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ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

VLSFO, HSFO supply slightly tight in Gibraltar Strait ports; Russia becomes the ARA’s biggest fuel oil source again; Bunker supply normal in Durban and Algoa Bay.

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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:

19 October 2022 

  • VLSFO, HSFO supply slightly tight in Gibraltar Strait ports
  • Russia becomes the ARA’s biggest fuel oil source again
  • Bunker supply normal in Durban and Algoa Bay

 

Northwest Europe

Prompt supply of LSMGO and VLSFO is said to be normal in Rotterdam and other ports in the ARA hub, sources say. Recommended lead times for the two grades in Rotterdam are 3-4 days, while HSFO requires longer lead times of 5-7 days, a source says.

Meanwhile, independently held fuel oil and gasoil inventories in the ARA dropped last week, according to Insights Global data. The region’s fuel oil stocks decreased by 460,000 bbls to 6.65 million bbls in the week to 13 October and remained below their five-year average position.

Russia has regained its position of top fuel oil exporter to the ARA, according to Vortexa cargo tracking data. Most of the region’s fuel oil imports have come from Russia so far in October, and some quantities have arrived from other countries including Estonia, Colombia, France, Bulgaria and Poland.

This came as a surprise as there were no Russian fuel oil volumes imported to the ARA in July, August and September, Vortexa data shows. EU countries have agreed to phase out imports of Russian crude oil and oil products towards embargo deadlines by December and February, respectively. This means that there is still scope for fuel oil and gasoil inflows until February.

The region’s gasoil stocks decreased by a significant 1.43 million bbls to 12.38 million bbls last week. And the stocks continue to be far below their five-year average position.

Supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal off Skaw, a source says. Recommended lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries are around seven days. HSFO requires a longer lead time of around 10 days.

Bunker supply is said to be tight across key ports in France including Dunkirk and Le Havre as nation-wide strike over pay hike disputes has hit the supply chain. Workers at ExxonMobil’s two French refineries ended strike late last week, while workers at TotalEnergies’ three refineries are still on strike.

Workers at ExxonMobil’s 140,000 b/d Fos and 240,000 b/d Port Jerome refineries are gradually returning to work after a strike action that lasted more than three weeks. These refineries could take 2-3 weeks to fully restart operations, a company spokesperson told Reuters.

 

Mediterranean

Securing prompt delivery of VLSFO can be slightly difficult in Gibraltar, a source says. One supplier in the Gibraltar Strait expects to be low on VLSFO stocks until around 24 October.

Gibraltar’s VLSFO price is at a slight discount to Las Palmas, while at premiums over other regional ports including Algeciras, Malta and Ceuta. Prompt supply of LSMGO is said to be normal in Gibraltar, while HSFO remains subject to enquiries.

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to be normal in Algeciras, Malta, Ceuta and Las Palmas, sources say.

Bad weather conditions have raised concerns over smooth bunker deliveries in Las Palmas. Swells of 1.5 metres hit Las Palmas on Wednesday. Strong swells are forecast on Thursday and Friday, which could disrupt deliveries at the port’s weather-exposed anchorages.

Minimal congestion has been reported in Gibraltar and Algeciras this week, according to port agent MH Bland. Bunker operations are running normally in Ceuta. Eight vessels were due to arrive for bunkers on Wednesday, shipping agent Jose Salama & Cia said.

All bunkering areas are open for supply in Malta. 10 were due to arrive for bunkers in and off Malta on Wednesday, up from seven on Tuesday, according to Seatrans Shipping agency.

Prompt supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to be tight in the Spanish port of Huelva, a source says.

 

Africa

No bunker backlogs were reported in Algoa Bay on Wednesday, according to shipping agent Sturrock Grindrod. Gale-force winds of up to 38 knots are forecast to hit the region on Thursday, which could disrupt smooth bunker deliveries. Eight vessels are scheduled to arrive for bunkers in Port Elizabeth and Algoa Bay this week, Sturrock Grindrod says.

Bunker supply is said to be normal in Algoa Bay. VLSFO continues to be priced considerably lower than in nearby Durban.

In Durban, availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to be normal. Recommended lead times for both the grades are around seven days.

Port and rail workers at South Africa’s logistic company Transnet ended a strike this week. Transnet reached a three-year wage deal with one of the two unions that represent the majority of its workers. A resolution to the strikes is expected to ease cargo congestion in Durban and other South African ports, and allow for exports from the country to pick up again.

By Shilpa Sharma

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 20 October, 2022

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Alternative Fuels

TMD Energy and Double Corporate to negotiate on bioenergy sustainable fuel solutions deal

TMD Energy and bioenergy firm Double Corporate entered into a MoA to explore a strategic collaboration in the business of bioenergy sustainable fuel solutions for Malaysia and global markets.

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Malaysia- and Singapore-based marine fuel bunkering services provider TMD Energy Limited (TMDEL) on Wednesday (18 June) announced the company has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with bioenergy firm Double Corporate Sdn Bhd to explore a strategic collaboration in the business of bioenergy sustainable fuel solutions for Malaysia and global markets. 

The company said this collaboration marks a new milestone towards TMDEL’s strategy to expand into sustainable and alternative fuel energy sectors. The MOA initiates exclusive negotiations to formalise partnerships in bioenergy sustainable fuel solutions and operational integration.

On 21 April, TMDEL, a 65.08%-owned subsidiary of Straits Energy Resources, was listed on the New York Stock Exchange American (NYSE American).

TMDEL and its subsidiaries (TMDEL Group) are principally involved in marine fuel bunkering services specializing in the supply and marketing of marine gas oil and marine fuel oil of which include high sulphur fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil and very low sulphur fuel oil, to ships and vessels at sea. 

