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ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Prompt VLSFO, LSMGO supply normal in Gibraltar Strait; ARA fuel oil stocks plunge to multi-month lows;
bunkering suspended in Algoa Bay amid bad weather.

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ENGINE Europe

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:

2 November 2022 

  • Prompt VLSFO, LSMGO supply normal in Gibraltar Strait
  • ARA fuel oil stocks plunge to multi-month lows
  • Bunkering suspended in Algoa Bay amid bad weather

 

Northwest Europe

Bunker supply across all grades is said to be normal in Rotterdam and other ports in the ARA hub, sources say. Several suppliers can offer prompt deliveries of LSMGO in the region. Recommended lead times for LSMGO and VLSFO in Rotterdam are 3-4 days, while HSFO may require 5-6 days, sources say.

Meanwhile, independently held fuel oil stocks in the ARA have dropped to their lowest level since May, according to Insights Global data. The region’s fuel oil stocks decreased by 270,000 bbls to 6.22 million bbls in the week to 27 October and remained below their five-year average position.

According to Vortexa data, the ARA’s fuel oil imports have decreased in October and exports have risen, which could have contributed towards the recent stock draws.

Imports to the region have decreased by 18,000 b/d from September to 302,000 b/d in October. Most of these import volumes have come from Saudi Arabia, the UK, Greece, Germany and the UAE.

The region’s gasoil stocks decreased by 730,000 bbls to 13.08 million bbls. But 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.

 

Mediterranean

Supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal in Gibraltar Strait ports, while HSFO deliveries remain subject to enquiries. The recommended lead time for HSFO in Gibraltar is around seven days.

Meanwhile, the port’s HSFO benchmark is at discounts to several other regional ports including Algeciras, Las Palmas and Malta. But it is at a premium over Ceuta.

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal in Algeciras, Ceuta and Malta, sources say. But securing prompt delivery of VLSFO can be slightly difficult in Las Palmas, a source says.

In the Greek port of Piraeus, VLSFO supply is tight for prompt dates, a source says. Availability of LSMGO is said to be good there.

Minimal congestion has been reported in Gibraltar, Algeciras and Ceuta this week, while bunker operations are progressing normally in Las Palmas, port agent MH Bland says. Six vessels were scheduled to arrive on Wednesday for bunkers in Ceuta, down from 11 on Tuesday, shipping agent Jose Salama & Cia says.

Strong waves are forecast to hit Las Palmas over the weekend, which could disrupt deliveries in the port’s weather-exposed outer anchorage area.

All bunkering areas are open for supply off Malta. Seven vessels were due to arrive for bunkers in and off Malta on Wednesday, according to Seatrans Shipping agency. Bad weather conditions are forecast over the weekend, which could cause some delays off Malta, a source says.

 

Africa

Bunker operations have been suspended in Algoa Bay due to bad weather, according Rennies Ships Agency. Strong winds and waves of more than 3 meters hit Algoa Bay on Wednesday, disrupting bunker deliveries there. Four vessels were waiting to bunker at anchorage on Wednesday, and 11 more vessels are due to arrive this week, Rennies says.

Bunker supply across all grades is good in Mozambique’s Maputo and Nacala ports, a source says. Bunkering is progressing normally in both of the ports. Four vessels are due to arrive for bunkers in Nacala this week, and one in Maputo, the source says.

In South Africa’s Durban port, supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to be normal. Recommended lead times for both the grades is around seven days, a source says.

By Shilpa Sharma

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 3 November, 2022

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Mass Flowmeter

MFM-equipped CPN barge first listed under Hong Kong quality bunker scheme

Chimbusco Pan Nation’s bunker barge “Zhong Ran 23” has become the first vessel in Hong Kong listed on Marine Department’s official List of Quality Bunker Vessels, under a newly-launched scheme.

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MFM-equipped CPN barge first listed under Hong Kong quality bunker scheme

Hong Kong-based marine fuel supplier Chimbusco Pan Nation (CPN) on Tuesday (16 June) announced that its bunker barge Zhong Ran 23 has become the first vessel in Hong Kong listed on the Marine Department’s official List of Quality Bunker Vessels.

The list under the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme launched on 3 June.

“The Scheme is a voluntary initiative designed to raise the standard of bunkering accuracy, transparency, and service quality in Hong Kong,” CPN said in a social media post.

“To be listed, a bunker vessel must have its Mass Flow Meter (MFM) system independently certified under ISO 22192, the international benchmark for mass flow metering in bunkering operations.”

CPN added it has operated the MFM system across our fleet of fuel oil barges since 2015. 

Manifold Times previously reported Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) launching the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems (MFM systems) on their bunker vessels.

MD said the scheme aims to enhance Hong Kong’s bunkering service quality and the competitiveness of Hong Kong ports, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre and a major bunkering port.

Under the Scheme, bunker operators of traditional maritime fuel and biodiesel that install and use MFM systems on their bunker vessels, with the MFM systems inspected and certified by an accredited body in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 22192 Standard or equivalent requirements, can apply to the MD for inclusion in the scheme’s “List of Quality Bunker Vessels”, provided they meet the relevant technical and operational requirements. 

