiwanese ports, including Taichung, Kaohsiung, Keelung and Hualien, require lead times of about two days, nearly unchanged from last week.

In Hong Kong, lead times for all fuel grades remain steady at approximately seven days, consistent with recent weeks. However, bunker deliveries may get disrupted by adverse weather conditions expected on 13–14 and 16–17 February.

In southern South Korean ports, VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries require lead times of 5–7 days, while deliveries in western ports need slightly longer lead times of around eight days. Last week, lead times for these grades ranged from 3 to 12 days across all South Korean ports.

HSFO deliveries now have an advised lead time of around six days in several ports, compared to 3–12 days last week.

Bunker operations at Ulsan, Onsan, Busan and Yeosu may face intermittent disruptions due to potential bad weather conditions on 12–13 and 15–17 February. Similar interruptions are expected at Daesan and Taean on 12–13 and 16–17 February.

In Japan, VLSFO is widely available at major ports such as Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Osaka, Kobe, Sakai, Nagoya and Yokkaichi, while prompt supply is limited in Mizushima.

LSMGO supplies remain stable overall, but securing prompt deliveries can be difficult in Nagoya, Yokkaichi and Mizushima. Similarly, HSFO availability is steady, though prompt deliveries may be challenging at these ports.

Meanwhile, all fuel grades are subject to availability in Oita.

Subic Bay in the Philippines is forecast to face inclement weather on 17 February, potentially disrupting bunkering operations.

Oceania

In Western Australia, VLSFO and LSMGO supplies are ample at Kwinana, Fremantle and Kembla ports, with standard lead times of 7–8 days.

In New South Wales, LSMGO availability in Sydney is stable, though HSFO may require longer lead times. In Victoria, suppliers in Melbourne and Geelong have sufficient VLSFO and LSMGO stocks, but securing prompt HSFO deliveries can be challenging.

Suppliers in Queensland, Brisbane and Gladstone have adequate stocks of VLSFO and LSMGO, with recommended lead times of 7–8 days. However, HSFO availability in Brisbane remains limited.

Several Western Australian ports have declared cyclone alerts as Tropical Low 18U is expected to impact the east Pilbara or west Kimberley coast as a severe tropical cyclone later this week. Port Hedland and Port Walcott are at cyclone alert stage 3 or clear port, while Barrow Island is at Monitor stage. Dampier, Ashburton, Cape Preston West, Onslow, and Varanus Island are at stage 2 or prepare, though shipping operations continue as planned.

Weather conditions will be closely monitored, with further updates to follow, according to GAC Hot Port News.

In New Zealand, Tauranga and Auckland have sufficient VLSFO stocks. Suppliers in Auckland also have ample LSMGO availability. However, rough weather conditions are forecast in Tauranga on 17 February, which could disrupt bunker operations.

South Asia

Availability at Indian ports has tightened due to refinery maintenance and increased exports, making VLSFO subject to enquiry at several locations, including Kandla, Mumbai, Tuticorin, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Cochin and Paradip. In Haldia, a supplier is nearly out of stock. LSMGO supply also remains tight across most Indian ports.

Despite these constraints, Sri Lanka has not experienced a notable rise in demand, according to a trader. In Colombo, lead times for all fuel grades remain around seven days, nearly unchanged from last week. In Hambantota, lead times have increased from six days last week to approximately nine days now.

Middle East

In Fujairah, bunker availability remains tight, with lead times for all grades holding steady at 5–7 days, unchanged from last week. Khor Fakkan has similar lead time recommendations.

In Basrah, Iraq, VLSFO and LSMGO are readily available. In contrast, supplies of both grades are nearly depleted in Ras Laffan, Qatar, and Suez, Egypt.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has sufficient LSMGO supply, but VLSFO remains limited. Meanwhile, bunker deliveries in Yanbu may get affected by bad weather on 12 February.

Bunker supply is under pressure in Djibouti, with VLSFO and HSFO stocks nearly exhausted and LSMGO supply running low.

Omani ports, including Sohar, Salalah, Muscat and Duqm, continue to have ample LSMGO supply.

By Tuhin Roy

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 12 February, 2025

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Alternative Fuels

ENGINE on Fuel Switch Snapshot: Liquid fuel prices drop

VLSFO availability improves in Singapore; B100 cheaper than HSFO with EU regulations; LNG becomes costliest fuel option in Rotterdam.

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ENGINE on Fuel Switch Snapshot: Liquid fuel prices drop

Once a week, bunker intelligence platform ENGINE will publish a snapshot of alternative and conventional bunker fuel prices in the world’s two biggest bunkering hubs. The following is the latest snapshot:

  • VLSFO availability improves in Singapore
  • B100 cheaper than HSFO with EU regs
  • LNG becomes costliest fuel option in Rotterdam

B100 (100% biofuel) is now $32/mt cheaper than HSFO in Rotterdam when factoring in EU ETS compliance costs and FuelEU pooling benefits for voyages between two EU ports.

EU regulations make liquid biomethane (LBM) $121/mt cheaper in Rotterdam than HSFO, but only if used in a diesel slow-speed (SS) marine engine with the lowest methane slip of 0.2%.

If the fuel is used in an Otto medium-speed engine with a 3.1% methane slip, LBM is actually $14/mt more expensive than HSFO, even with regulatory benefits.

ENGINE on Fuel Switch Snapshot: Liquid fuel prices drop

Regardless of the engine type, Rotterdam's VLSFO-equivalent liquefied natural gas (LNG) benchmark is now more expensive than all conventional fuels.

Even when accounting for the EU ETS and FuelEU penalties and considering that the fuel is used in a diesel SS engine, the theoretical price of LNG remains $66/mt higher than VLSFO and only $1/mt cheaper than LSMGO.

Liquid fuels

Rotterdam's VLSFO-equivalent B100 price has declined by $66/mt, while Singapore’s price has dropped by $10/mt over the past week.

PRIMA Markets assessed the Dutch HBE rebate for B100 in Rotterdam at $369/mt on Friday, marking a $12/mt increase from the previous week.

Rotterdam’s VLSFO price has remained relatively stable, with only a modest $4/mt decline—smaller than the $7/mt drop seen in the front-month ICE Brent futures contract.

Singapore has seen a larger $16/mt drop, partly due to improved VLSFO availability. Recommended lead times for the grade have shortened from 7–11 days last week, to 4–8 days now.

Liquid gases

Rotterdam’s LNG price has climbed for a third week in a row, this time by $26/mt over the past week. This increase is linked to a 3% rise in the front-month Dutch TTF Natural Gas contract, a key European gas benchmark.

The Dutch TTF benchmark has risen due to increased demand due to colder weather and increased draws from underground gas reserves in Europe.

Singapore’s VLSFO-equivalent LNG price has also climbed by $12/mt in the past week. “The rise can be attributed to updated forecasts of colder weather in Japan and higher gas prices in Europe,” Rystad Energy said.

By Konica Bhatt

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 11 February, 2025

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