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ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

HSFO tight prompt in the ARA; Las Palmas’ outer anchorage shut; Mozambique sees stronger demand.
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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:

28 December 2022

  • HSFO tight prompt in the ARA
  • Las Palmas’ outer anchorage shut
  • Mozambique sees stronger demand

 

Northwest Europe

HSFO is tight for prompt bunker delivery dates with several suppliers in the ARA. As last week, around 5-6 days of lead time is generally recommended for good coverage from suppliers. But while bunker schedules are under pressure, there are pockets of prompt availability. At least one supplier has been able to offer the grade for next-day delivery.

VLSFO and LSMGO grades are more readily available in Europe’s main bunkering hub, with around 3-4 days of lead time advised.

The ARA’s independent gasoil stocks have gradually recovered from a trough last summer, and have averaged 6% above November levels in December.

The region’s fuel oil stocks have grown marginally from November, but remain close to their lows from last May. Fuel oil imports are up by a third in December over November levels, helped to some extent by a resumption of inflowing Russian volumes.

Until this month, Vortexa had not registered any Russian fuel oil imports landing in the ARA since August. Before it invaded Ukraine, and European countries and companies responded with sanctions and self-sanctioning, Russia was the ARA’s number one import source for fuel oil. By 5 February next year, all imports of Russian fuel oil, gasoil and other oil products have to be phased out in the ARA and other EU ports.

All fuel grades are available for prompt delivery dates in Hamburg. Fuel oil grades are tight in Bremerhaven, while LSMGO is readily available there, a source says.

 

Mediterranean

Next to no congestion was reported in Gibraltar on Wednesday, with only one vessel waiting for free space to be bunkered, according to port agent MH Bland. All suppliers are on schedule.

Across the bay, in Algeciras, all three suppliers are delayed between 6-18 hours. The port’s Alpha anchorage is especially congested and delays run up to 16-24 hours, MH Bland says.

Meanwhile, bunker operations are running normally in Ceuta. 12 vessels were scheduled to arrive in Ceuta on Wednesday, and two were waiting to bunker there, according to shipping agent Jose Salama & Co. A supplier in Ceuta was running 4-6 hours behind schedule for anchorage deliveries, MH Bland said.

Las Palmas’ outer anchorage has been shut to bunkering for two days this week and could remain closed also on Thursday. High swells and strong winds have complicated deliveries.

Bunker availability is tight for prompt dates off Malta, a source says. Suppliers have increasingly looked towards delivery dates next week for bookings.

 

Africa

Bunkering operations have been stopped at Algoa Bay due to bad weather. 11 vessels are scheduled to arrive this week at the port, according to Rennies Ships Agency. Some of these could be held up waiting if weather conditions remain rough. The weather is forecast to calm down from Saturday.

While bunker deliveries are threatened by unfavourable conditions in Algoa Bay, there are no major issues with bunker fuel supply volumes in either Algoa Bay or Durban. Prompt product is possible to book for delivery in both ports.

Bunkering is going ahead as normal in Mozambique’s Nacala and Maputo ports. Demand has picked up. Three vessels are scheduled to arrive to bunker in Nacala this week, and four in Maputo. That is up from a total of three vessels across the ports last week.  

By Erik Hoffmann

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 29 December, 2022

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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.

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July 10, 2025

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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

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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.
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July 10, 2025

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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

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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.
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July 10, 2025

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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

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