Related: Hong Kong backs MFM adoption with voluntary scheme to boost bunkering competitiveness

 

Photo credit: Chimbusco Pan Nation
Published: 17 June, 2026

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Financial Result

Bunker Holding exceeds FY2025/26 forecast despite geopolitical headwinds

Bunker Holding delivered a gross profit of USD 424 million and a profit before tax of USD 73 million, exceeding the Group’s expectations for the year.

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RESIZED bunker holding

Bunker Holding on Tuesday (16 June) said it delivered a strong performance in the financial year 2025/2026 despite continued uncertainty across global markets. 

The year was shaped by geopolitical developments, evolving trade flows, periods of heightened market volatility, and strong competition.

These conditions were further amplified by developments in the Middle East, which added complexity across global energy markets and shipping routes. 

In response, Bunker Holding focused on getting closer to customers and understanding the different challenges faced across shipping segments. This enabled faster decision-making, greater agility under pressure, and allowed the Group to respond effectively while continuing to support customers reliably.

Against this backdrop, Bunker Holding delivered a gross profit of USD 424 million and a profit before tax of USD 73 million, exceeding the Group’s expectations for the year. Equity increased to USD 342 million.

Revenue amounted to USD 13.1 billion, a decrease of 4% compared to the previous year. The decline primarily reflected lower average oil prices during the financial year, despite periods of heightened market volatility and stronger pricing towards the end of the period.

“This year, we have taken important steps to strengthen Bunker Holding for the future. We have simplified parts of the organisation, brought teams closer together, and made the changes needed to make us more focused and efficient. Our markets remained challenging and unpredictable, but I am pleased with both the result we have delivered and the progress we have made,” said Peder Møller, CEO of Bunker Holding.        

Looking ahead to 2026/27, Bunker Holding anticipates intense market competition alongside continued investments in low- and zero-carbon fuel projects and partnerships.

Changes to the Board of Directors

Bunker Holding said the company is strengthening its Board of Directors with the appointment of several new members and a new Chairman of the Board.

Nina Østergaard, CEO and co-owner of USTC, will assume the role of Chairman of the Board, while Henrik Andersen, Group President and CEO of Vestas Wind Systems A/S, will join as Vice Chairman. Tina Revsbech, CEO of Maersk Tankers, and Kenneth Steengaard, Chairman of the Board of Global Risk Management, will join the Board as new members.

At the same time, current Chairman Klaus Nyborg and Board member Peter Frederiksen will step down from the Board.

Nina Østergaard, incoming Chairman of the Board, said: “I am excited to take on the role as Chairman of Bunker Holding at an important time in the company’s development. Bunker Holding has a strong market position, a clear strategic direction, and significant opportunities ahead. I am also pleased to welcome Henrik Andersen, Tina Revsbech, and Kenneth Steengaard to the Board. They each bring valuable experience and perspectives, and I am particularly pleased that we have attracted such strong international profiles as Henrik and Tina, whose leadership experience from Vestas and Maersk Tankers will further strengthen the Board and support the company’s continued development.”

The addition of Kenneth Steengaard moves Bunker Holding closer to its sister-company Global Risk Management and adds important insight into risk management.

Bunker Holding founder and co-owner Torben Østergaard-Nielsen thanked the departing Board members for their contributions to the company.

 

Photo credit: Bunker Holding
Published: 17 June, 2026

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Business

Oilmar establishes Board of Directors amid international expansion

Three directors are Chief Executive Officer Yusif Mammadov, Chief Finance Officer Nain Shafi, and Legal, Credit and Compliance Head Taira Shikhiyeva.

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Oilmar formalises Board of Directors amid international expansion

UAE-based marine fuel and petroleum products trader Oilmar on Tuesday (16 June) announced the formal establishment of its Board of Directors, marking an important milestone in the company’s evolution.

The three directors are Chief Executive Officer Yusif Mammadov, Chief Finance Officer Nain Shafi, and Legal, Credit and Compliance Head Taira Shikhiyeva.

The formation of the Board was first communicated during Oilmar’s Q1 2026 Townhall as part of a wider governance enhancement initiative and has now been formally implemented.  

The Board has been established to provide strategic direction, oversee risk management and governance matters, and support the company’s continued growth across its global operations.

“At inception, the Board comprises three Directors with extensive international experience across the energy, maritime, shipping, and commodity trading sectors. Together, they bring a wealth of industry knowledge and strategic expertise to support the company’s continued growth and development,” the company said.

“The Board is expected to be further strengthened through the appointment of additional Executive and Non-Executive Directors as the company continues to expand its international footprint.”

As part of the enhanced governance framework, strategic direction, risk appetite, and key business objectives will be determined at Board level, while regional management teams will remain responsible for execution within their respective markets. This structure strengthens accountability, promotes effective decision-making, and supports the Company’s long-term growth and succession objectives.

CEO Yusif Mammadov, said: “The establishment of the Board marks the next stage in Oilmar’s development as a global energy and marine fuels business. It creates a governance framework that will support our future growth, strengthen oversight across the organisation, and ensure that our strategic decisions are guided by long-term value creation and responsible risk management.”

 

Photo credit: Oilmar
Published: 17 June, 2026

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