Bunker Fuel

ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (27 March 2024)

Availability is normal in the ARA; Gibraltar port closed due to bad weather; strong VLSFO demand in Mozambique.

Published

1 year ago

March 28, 2024

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:

Availability is normal in the ARA
Gibraltar port closed due to bad weather
Strong VLSFO demand in Mozambique

Northwest Europe

Availability is normal in Rotterdam and in the wider ARA hub, a trader said. Lead times of 4-6 days are recommended for HSFO and 4-5 days for VLSFO. LSMGO can be secured with short lead times of 2-4 days, traders said.

The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks have averaged 9% higher so far this month than across February, according to Insights Global data.

The ARA’s fuel oil stocks have grown to their bulkiest levels since April 2021. The region has imported 267,000 b/d of fuel oil so far this month, up from 256,000 b/d in February, according to data from cargo tracker Vortexa. The ARA has imported low-sulphur fuel oil (LSFO) and HSFO in a 43/57 ratio so far this month, compared to the 45/55 ratio in February.

Mexico has been the ARA’s biggest fuel oil import source so far this month, accounting for 25% of the region’s total imports. The UK has ranked second, accounting for 22% of the total imports, followed by Germany and Lithuania (11% each), and Poland (10%).

The ARA hub’s independent gasoil inventories — which include diesel and heating oil — have increased by 7% so far this month.

All grades remain in good supply in the German port of Hamburg. A trader recommends lead times of 3-5 days for all three bunker grades.

LSMGO and VLSFO are mostly available for non-prompt delivery off Skaw. A trader recommends lead times of 5-7 days for both grades. HSFO supply tightness persists off Skaw, with supply only available for non-prompt delivery dates. Lead times of 7-10 days are advised for the high-sulphur grade. Weather-induced bunkering disruptions may occur off Skaw, with adverse weather forecast in the area for the rest of the week, a source said.

Mediterranean

Port operations and bunkering services have remained suspended in Gibraltar since Tuesday afternoon amid adverse weather conditions, a trader told ENGINE. Prompt availability has tightened in the port amid delays caused by bad weather conditions. Lead times of 5-7 days are recommended for all grades there, a trader said.

Suppliers are likely to face bunker backlogs once the port reopens, a source said.

The Gibraltar Port Authority has issued a gale-force wind warning effective until Wednesday night, with strong wind gusts of up to 38 knots. The weather forecast indicates continued rough conditions throughout the week, with intermittent wind gusts ranging between 22-47 knots predicted in the region.

In the nearby Ceuta port, the bunker barge SPABunker Cuarenta has halted operations since Tuesday because of bad weather, said shipping agent Jose Salama & Co. Wind gusts of 39 knots are forecast to hit Ceuta on Wednesday and will fluctuate between 21-50 knots for the rest of this week.

Availability is currently normal in the Canary Islands’ port of Las Palmas. Prompt supply is available in Las Palmas only if ships decide to receive bunkers at berth areas, as most suppliers are offering bunkers alongside or at the inner anchorage, a trader said. This has led to bunkering congestion, the trader added. The weather was extremely bad on Wednesday, with rough seas and heavy swells of more than three meters, a source said. This could hamper bunkering in the OPL area.

Other ports in the Mediterranean, such as Piraeus, off Malta and Istanbul, continue to experience poor demand, a trader said.

All grades remain in good supply in the Greek port of Piraeus, a trader said. Most suppliers can offer prompt delivery for all three grades in the port. The weather is forecast to remain calm over the week, which will facilitate smooth bunkering in the area.

Prompt availability of HSFO has improved off Malta, a source said. Availability is good for LSMGO and VLSFO as well, and prompt supply is available for both grades, the source added. Rough weather is forecast off Malta intermittently between Wednesday and next Monday, which could disrupt bunkering, a source said.

Turkey’s Istanbul has good availability for all three grades, with prompt delivery dates offered by suppliers, a trader said. Calm weather is forecast in Istanbul for most of this week, which could allow bunkering to run smoothly.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is good in the Portuguese ports of Lisbon and Sines. But rough weather conditions have impacted deliveries there, a supplier said. Strong wind gusts of up to 37 knots are forecast in the region on Wednesday and Thursday.

Africa

Prompt availability continues to be extremely tight in the South African ports of Durban and Richards Bay.

LSMGO availability remains dry in Durban, with no signs of supply pressure easing over the coming days or weeks. Though VLSFO is available in both South African ports, the grade is very difficult to secure for prompt delivery dates. Most suppliers can offer VLSFO only for non-prompt delivery dates in Durban and Richards Bay, with lead times of 7-10 days generally recommended for the grade, a trader said.

Bad weather is forecast to hit Richards Bay and Durban over the weekend and possibly continue into Monday, further complicating deliveries.

Mozambique’s ports of Nacala and Maputo are witnessing high demand for VLSFO, a source said. Availability across all grades is currently good in both ports.

HSFO and LSMGO demand is also stable in Nacala, almost similar to last week. Similarly, in Maputo, LSMGO demand has been steady over the last few weeks, the source added

By Manjula Nair

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 28 March 2024

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Newbuilding

Tsuneishi delivers world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulker to NYK

“Green Future” was delivered at Tsuneishi factory on 13 May and will be chartered by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers, an NYK Group company, from Kambara Kisen.

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Tsuneishi delivers world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulker to NYK

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding on Wednesday (14 May) said it has delivered the world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulk carrier, Green Future.

The 65,700 dwt vessel was delivered at its factory on 13 May and will be chartered by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers, an NYK Group company, from Kambara Kisen.

