Business

ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Bunker supply slightly tight in Gibraltar but suppliers can offer LSMGO for prompt dates; ARA fuel oil, gasoil stocks add more weight; bunkering resumes in Algoa Bay.

Published

2 years ago

August 25, 2022

Admin

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:

24 August 2022

Bunker supply slightly tight in Gibraltar
ARA fuel oil, gasoil stocks add more weight
Bunkering resumes in Algoa Bay

Northwest Europe

Securing prompt supply of VLSFO and HSFO can be slightly difficult in the ARA hub this week, while LSMGO is more readily available, sources say. The recommended lead time for LSMGO delivery in Rotterdam is three days. HSFO and VLSFO deliveries require longer lead times of around five days.

Independently held gasoil stocks in the ARA have steadily grown since they hit a multi-year low in June this year. The stocks increased by 140,000 bbls to 11.35 million bbls in the week ending 18 August, according to Insights Global data.

Fuel oil stocks in the region also increased by 20,000 bbls to 7.69 million bbls last week, Insights Global data shows.

Meanwhile, there are concerns that vessel congestion may increase in the ARA this week amid strike action at Britain’s Port of Felixstowe. Around 2,000 dockworkers in Felixstowe have started an eight-day strike from Sunday after negotiations over pay hikes failed.

Besides, dockworkers in another British port, Liverpool, are planning a similar strike action.

“With such large strikes carriers are likely to have to offload UK-bound cargo in major hubs such as Antwerp and Rotterdam and as a consequence further worsen existing congestion problems on the continent as well,” liner consultancy firm Vespucci Maritime’s chief executive Lars Jensen said recently.

HSFO can be slightly tight for prompt delivery off Skaw, while some suppliers can offer LSMGO for early dates, a source says. Recommended lead times for the two grades are 7-10 days.

Bunker supply is normal in Hamburg. Recommended lead times for VLSFO, HSFO and LSMGO are around five days, a source says.

LSMGO availability is normal in Bremerhaven, while VLSFO and HSFO deliveries remain subject to enquiries.

Mediterranean

Prompt supply of HSFO and VLSFO can be hard to find in Gibraltar, but suppliers can offer LSMGO for prompt dates, sources say. Recommended lead times for VLSFO and HSFO are around seven days, while LSMGO has a shorter lead time of 4-5 days.

More congestion has been reported in Gibraltar this week. There were six vessels waiting to bunker in Gibraltar on Wednesday morning, up from five on Tuesday and around two last week, port agent MH Bland says.

No backlog has been reported in Ceuta this week, according to shipping agent Jose Salama & Cia. Bunker availability is said to be normal in Ceuta, a source says.

Concerns over smooth bunker deliveries have eased in Las Palmas amid calmer weather conditions. Waves have reduced to a more moderate level of 1.6 metres on Wednesday, allowing more suppliers to offer deliveries at weather-exposed outer anchorage, MH Bland says.

Last week, some suppliers were forced to offer deliveries only at Las Palmas' more sheltered inner anchorage due to harsh weather, a source says. Bunker supply is said to be normal in Las Palmas. The recommended lead time for LSMGO delivery is 3-4 days, a source says.

All ports in Malta and offshore bunkering areas are open for supply, with no backlogs reported, according to Seatrans Shipping agency. Nine vessels were scheduled to arrive for bunkers in and off Malta on Wednesday.

Africa

Bunkering resumed in Algoa Bay on Wednesday after remaining suspended for the past five days due to rough weather conditions, according to Rennies Ships Agency.

Waves have come down to a moderate level of 2 metres on Wednesday, from 4.6 metres on Tuesday, and around 7 metres last week. Bad weather and suspended bunkering has created a backlog of vessels in Algoa Bay. Suppliers are now working to clear this backlog, Rennies says.

Three vessels were waiting to bunker at anchorage on Wednesday. 14 more vessels are scheduled to arrive throughout the rest of the days this week. Waves are forecast to rise again on Thursday, which could further disrupt bunker deliveries.

Meanwhile, bunker supply is said to be normal in Algoa Bay and Durban, sources say. Recommended lead times for the two grades are 7-10 days.

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 25 August, 2022

LNG Bunkering

Singapore: MPA launches EOI to expand LNG bunkering services amid growing demand

MPA is seeking proposals to explore scalable solutions for sea-based LNG reloading to complement existing onshore LNG bunkering storage and jetty capacities and e/bio-methane supply as a marine fuel.

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2024

Admin

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) to explore scalable solutions for sea-based liquefied natural gas (LNG) reloading to complement the existing onshore LNG bunkering storage and jetty capacities and the supply of e/bio-methane as marine fuel in the Port of Singapore.

MPA said LNG bunkering in Singapore has grown from 16,000 tonnes delivered in 2022 to over 385,000 tonnes delivered from January to October 2024.

According to the EOI, demand for LNG bunkering is expected to grow further with a growing global fleet of LNG dual-fuelled vessels and competitive LNG bunker prices.

“The EOI seeks to gather proposals on three areas: to scale up sea-based reloading operations, including ship-to-bunker barge LNG operations; to facilitate the supply of LNG alternatives such as liquefied bio-methane; and to develop floating platform concepts to enhance bunkering safety and efficiency,” MPA added.

“The EOI proposals should also include mitigation measures to address the issue of methane slip on a well-to-wake basis.”

