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ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Bunkering resumes in Gibraltar; ARA fuel oil stocks plunge to four-month lows; bunkering suspended in Algoa Bay amid bad weather.

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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:

28 September 2022

  • Bunkering resumes in Gibraltar
  • ARA fuel oil stocks plunge to four-month lows
  • Bunkering suspended in Algoa Bay amid bad weather

 

Northwest Europe

More suppliers can now offer prompt deliveries of LSMGO in the ARA hub, while VLSFO and HSFO availability is slightly tight, sources say. Some suppliers are running low on fuel oil in storage and await resupply, sources say.

Recommended lead times for VLSFO and HSFO in Rotterdam are 5-7 days, while LSMGO requires a shorter duration of three days, they say.

Independently held fuel oil inventories in the ARA slipped to their lowest level since June, according to Global Insights. The stocks decreased by 250,000 bbls to 6.91 million bbls in the week to 22 September, the data showed.

Signs of higher exports and dwindling Russian inflows could have contributed to the most recent stock draw in the ARA.

Russian fuel oil imports accounted for about a quarter of the ARA’s fuel oil imports in July, but nothing was imported throughout August or so far this month, according to Vortexa. The cargo tracker has instead picked up fuel oil cargoes flowing into the ARA from the UK, Germany, France, Greece, Saudi Arabia and other sources. The UK has been the biggest exporter to the ARA since last month.

The region’s gasoil stocks increased by 230,000 bbls, to 12.67 million bbls last week.

Three of TotalEnergies’ refineries in France are facing three-day strike action over pay disputes with workers. Currently, there is no impact on bunker fuel supplies to most ports in France, a source says. But prompt availability is said to be tight in Marseille.

Supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal off Skaw, while HSFO is slightly tight for prompt delivery, a source says.

 

Mediterranean

Bunker operations resumed in Gibraltar late last week. This has eased some congestion in the nearby ports of Algeciras, Ceuta and Las Palmas. Bunker calls were diverted from Gibraltar to these ports while bunkering was suspended last week.

Bunkering was halted in Gibraltar last week as local authorities were working to clear debris and an oil sheen formed by residual fuel oil from the recently damaged OS 35 bulk carrier.

There is a forecast of strong winds in Gibraltar on Thursday, which could cause some disruptions.

Fuel availability is said to be normal across most ports in the Gibraltar Strait, but some suppliers are experiencing delays due to bunker backlogs from last week, sources say. Three suppliers in Algeciras, and one each in Gibraltar and Ceuta are running behind schedule.

Recommended lead times for all fuel grades in Gibraltar Strait are 3-5 days, a source says. Offer prices are typically valid for 10 minutes amid volatility.

No backlog has been reported in Malta this week, according to Seatrans Shipping agency. 12 vessels were scheduled to arrive for bunkers in Malta on Tuesday, up from eight on Monday. Bunker supply across all grades is normal in Malta, with some suppliers offering prompt deliveries, a source says.

In the Greek port of Piraeus, suppliers can offer limited quantities of VLSFO, LSMGO and HSFO for prompt dates.

 

Africa

Bunker operations have been suspended in Algoa Bay since Tuesday due to strong winds and heavy swells, according to Rennies Ships Agency.

Waves of up to 3.5 metres hit Algoa Bay on Tuesday, disrupting bunker deliveries. Waves are forecast to recede on Thursday, which could allow bunkering to resume then.

Seven vessels were waiting to bunker at anchorage in Algoa Bay on Wednesday, and 12 more are scheduled to arrive this week, Rennies says.

Bunker supply is said to be normal in Algoa Bay and Durban, with some suppliers offering prompt deliveries of VLSFO and LSMGO.

By Shilpa Sharma

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 29 September, 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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