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding said the vessel maintains the high cargo capacity and fuel efficiency characteristic of the TESS66 Aeroline design series, while enabling more sustainable operations through the use of methanol as a fuel.

The methanol fuel tank has been positioned to maximise safety and facilitate smooth cargo handling while maintaining loading efficiency. It is also equipped with a fuel-efficient main engine and Tsuneishi’s proprietary Aeroline technology to reduce wind resistance, delivering superior fuel performance.

Mr Okumura Sachio, Representative Director, President & Executive Officer of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, said: “This delivery marks just the beginning. We will continue constructing methanol dual-fuelled vessels at our overseas facilities and remain steadfast in our pursuit of technological innovation to contribute to a more sustainable maritime industry and global environment.”

NYK said the vessel is the first bulk carrier in the NYK Group to be equipped with a dual-fuel engine that uses methanol and fuel oil.

Vessel Particulars

LOA: 199.99 m
Breadth: 32.25 m
Depth: 19.15 m
Deadweight: approx. 65,700 metric tonnes
Capacity: approx. 81,500 m3
Draft: 13.8 m

Photo credit: Tsuneishi Shipbuilding
Published: 15 May, 2025

Events

Green Shiptech China Congress to explore alternative bunker fuels and ship technologies

LNG, methanol and ammonia as well as fuel cell integration will be among key issues discussed at the annual conference which will be held on 25 to 26 September in Shanghai.

Published

23 hours ago

May 15, 2025

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Ridge China on Wednesday (14 May) announced it will be hosting the 14th Green Shiptech China Congress (GSCC), an annual conference which will be held on 25 to 26 September in Shanghai.

More than 4,400 experts and decision makers from governments, classification societies, shipowners, shipyards, research institutes, technology/equipment suppliers and consulting companies attended the previous GSCC from 2012 to 2024.

For 2025, over 400 industry experts, corporate decision makers and government officials will be engaged in comprehensive discussions on current issues of IMO, EU, USCG, China MSA’s policies and regulations, designs and standards for new ship models, innovative and sustainable green ship technologies at this annual conference.

Alternative bunker fuels such as LNG, methanol and ammonia as well as fuel cell integration will be part of the important issues discussed at the event.

Speakers will be from

IMO
European Commission
U.S. Coast Guard
China MSA
Financial Institutions
Maritime Research Institutes
Solution & Technology Providers
Shipowners
Shipyards
Classification Societies

Key topics

Policies and Regulations Update and Interpretate by IMO, European Commission, U.S. Coast Guard and China MSA
Retrofitting Vessels to Achieve Decarbonization Goals
Energy Efficiency Continues to Be Key for Decarbonization
Decarbonization Through Digitalization
Digital Technologies As a Key Enabler for Emissions Reduction
Impact of a Hull Coating Upgrade on Hull Efficiency
LNG As Marine Fuel: Pivoting Towards Cleaner Shipping
Methanol As a Marine Fuel
Ammonia’s Credentials As a Green Fuel
Wind Propulsion Technology
Fuel Cell Integration: Upcoming Challenges and Opportunity
Propelling Carbon-neutral Shipping with Green Engines and Alternative Fuels
Next-generation Electric and Hybrid Marine Propulsion Technologies and Components
Latest Developments in Energy Storage Systems

Interested parties may contact:

Mr. Quin Xu
Tel: +86 21 6607 8610 -8003
Mob: +86 13564222811
Email: [email protected]

Note: The English and Chinese version of the event website can be found here and here respectively while the event registration can be found here.

Photo credit: Ridge China
Published: 15 May, 2025

Bunker Fuel

TFG Marine to launch bunker fuel supply operations in Jamaica on 1 June

Firm will commence marine fuel supply operations at Port of Kingston and on north coast of Jamaica, with Scott Petroleum, a local supplier with insight into Caribbean bunker market.

Published

23 hours ago

May 15, 2025

Admin

TFG Marine to launch bunker fuel supply operations in Jamaica from 1 June

Global marine fuel supply and procurement firm TFG Marine on Wednesday (14 May) said it will launch its bunkering service in Jamaica with its local partner, Scott Petroleum.

The marine fuel supply operations will commence at the Port of Kingston as well as on the north coast of Jamaica, from 1 June.

“The operation is being launched in partnership with Scott Petroleum, a trusted local supplier with over two decades of experience and unmatched insight into the Caribbean bunker market,” it said in a social media post.

Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) and Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO) fuels will be sourced locally from the Petrojam Limited-operated Kingston refinery and will be supplied via the bunker barge operated by Scott Petroleum.

“By combining Scott Petroleum’s local insight with TFG Marine’s global expertise and commitment to innovation, this new venture aims to set a new benchmark for marine fuel supply in the region, delivering reliable, efficient and transparent bunkering services to vessels calling at this key Caribbean port,” the company said.

Kenneth Dam, Head of Bunkering at TFG Marine, said: “We’re very happy to be setting up in Jamaica,” It’s a strategic location with strong demand and teaming up with Scott Petroleum means that we can hit the ground running with an existing reliable, well-run operation.

“We’re looking forward to bringing TFG Marine’s global expertise and fuel supply innovation to the Caribbean, and to raising the standard of service for marine fuel customers across the region.”

Gary Scott, CEO at Scott Petroleum, said: “We are excited about our partnership with TFG Marine. The new venture will form a strong force to expand the bunker service being offered in Jamaica and will be able to capture other opportunities that exist in the region”

Note: For inquiries regarding TFG Marine’s new vessel supply services in the region in collaboration with Scott Petroleum, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

Photo credit: TFG Marine
Published: 15 May, 2025