TMDEL Group is also involved in the provision of ship management services for in-house and external vessels, as well as vessel chartering services.

Double Corporate is a ISCC-EU certified Malaysian-based bioenergy company specialising in waste-based bioenergy and it involves converting waste into high-yield sustainable fuels and lubricants using proprietary, ISCC-EU-approved technology. 

Double Corporate has a decade-long expertise in producing high-yield, low-emission biofuels suitable for applications in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and sustainable marine fuel (SMF) markets, particularly in Europe and Asia.

Dato’ Sri Kam Choy Ho, Chairman and CEO of the company, said: “This partnership aligns with our vision to expand regionally and globally to advance long term sustainable, green business and fuel innovation. Double Corporate’s circular-economy focus complements our commitment to environmentally responsible energy solutions.”

The MOA establishes the parties’ intention to enter into mutual discussions to collaborate and participate in the business in Malaysia and globally with a one-year exclusivity period for negotiations, extendable by mutual consent. Both parties will prioritise finalising definitive agreements within the exclusivity window.

 

Photo credit: TMD Energy
Published: 19 June, 2025

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Alternative Fuels

Singapore-based Proteus Energy introduces hydrogen fuel cell system for maritime sector

Company has partnered with hydrogen fuel cell company Symbio France to develop the Proteus Maritime Fuel Cell Solution, a modular hydrogen fuel-based system for ports and vessels.

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Singapore-headquartered clean energy provider Proteus Energy on Wednesday (18 June) has developed the Proteus® Maritime Fuel Cell Solution, a modular hydrogen fuel-based system for ports and vessels. 

The first offering is the Proteus®75. Each fuel cell stack is 75 kW output, and these can be combined for larger power requirements. The vessel types being targeted are harbour craft, and vessels in the coastal, offshore support, and in-land waterway segments.

The technology has been developed in partnership with Symbio France, a world leading hydrogen fuel cell company with over 30 years track record. Symbio is jointly owned by global industrial groups Michelin, Stellantis, and Forvia.

“The maritime industry needs viable clean energy solutions today,” said Dr Lars Gruenitz, CEO of Proteus Energy. “We are providing a high energy density solution that is compact and lightweight, which is critical for vessels where space and weight considerations are imperative. This best-in-class system is the logical and most cost-effective choice to help operators make a quantum leap in their decarbonisation efforts”.

The Proteus® Maritime Fuel Cell Solution can be delivered as a modular powerpack or customised and fitted into vessels.

Proteus’ fuel cell technology also complements electric propulsion and offers a powerful solution for hybrid vessels by extending their range and easing the load on batteries, thus improving space efficiency and vessel performance.

The Proteus® Maritime Fuel Cell Solution will be backed by a two-year performance guarantee from Symbio France.

Symbio’s systems have already logged millions of kilometers powering cars, buses and commercial trucks across Europe. Now, that same rigorous, road-tested performance is being deployed at sea with added protections for marine operating conditions.

The fuel cell stacks are produced at Symbio’s gigafactory in Lyon, France, using robotic assembly systems capable of producing thousands of units annually.

This high-throughput capability ensures that Proteus can meet rising demand without sacrificing quality – something only established and proven hydrogen fuel cell manufacturers can claim.

What also sets Proteus apart is its ability to bring economies of scale, continuous R&D, and tried and tested reliability from land transport into the marine environment. 

To provide a convenient fuel storage option, Proteus also offers high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks developed with its partner Forvia, a major global components and technology company. The DNV type-approved tanks, which are already available for delivery, offer a safe and easy way to store hydrogen onboard vessels and will be produced on an industrial scale.

In addition, Proteus works with port operators to provide them with customised refueling solutions and infrastructure.

The Proteus® Maritime Fuel Cell Solution is expected to be available for delivery beginning January 2026, with type approval from DNV anticipated before the end of this year. Proteus is ready to work with customers now.

 

Photo credit: Proteus Energy
Published: 19 June, 2025

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Sanctions

UK slaps sanctions on bunker company and Russian shadow fleet of oil tankers

Government has imposed sanctions on 20 oil tankers and Rosneft’s bunker fuel trading subsidiary Rosneft Marine (UK) Limited, in its latest action targeting Russia’s financial, military and energy sectors.

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The UK government on Tuesday (17 June) has imposed sanctions on 20 oil tankers and Rosneft’s bunker fuel trading subsidiary Rosneft Marine (UK) Limited, in its latest action targeting Russia’s financial, military and energy sectors.

The new sanctions crack down further on Russia’s shadow fleet, targeting 20 of oil tankers. The UK is also tightening the net around those who enable Putin’s illicit oil trade, sanctioning Orion Star Group LLC and Valegro LLC-FZ, for their role in crewing and managing shadow fleet vessels. 
The action also targets Russia’s military capabilities, hitting the military agency leading the development of Russia’s underwater intelligence gathering operations (GUGI), protecting the UK from attacks on subsea infrastructure, restricting Putin’s war machine and increasing our security at home. 

“These sanctions strike right at the heart of Putin’s war machine, choking off his ability to continue his barbaric war in Ukraine,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.

“We know that our sanctions are hitting hard, so while Putin shows total disregard for peace, we will not hesitate to keep tightening the screws.

“The threat posed by Russia cannot be underestimated, so I’m determined to take every step necessary to protect our national security and keep our country safe and secure.”

According to Rosneft’s website, Rosneft Marine UK, a Rosneft trading division, was established in 2010 to carry out bunker fuel trading for international cargo shipping.

In 2010, an office was opened in London, then in Beijing in 2012.

 

Photo credit: balesstudio on Unsplash
Published: 19 June, 2025

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