Business

ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Low sulphur supply normal in the ARA; ARA fuel oil stocks growing in November; bunkering running normally in Algoa Bay.

Published

2 years ago

November 24, 2022

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:

23 November 2022

Low sulphur supply normal in the ARA
ARA fuel oil stocks growing in November
Bunkering running normally in Algoa Bay

Northwest Europe

Supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to be normal in Rotterdam and other ports in the ARA hub. Suppliers can offer delivery of LSMGO for prompt dates. Recommended lead times for LSMGO and VLSFO in Rotterdam are around four days, while HSFO may require 5-6 days, sources say.

The ARA's independent fuel oil stocks have averaged 3% higher so far this month than in October, according to Insights Global data. Even as fuel oil inventories have been building this month, they are still below their five-year average position for the year.

The ARA’s average gasoil stocks have come down and remain far below their five-year average position.

According to market sources, the workers’ strike at the BP refinery in Rotterdam has not impacted bunker supplies in the ARA. According to Argus Media, most workers at BP’s 393,800 b/d Rotterdam refinery voted to minimise productivity last week in a work-to-rule action, after hitting an impasse over pay hikes.

Supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal off Skaw, requiring lead times of around seven days, a source says. Securing prompt delivery of HSFO can be difficult there, the source adds.

Bunker supply is said to be normal in the UK’s Falmouth port, where suppliers can offer prompt delivery of LSMGO, a source says.

Prompt supply of LSMGO is also good in Bremerhaven, a source says.

Mediterranean

Bunker fuels supply is still slightly tight in Gibraltar Strait ports. Some suppliers can offer VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries for prompt dates there, while HSFO supply remains subject to enquiries. HSFO delivery in the region requires a minimum lead time of seven days, a source says.

One supplier in Gibraltar and three in Algeciras are running behind schedule, according to port agent MH Bland.

All bunkering areas have been closed for supply off Malta since Tuesday as strong winds and heavy swells have disrupted deliveries there, according to Seatrans Shipping agency. One bunkering area is expected to resume operations from Thursday morning, when calmer weather conditions are forecast. 12 vessels were scheduled to arrive for bunkers across ports and offshore anchorages on Wednesday, Seatrans says.

Outer anchorage bunkering has been suspended in Las Palmas since Monday due to bad weather conditions. The weather is forecast to remain harsh in Las Palmas until Sunday, which could keep bunker operations suspended at the port’s weather-exposed outer anchorage. Meanwhile, bunker deliveries via ex-pipe at berth, or by barge at the port's inner anchorage, are available, MH Bland says. Las Palmas' inner anchorage has a limited bunker capacity of only one vessel at a time.

Bunkering is progressing normally in Ceuta with seemingly good demand this week. 11 vessels were scheduled to arrive for bunkers on Wednesday, largely unchanged from 12 a week earlier, according to shipping agent Jose Salama & Cia. Bunker supply is said to be normal there.

In the Greek port of Piraeus, availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal, a source says.

Africa

Bunker operations are running normally in Algoa Bay. But strong winds are forecast to hit the region on Thursday, which could cause delays. 17 vessels are scheduled to arrive for bunkers in Algoa Bay and Port Elizabeth this week, according to Rennies Ships Agency.

Prompt supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to be normal in South Africa’s Durban and Algoa Bay. Recommended lead times for the two products is around seven days, a source says.

Bunker supply of VLSFO and LSMGO continues to be good in Mozambique’s Maputo and Nacala ports, and bunkering is progressing normally in both the locations, a source says. Five vessels are due to arrive for bunkers in Nacala this week, and three in Maputo, the source adds.

By Shilpa Sharma

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 24 November, 2022

Business

SMW 2025: MPA and Dalian Maritime University to partner on joint maritime training

Both signed a MoU to enhance talent development and academic exchange between Singapore and China, focusing on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation and covering areas such as clean energy.

Published

5 hours ago

March 28, 2025

Admin

SMW 2025: MPA and Dalian Maritime University to partner on joint maritime training

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Dalian Maritime University (DMU) on Friday (28 March) said they have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance talent development and academic exchange between Singapore and China in the maritime sector.

The MoU renewal was signed by MPA Chief Executive, Mr Teo Eng Dih, and Professor Shan Hongjun, President of DMU. This renewal builds on the successful collaboration established since 2021, and further strengthens talent development and knowledge exchange between both maritime ecosystems.

As part of the MOU, MPA and DMU will continue to engage in faculty exchanges, study visits and student exchanges in Singapore and Dalian, and joint maritime training and research programmes. Trainers from MPA, including subject matter experts and adjunct trainers, will contribute to courses, events and knowledge sharing.

