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ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (29 May 2024)

LSMGO supply has tightened in the ARA; sluggish bunker demand in Piraeus; HSFO tightens in Nacala.
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RESIZED ENGINE Europe and Africa

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:

  • LSMGO supply has tightened in the ARA
  • Sluggish bunker demand in Piraeus
  • HSFO tightens in Nacala

Northwest Europe

Availability of HSFO and VLSFO is normal in Rotterdam and in the wider ARA hub, with a trader recommending lead times of 3-5 days for both grades. LSMGO prompt supply has been relatively tighter in the ARA hub.

The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks have averaged 6% higher so far this month than across April, according to Insights Global data.

The ARA’s fuel oil stocks have grown to their bulkiest monthly level since April 2021. The region has imported 281,000 b/d of fuel oil so far this month, up from 252,000 b/d of fuel oil imported in April, according to data from cargo tracker Vortexa.

The UK and the US have emerged as the ARA’s biggest fuel oil import source so far this month, each accounting for 13% of the region’s total imports. Nigeria has ranked second, accounting for 11% of the total imports. Other import sources have been Algeria and Lithuania (10% each).

The ARA hub’s independent gasoil inventories — which include diesel and heating oil — have increased by 8% so far this month.

In England’s Immingham port, bunker fuel supply is mostly good for non-prompt delivery dates. Lead times of 6-8 days are recommended for LSMGO and VLSFO, according to a source. Strong wind gusts of up to 28 knots are forecast for Thursday and may impact bunkering in the region.

Availability is normal in the German port of Hamburg, according to a trader, with prompt delivery dates available across all grades. The trader recommends lead times of 3-5 days for all grades.

Off Skaw, very prompt supply (0-2 days) is difficult to secure for all grades, a trader said. Lead times of 7-10 days are generally advised for all grades in the port. Bad weather is forecast off Skaw on Friday, which may impact bunkering.

Mediterranean

All grades remain in good supply for prompt dates in Gibraltar, a trader said. Lead times of 2-4 days are recommended for all grades. Congestion has eased in the port coming into this week. Only two vessels were waiting for bunkers on Tuesday, significantly down from 11 last Friday, according to a source. Bunkering delays from suppliers led to severe congestion last week.

Congestion has increased in Las Palmas amid high bunker demand, according to a trader. Very prompt supply (0–2 days) can be difficult to secure, with some suppliers able to offer grades for deliveries this weekend. Red Sea vessel diversions have led to higher bunkering demand in the Canary Island port, the trader said. Availability is mostly normal across all bunker grades, with lead times of 4-6 days advised.

Other Mediterranean ports, such as Piraeus, Malta Offshore and Istanbul, continue to witness low demand. Bunker demand has been particularly slow this week, a trader said.

Bunker fuel availability is good in the Greek port of Piraeus, a trader told ENGINE. Lead times of 3-4 days are advised across all bunker grades. Calm weather is forecast in the port for the rest of the week, making it conducive to bunkering.

Availability is also good off Malta, the trader said, with similar lead times of 3-4 days recommended. Adverse weather is forecast in the area over the weekend, which may complicate bunkering in the area.

Turkey’s Istanbul port has normal availability, with lead times of 3-4 days advised across all grades.

Africa

VLSFO availability is good in the South African ports of Richards Bay and Durban. A trader recommends lead times of 7-10 days in the port. 

Similarly, LSMGO availability is normal in Durban, with a trader recommending lead times of 7-10 days for optimal coverage from suppliers. Strong wind gusts up to 31 knots are forecast in Durban on Friday and may complicate bunker deliveries there.

Mozambique’s Nacala has reported steady demand across all grades this week, according to a source. HSFO tightness seen last week still persists. Previously, prompt VLSFO availability was limited due to high demand, but the grade’s supply has now improved. LSMGO availability is relatively good in Nacala.

In Maputo, VLSFO demand continues to remain high in the port. VLSFO availability, which was dry for prompt delivery in Maputo last week, has improved now. LSMGO availability is also good in the port, with steady demand reported.

By Manjula Nair

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 30 May 2024

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