Participants in the EOI do not need to be an existing LNG bunkering licensee. Participants are required to propose models for operationalising sea-based LNG reloading starting from 2025. Participants selected will be required to conduct trials in Singapore to validate the proposed solution’s operational feasibility and safety.

“Insights gained from the EOI and trials will inform MPA’s review of the LNG licensing framework, including enhancements to supply to better serve the industry’s bunkering needs,” it said.

Note: Interested parties can visit the MPA website for details and submission guidelines. Proposals must be submitted by 28 February 2025, 1pm (Singapore time).

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 13 December, 2024

Events

Malaysia: 12th PorTech Asia Summit to bring together leaders in port industry

Event, which will be held on 9 to 10 January, will tackle important topics in the port industry including challenges and opportunities for Asian Port Industry as well as sustainable green development of ports.

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2024

Admin

Malaysia: 12th PorTech Asia Summit to bring together leaders in port industry

The 12th PorTech Asia Summit is now just one month away, with doors opening at Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 9 to 10 of January.

The summit is organised and hosted by Shine Consultant and co-organised by ASEAN Ports Association (APA).

Themed Smart, Green, Multi-win, the summit will gather leaders and experts in the field of port technology around the world to discuss and promote the innovation and development of the port industry in the digital era.

Some speakers who were invited to share their unique insights and valuable experiences in their respective fields include:

Dato' Monaliza Binti Suhaimi, General Manager, Johor Port Authority
YBhg. Dato' Dr. Vijayaindiaran A/LR.Viswalingam, General Manager, Penang Port Commission
Uematsu Hisataka, President, Port of Yokohama, Japan
Vineet Mahajan, Vice President & Head of Sustainability, DP World APAC
Liu Chang Man, Vice President, Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd
Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman, Mumbai Port Authority and Deendayal Port Authority
Mazlim Bin Husin, Chief Commercial Officer, Kuantan Port
Mohd Khairul Azizat Johari, Head of Facility Management, Johor Port Berhad, Malaysia
Budi Cahyono, Vice President Director, PT Jakarta International Container Terminal
Eun-kyoung Park, General Manager, Overseas Business Department, Busan Port Authority
Ivan Fantin, Vice President, Chief Lean Officer, APM Terminals, Maersk
Desmond Ong, Chief Digital Officer, Jurong Port, Singapore

Agenda

Day 1: 9 January

Session 1: Challenges and Opportunities for Asian Port Industry

Session 2: Blending Old and New: Port Construction and Upgrade Projects

Day 2: 10 January

Session 3 Forum: Efficiency Improvement and Business Innovation Driven by Digital Intelligence

Session 4 Forum: Green & Safety - Building Sustainable Development Capacity of Ports

Shine Consultant is inviting representatives from government and port authorities, industry associations, port terminal owners, digital solution providers, port machinery and equipment suppliers, research institutions, professional service organizations, and other relevant institutions to attend the summit.

Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with industry leaders and jointly explore the future trends and innovative pathways of the port industry.

Interested parties may contact:

Jenny Wu
Tel: (86 21) 6095 7179
E-mail: [email protected]
Company: Shine Consultant International Ltd.

Or scan QR code to register. Interested parties may also register here.

qr code portech

Photo credit: Shine Consultant
Published: 13 December, 2024

LNG Bunkering

Wärtsilä wins LNG systems order for Vitol bunkering newbuild vessel

Firm will supply cargo Handling and Fuel Gas Supply systems for a new 12,500 m3 LNG bunkering vessel currently being built at Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering shipyard in China.

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2024

Admin

Wärtsilä wins LNG systems order for Vitol bunkering newbuild vessel

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of technology group Wärtsilä, on Friday (13 December) said it has won a contract to supply Cargo Handling and Fuel Gas Supply systems for a new 12,500 m3 LNG bunkering vessel.

The vessel is being built at the Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering shipyard in China, for global energy company Vitol.

“Wärtsilä’s ability to engineer, design and deliver a complete system, including the Boil-Off Gas (BOG) management, integrated fuel supply, custody transfer and bunkering transfer systems, was central to the contract award,” Wärtsilä said, adding the order was booked by the company in Q4, 2024.

Richie Zhu, Sales Manager, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, China, said: “LNG is today an important marine fuel and is rapidly becoming the preferred choice for owners and operators seeking more sustainable fuel options. The market for LNG bunkering vessels is increasing in line with this trend, and we have established a leading position in supplying modern and reliable systems that optimise overall cargo handling efficiency for such vessels.”

Manifold Times previously reported Vitol securing three LNG Bunkering Vessels (LNGBV) through its shipping company, Vitol International Shipping Pte Ltd (VIS).

The vessels were secured via a seven to ten year time charter agreement with Avenir LNG Limited (Avenir) and an order for two vessels at the CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co. Ltd shipyard in Nantong, China.

The time charter agreement with Avenir is for one newbuild 20,000 m3 LNGBV. The time charter will commence at delivery from the shipyard in China in Q4 2026 and will serve a period of seven years with options to extend up to ten years in total.

Vitol also ordered one 12,500 m3 and one 20,000 m3 LNGBV at the CIMC SOE shipyard in China. The vessels will be delivered in Q4 2026 and Q3 2027 respectively.

Photo credit: Wärtsilä
Published: 13 December, 2024