Connect with us

Business

ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Russian fuel oil inflows continue in the ARA; bunker fuel supply normal in Gibraltar Strait; bunkering halted in Algoa Bay.
Admin

Published

3 years ago

on

post 55350

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:

21 December 2022

  • Russian fuel oil inflows continue in the ARA
  • Bunker fuel supply normal in Gibraltar Strait
  • Bunkering halted in Algoa Bay

 

Northwest Europe

Bunker fuel availability remains steady for all fuel grades in the ARA hub, with several suppliers offering prompt deliveries of LSMGO in the region. Recommended lead times for LSMGO and VLSFO in Rotterdam are 3-4 days, while HSFO requires around 5-6 days, sources say.

The ARA’s independent fuel oil stocks have averaged slightly lower so far this month than in November, according to Insights Global data. Average fuel oil stocks have also decreased some this month amid signs of a drop in net imports.

Meanwhile, Russia has emerged as the second-largest fuel oil import source for the ARA. According to cargo tracker Vortexa, Russia has accounted for 17% of total fuel oil inflows into the ARA so far in December. This is the first month since August that Vortexa has picked up Russian fuel oil cargoes arriving in the ARA. Denmark has been the top source of fuel oil imports for the region in December followed by Russia, Lithuania, the UK, Germany, Finland, Poland, France, Argentina and Estonia.

Strike action at BP’s Rotterdam refinery ended earlier this month, and a revival in production there is set to further boost bunker fuel supply in the ARA, according to sources. The strike had left BP’s 393,800 b/d nameplate capacity Rotterdam refinery idled for nearly two weeks.

The ARA’s average gasoil stocks have increased by 4% this month but remain far below their five-year average position. This comes as gasoil imports to the region have increased by almost 50% to 714,000 b/d so far this month over November levels, going by Vortexa data.

Supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to be normal to tight for prompt dates off Skaw, requiring lead times of around seven days, a source says. Prompt availability of HSFO is tight and may require a longer period, the source adds.

Bunker supply is normal in Germany’s Hamburg and recommended lead times are about five days across all grades.

LSMGO and VLSFO supply is normal in Bremerhaven but securing prompt delivery of HSFO can be difficult there, a source says.

 

Mediterranean

Bunker fuel supply across all grades is said to be normal in Gibraltar this week, sources say. Conducive weather conditions in the region have helped suppliers to clear a backlog of vessels. Bad weather had previously disrupted bunker operations in Gibraltar for several days. One supplier in Gibraltar and three in Algeciras experienced slight delays on Wednesday, according to port agent MH Bland.

Bunker operations are running normally in other regional ports in the Gibraltar Strait.

Prompt supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to be normal in Algeciras, Ceuta, Las Palmas, and Malta, according to sources. However, HSFO deliveries remain subject to enquiries in most regional ports.

Some congestion was reported in Ceuta on Wednesday, according to shipping agent Jose Salama & Cia. 13 vessels were due to arrive for bunkers.

No congestion has been reported in Malta this week, according to Seatrans Shipping agency. An average of nine vessels have arrived to bunker in Malta each day this week, which is slightly more than last week.

In the Greek port of Piraeus, availability of VLSFO, LSMGO and HSFO is said to be normal, a source says. Suppliers can deliver stems for prompt dates there, the source adds.

 

Africa

Strong winds have hit Algoa Bay, disrupting smooth bunker deliveries in the region since Tuesday, according to Rennies Ships Agency. Weather conditions are forecast to remain rough until Friday morning, which could cause more delays and disruptions. Nine vessels are scheduled to arrive for bunkers in Algoa Bay and Port Elizabeth this week, Rennies says. Meanwhile, bunker supply is said to be steady there as well as in Durban.

Lead times of around seven days are advised for VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries in Durban and Algoa Bay, a source says.

Prompt supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal in Mozambique’s Nacala port, a source says. The two grades are tight for prompt delivery in Maputo, the source adds. Three vessels are due to arrive for bunkers in Nacala and Maputo this week.

By Shilpa Sharma

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 22 December, 2022

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Biofuel

Singapore: Sea Oil Petroleum receives ISCC EU certification, mulls increasing product portfolio

‘Sea Oil seeks to do its part for climate change by giving options to support to our end users,’ says Steve Goh, Head of Trading.

Admin

Published

1 hour ago

on

July 10, 2025

By

Sea Oil logo

Singapore-based bunker trading firm Sea Oil Petroleum Pte Ltd (Sea Oil), a wholly owned subsidiary of Thailand-listed Sea Oil Public Company Limited, has received International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) EU certification, learned Manifold Times.