The collaboration will focus on digitalisation and decarbonisation, covering areas such as clean energy and sustainable practices in the maritime sector, digital transformation of maritime operations, environmental management, maritime safety, navigational technologies, and port management and smart technologies.

DMU is home to world-class facilities, including two ocean-going training vessels and state-of-the-art research centre. A leader in autonomous ship technology and innovation in smart and sustainable shipping, the university has recently launched its 3rd ocean-going new generation autonomous training vessel.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, said, “The renewal of this MOU reflects the strong partnership between MPA and DMU. As the maritime industry evolves, our collaboration in maritime education and training is more crucial than ever in preparing the next generation of maritime professionals. This agreement will enhance maritime talent development and knowledge sharing between Singapore and China, fostering innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector.”

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 March, 2025

Environment

SMW 2025: Maritime drone training for ship emission monitoring to be established

MPA and Republic Polytechnic ink a MoU to start a specialised Unmanned Aircraft Pilot Training programme for MPA pilots to operate drones for maritime applications such as monitoring vessel emissions.

Published

5 hours ago

March 28, 2025

Admin

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Republic Polytechnic (RP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a specialised Unmanned Aircraft (UA) Pilot Training programme for MPA UA pilots, which will also provide internship opportunities for RP students.

This initiative aims to equip MPA, as well as commercial UA pilots, with advanced competencies to operate drones for maritime applications. These include inspection of vessel structures, monitoring of vessel emissions, and supporting emergency response efforts.

The course will cover essential skills, including take-off and landing from vessels, emergency procedures at sea, and Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations. UA pilots will also be trained to operate drones equipped with various sensor payloads such as electro-optics, infrared, and multispectral imaging. Tethered drone operations, which enable extended flight times for surveillance and monitoring, will also be included.

Under this five-year collaboration arrangement, MPA and RP plan to develop competency frameworks for UA pilots operating at sea, and will train over 20 MPA UA pilots annually. The collaboration will also explore the potential development of a maritime-specific qualification for UA pilots for interested parties. The training will be conducted by RP’s team of full-time lecturers who are also certified UA Pilot Licence trainers.

Through this partnership, RP students have internship opportunities with MPA, and can explore potential career pathways as UA pilots and watch supervisors coordinating the deployment of unmanned systems for port operations and maritime safety.

RP lecturers and students will also have opportunities to gain industry exposure and practical experience through participation in MPA’s upcoming drone-related projects. In addition, RP will work with MPA in relevant committees and forums to shape policies, safety standards, and regulations for maritime drone operations.

In 2025, MPA will trial new drone capabilities, including coordinated drone operations for chemical spill management and the Maritime Drones Traffic Management System to ensure safety in port waters.

The Maritime Drone Estate, launched in 2021, will also be expanded to support commercial drone services such as remote inspections and shore-to-ship deliveries. These advancements will contribute to safer, more fuel-efficient, and sustainable maritime operations.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 March, 2025

Alternative Fuels

SMW 2025: Geospatial tools to be explored for port operations including bunkering

MPA and partners will explore the use of geospatial tools to develop solutions to improve safety and efficiency of port operations, such as bunkering of alternative fuels and vessel navigation.

Published

5 hours ago

March 28, 2025

Admin

SMW 2025: Geospatial tools to be explored for port operations including bunkering

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (26 March) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with several partners to promote knowledge-sharing initiatives and explore geospatial technologies to address real-world challenges in the republic.

Partners will explore the use of geospatial tools to develop solutions to strengthen preparedness, monitor sea level rise, and improve the safety and efficiency of port operations, such as vessel navigation, marine services and the bunkering of alternative fuels.

MPA signed a three-year MOU with Jurong Port, Singapore Cruise Centre Private Limited, Esri Singapore, Hexagon’s Safety Infrastructure and Geospatial Division, Nika, Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore (TCOMS), A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing (A*STAR IHPC) and the Centre of Excellence in Modelling and Simulation for Next Generation Ports (C4NGP) in the College of Design and Engineering of the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Geospatial tools use location-based data such as satellite images, traffic and weather data, and sensor readings from buoys and on land to create 2D and 3D visual insights.

These can help stakeholders monitor real-time conditions, manage risks, and plan operations more effectively by improving risk management and decision-making, and enhancing operational planning for improved safety and efficiency.

MPA also signed a three-year MOU with NUS to develop a skilled maritime geospatial workforce.

Under this partnership, MPA and NUS will explore the development of maritime geospatial courses for NUS undergraduate and post-graduate geography students, and a professional certification programme for mid-career professionals.

The maritime geospatial programmes will cover skills in 2D and 3D mapping, geospatial analytics, and advanced environmental and operations modelling. This will build a pipeline of talent equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive maritime geospatial innovation in the industry and government.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 March, 2025