Business

ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Low sulphur grades tight in ARA; HSFO limited in Las Palmas, tight in Gibraltar; long lead times for LSMGO and HSFO in South Africa.

Published

7 months ago

March 3, 2023

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:

1 March 2023

Low sulphur grades tight in ARA
HSFO limited in Las Palmas, tight in Gibraltar
Long lead times for LSMGO and HSFO in South Africa

Northwest Europe

Prompt VLSFO and LSMGO availability is very tight in the ARA bunkering hub, sources say. VLSFO availability is tight because of barge loading delays at terminals of up to 2-3 days, which has had a knock-on impact on fuel availability and bunker deliveries, sources say.

Lead times of 5-6 days are recommended for VLSFO stems in the ARA region, while LSMGO requires around 2-3 days of lead times - which is unusually long, sources say.

LSMGO could tighten further in the first two weeks of March, a source says, as large cargo volumes are being exported to Singapore and other places. This comes despite the ARA's independent gasoil and diesel stocks swelling to two-year highs with inflows from China, India and Saudi Arabia. These imports have replaced banned Russian imports, particularly diesel.

The ARA’s fuel oil stocks averaged 2% lower in February than in January, despite indications of higher net imports. Russian fuel oil imports were phased out in January after making up 10% of the ARA's total in December. The UK has become the ARA's biggest source of fuel oil imports, with 19% of the total in February.

In Germany’s Hamburg, bunker fuel availability is currently normal and lead times of 5-6 days are advised, a source says.

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

Mediterranean

Prompt HSFO availability is tight in Gibraltar. Bunkering resumed last week after being suspended by rough weather for several days in mid-February. Suppliers were busy clearing backlogs last week, and that catch-up could have put pressure on fuel supply, sources say.

Possible weather disruptions are expected in the Gibraltar Strait ports of Gibraltar, Ceuta and Algeciras next week, sources say. This may affect bunkering operations in the ports and cause backlogs.

At least three suppliers in Algeciras are running behind schedule, sources say.

HSFO availability is tight in Las Palmas as suppliers are running low on stocks, a source says. One supplier in Las Palmas is mostly offering HSFO for delivery dates in mid-March, while another cannot commit to deliveries until the end of this month, a source says.

Bunker fuel availability is currently normal off Malta and in the Greek port of Piraeus, and recommended lead times are about five days for both locations, a source says. Bunker schedules came under pressure off Malta and in Piraeus in the second half of February, when vessels were diverted away from weather-stricken Gibraltar Strait ports to bunker in alternative locations.

Africa

Prompt LSMGO and HSFO availability is very tight in Durban and Algoa Bay, and lead times of up to 10 days are advised, a source says. VLSFO availability is normal.

Cloudy and rainy weather is forecast for the week ahead in the Mozambican port of Nacala, a source says. It could affect bunkering operations, but no vessels are currently scheduled to arrive for bunkers in the port this week.

Bunker demand has picked up in Mozambique's capital city port of Maputo, meanwhile, with seven vessels scheduled to arrive for bunkers this week.

By Konica Bhatt

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 3 March, 2023

Milestone

Singapore retains titles as Best Global Seaport and Best Seaport in Asia

Port of Singapore has been named the “Best Global Seaport” for the third consecutive year and the “Best Seaport in Asia” for the 35th time at the 2023 AFLAS Awards.

Published

2 days ago

September 29, 2023

Admin

Singapore retains titles as Best Global Seaport and Best Seaport in Asia

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore on Friday (29 September) said the Port of Singapore has been named the “Best Global Seaport” for the third consecutive year and the “Best Seaport in Asia” for the 35th time at the 2023 Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain (AFLAS) Awards.

These accolades recognise the contributions by the Port of Singapore serving as a key node in the global supply chain, and Singapore’s leadership in driving maritime decarbonisation and transformation.

The annual AFLAS Awards is organised by freight and logistics publication, Asia Cargo News, to honour leading service providers in the supply chain community for demonstrating leadership as well as consistency in service quality, innovation, customer relationship management and reliability. Winners were determined by votes cast by readers of the publication.