ISCC EU is a certification scheme that verifies compliance with the sustainability criteria for biofuels and bioliquids within the European Union. It ensures that biomass and biofuels used in the EU meet specific environmental and social requirements, including greenhouse gas emission reductions and traceability throughout the supply chain.

The milestone, which took place on 22 May after two months of processing, was reflective of the company’s aim to expand its bunker fuel product offerings to clients seeking sustainable solutions, Steve Goh, Head of Trading at Sea Oil, told the bunkering publication.

“It is important for the bunkering sector to remain relevant, adapt, and play an active role in supporting shipping’s decarbonisation journey,” said Mr Goh while adding that, “this is in line with our group’s green initiative and sustainability drive.”

“As such, Sea Oil seeks to do its part for climate change by giving options to support to our end users.

“By achieving ISCC EU certification, Sea Oil will be in a better position to provide green marine fuel solutions to customers embarking on this journey towards net zero.”

Manifold Times in May reported Sea Oil welcoming a Senior Bunker Trader to its team.

The company started 2025 with an expanded team on both international and local fronts.

Sea Oil Petroleum may be reached at: [email protected]

Related: Singapore: Sea Oil Petroleum boosts Asia and international presence with new Senior Bunker Trader
Related: Singapore: Sea Oil Petroleum enters 2025 with international representatives, expanded team

 

Photo credit: Sea Oil Petroleum
Published: 10 July 2025

Continue Reading

Wind-assisted

Anemoi unveils state-of-the-art rotor sail production facility in China

Site boasts an annual production capacity of 250 Rotor Sails, and the option to expand further and store units for fast turnaround.
Admin

Published

1 hour ago

on

July 10, 2025

By

Anemoi Rotor Sail production facility MT

Wind propulsion solutions provider Anemoi Marine Technologies on Tuesday (8 July) officially opened its new Rotor Sail production facility in China.

Strategically located on the banks of the Yangtze River, Anemoi’s facility is located in Jingjiang City, Jiangsu Province, within Daming Heavy Industry’s manufacturing base.

The facility provides direct access to port infrastructure, enabling seamless logistics for import, export, and delivery.

With barge transport available on-site, Rotor Sails can be transported efficiently and installed directly at nearby major shipyards, streamlining operations and minimising environmental impact.

“This is more than just a new site,” said Clare Urmston, CEO of Anemoi.

“It’s a fully integrated, end-to-end production hub where every stage, from steel fabrication and precision assembly to rigorous testing and quality assurance, is handled under one roof.

“That means faster turnaround, uncompromised quality, and complete oversight by our expert team, on site, from start to finish. Anemoi’s strategy is quality first and this site enables exactly that.”

With an annual production capacity of 250 Rotor Sails, and the option to expand further and store units for fast turnaround, the new site positions Anemoi to meet surging global demand and support its customers in achieving critical decarbonisation goals.

 

Photo credit: Anemoi Marine Technologies
Published: 10 July 2025

Continue Reading

Milestone

Global Energy Storage Group sells Rotterdam terminal to Tepsa, exits Dutch market

Chooses to sharpen its focus on growth in Asia, particularly its flagship terminal in Port Klang, Malaysia.
Admin

Published

2 hours ago

on

July 10, 2025

By

Global Energy Storage Group MT

Global Energy Storage Group (GES) on Wednesday (9 July) announced the completion of the sale of its terminal located in the Port of Rotterdam., marking its exit from the Dutch market.

The facility, which includes 212,000 m³ of tank storage and approximately 18 hectares of development land in the Europoort area, was sold to Tepsa, a European bulk liquid and gas storage operator.

The transaction represents a key milestone for GES as it continues to focus its resources on expanding its presence in the fast-growing Asian market, with particular emphasis on its strategic terminal at Port Klang, Malaysia.

It also ensures that the Rotterdam terminal is passed into the hands of a high-quality follow-on owner well positioned to take the asset forward. The transaction also delivers a strong return for GES’s shareholders.

“Part of the investment cycle is realising value from assets at the right time, and we’re confident this was the right moment for GES,” commented Peter Vucins, CEO of GES.

“We are now fully focused on growing our business in Asia, with Port Klang at the centre of that strategy. We extend our sincere thanks to the Rotterdam team and our customers for their support and for maintaining a safe, reliable, and forward-looking operation throughout our ownership.”

With the sale of the Rotterdam terminal, GES no longer holds assets in the Netherlands.

 

Photo credit: Global Energy Storage Group
Published: 10 July 2025

Continue Reading

Trending