Mr Chee Hong Tat, Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance, said: “Singapore is honoured to be named the Best Global Seaport and Best Seaport in Asia. These awards are the result of the shared effort and strong collaboration between the Government, industry, unions and workers. We will continue to grow our port as an efficient, sustainable, and trusted node in global supply chains.”

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “These awards are testament to the partnership and collaboration between Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) with industry and international partners, the research and enterprise community, as well as unions. MPA remains committed to fostering an environment that encourages enterprise, innovation, and talent development.”

“We will continue to work with our partners to enhance Singapore’s connectivity, advance digitalisation efforts, and accelerate the decarbonisation of international shipping in line with the 2023 IMO strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships.”

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 29 September, 2023

Employment

Melvin Lum appointed as KPI OceanConnect Global Accounts Commercial Director in Singapore

Lum will take on the position of Commercial Director from Thomas Lee who was recently promoted to Head of APAC in a management restructure within KPI OceanConnect.

Published

2 days ago

September 29, 2023

Admin

Melvin Lum appointed as KPI OceanConnect Global Account Commercial Director in Singapore

Global marine energy solutions provider KPI OceanConnect on Thursday (28 September) announced the appointment of Melvin Lum as Commercial Director for its Global Accounts team in Singapore.

Lum will take on the position of Commercial Director from Thomas Lee who was recently promoted to Head of APAC in a management restructure within KPI OceanConnect.

The Global Accounts team is an expert unit within KPI OceanConnect, specialised in providing long-term, tailored fuel strategy solutions to a portfolio of Key Accounts on a global scale. Dedicated regional teams located in London, Houston and Singapore work seamlessly across the world and around the clock to support their clients.

Lum joined KPI OceanConnect in 2021 as Senior Key Account manager and has made a significant contribution to the development of the team and optimisation of the daily operations of the unit in Singapore. Lum has vast experience across the supply chain and previously worked with TotalEnergies, Glencore and Global Energy Group prior to joining KPI OceanConnect.

Henrik Zederkof, Head of Global Accounts at KPI OceanConnect, said: "It is always a pleasure to witness the growth of our team members, and Melvin's progression is no exception. I have full confidence in Melvin's expertise, ability to lead the unit and dedication to his team. I look forward to seeing the progress of Melvin and his team, which will undoubtedly bring significant value to our numerous partners and the wider organisation.”

"Melvin will assume a pivotal role within the Global Accounts management team, leveraging his extensive experience in supply chain management and profound insight into emerging technologies. In his new role, Melvin will further enhance our team's skill set, aligning them with our ongoing objectives of supporting our partners in their green transition and digitalisation endeavours."

Melvin Lum, Commercial Director of KPI OceanConnect Global Accounts in Singapore, said: "I am very appreciative of the support and confidence from our management team as I take on this exciting new role. I am enthusiastic to work with the team as we continue to deliver an exceptional experience to our partners and stakeholders with dedication, innovation and passion."

Photo credit: KPI OceanConnect
Published: 29 September, 2023

Biofuel

TotalEnergies Marine Fuels renews ISCC EU certification for bio bunker fuel

Firm’s operations teams in Singapore and Geneva successfully renewed its ISCC EU sustainability certification for the supply of biofuel bunkers, says Louise Tricoire, Vice President.

Published

2 days ago

September 29, 2023

Admin

TotalEnergies Marine Fuels renews ISCC EU certification for bio bunker fuel

Louise Tricoire, Vice President of TotalEnergies Marine Fuels recently said the firm’s operations teams in Singapore and Geneva successfully renewed its International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) EU sustainability certification for the supply of biofuel bunkers.

“This means that TotalEnergies Marine Fuels can continue sourcing and supplying marine biofuels in accordance with EU renewable energy regulations ensuring the highest sustainability standards,” she said in a social media.

“It's the third year in a row that we have successfully renewed this certification, after a deep and comprehensive audit which showed zero non-conformity.”

She added marine biofuels have grown in demand among shipping companies that want to cut greenhouse gas emissions immediately.

“TotalEnergies Marine Fuels offers marine biofuels commercially in Singapore and we are starting in Europe. This certification enables us to accompany our customers in their decarbonisation journey with the best standard solutions available today.”

Photo credit: TotalEnergies Marine Fuels
Published: 29 September, 2023