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ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

HSFO supply tightens in the ARA; French refineries back in action after strikes; availability mostly normal in Gibraltar Strait.

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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:

12 April 2023

  • HSFO supply tightens in the ARA
  • French refineries back in action after strikes
  • Availability mostly normal in Gibraltar Strait

 

Northwest Europe

Fixing prompt stems of HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO can be difficult in Rotterdam and in the wider ARA hub, sources say. Recommended lead times for HSFO delivery in the region are around seven days, while LSMGO and VLSFO require around five days.

HSFO supply is tight in the ARA as both product and barge availability is under pressure there, a source says. Loading delays have been reported at oil terminals.

The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks have averaged 3% higher at the beginning of this month than in March, according to Insights Global data.

In the absence of Russian inflows, ARA buyers pulled large volumes of fuel oil from the Middle East and some European countries in March, going by Vortexa cargo tracking data. The UK emerged as the top source for the ARA’s fuel oil imports in March, and accounted for 13% of the region’s total.

Meanwhile, the ARA's gasoil inventories have averaged 3% lower at the start of this month than in March. Saudi Arabia became the ARA's top gasoil import source in March and accounted for 31% of its total.

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to be tight for prompt delivery off Skaw, requiring lead times of up to seven days, a source says. HSFO delivery remains subject to enquiries, the source adds.

In Germany’s Hamburg, VLSFO and LSMGO supply is said to be normal, requiring lead times of around 5-6 days, a source says.

TotalEnergies’ Gonfreville refinery in northern France started resuming operations on Tuesday as strike action by workers waned, according to a Reuters report. This is the last of TotalEnergies’ four domestic refineries to resume production after a month-long strike.

Workers across sectors in France protested the government's plans to reform the country's retirement system, which included raising the retirement age from 62 to 64.

 

Mediterranean

Bunker fuels availability has improved across most ports in France, while it is still tight in Lavera and Marseille-Fos, a source says.

Fuel availability is said to be normal in Gibraltar, Ceuta and off Malta, sources say. One supplier in Gibraltar can offer deliveries of all fuel grades with lead times of around 4-5 days, a source says.

Supply of LSMGO is said to be normal in Algeciras, but securing prompt supply of VLSFO can be difficult there, a source says.

Bunker operations are running normally in most Gibraltar Strait ports, according to port agent MH Bland. Bunker deliveries were disrupted in Gibraltar, Algeciras and Ceuta last week due to rough weather.

No congestion was reported in Gibraltar, Ceuta and off Malta on Wednesday. 12 vessels were scheduled to arrive for bunkers in and off Malta on Wednesday, Seatrans Shipping agency says.

Bunkering was in progress in Las Palmas on Wednesday morning. But high swells are forecast to hit the port in periods from later on Wednesday through to Saturday, which could complicate deliveries at its outer anchorage, MH Bland says.

 

Africa

Supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to be normal in Durban and Algoa Bay. But securing prompt deliveries can be difficult and stems require lead times of up to seven days, a source says.

Bunkering resumed in Algoa Bay on Wednesday morning after being suspended for a day due to adverse weather, according to Rennies Ships Agency. Weather conditions are forecast to remain conducive until Thursday evening. However, strong winds and swells are forecast to hit the bay in periods between Friday and Saturday, which could hamper bunker operations. Nine vessels are due to arrive for bunkers in Port Elizabeth and Algoa Bay over the course of the rest of the week, Rennies says.

Bunkering is going ahead as usual in Mozambique’s ports of Nacala and Maputo. Prompt supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to be normal in both locations, a source says.

By Shilpa Sharma

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 13 April, 2023

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Environment

Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia conduct table-top exercise to strengthen oil spill response

Exercise focused on several aspects including collaboration between government agencies and oil spill response firms to optimise oil spill response resources for incidents in Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Tuesday (11 February) conducted a table-top exercise (TTX) with Indonesia and Malaysia to enhance regional coordination and strengthen response capabilities for oil spills. The exercise brought together over 20 representatives from MPA, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Sea Transportation, Malaysia’s Environment Department, and oil spill response experts from ITOPF. As part of Singapore’s chairmanship of the Revolving Fund Committee (RFC) from April 2022 until March 2027, MPA led the TTX to foster collaboration between the littoral States of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The RFC, established through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the three littoral States and the Malacca Strait Council (MSC) in 1981, is a funding mechanism allowing each littoral State to draw cash advance from the Fund to combat oil spill from ships in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS). The exercise focused on coordination procedures to ensure swift and clear communication between the littoral States during an oil spill incident, rapid deployment of oil spill response assets by the littoral States, and collaboration between government agencies and oil spill response companies to optimise oil spill response resources for incidents in the SOMS. The response strategies and asset deployment plans tested during the TTX will be exercised during a Ground Deployment Exercise between the three littoral States and ITOPF in 2026. Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia conducts table-top exercise to strengthen oil spill response

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Tuesday (11 February) conducted a table-top exercise (TTX) with Indonesia and Malaysia to enhance regional coordination and strengthen response capabilities for oil spills. 

The exercise brought together over 20 representatives from MPA, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Sea Transportation, Malaysia’s Environment Department, and oil spill response experts from ITOPF.

As part of Singapore’s chairmanship of the Revolving Fund Committee (RFC) from April 2022 until March 2027, MPA led the TTX to foster collaboration between the littoral States of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. 

The RFC, established through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the three littoral States and the Malacca Strait Council (MSC) in 1981, is a funding mechanism allowing each littoral State to draw cash advance from the Fund to combat oil spill from ships in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS).

The exercise focused on coordination procedures to ensure swift and clear communication between the littoral States during an oil spill incident, rapid deployment of oil spill response assets by the littoral States, and collaboration between government agencies and oil spill response companies to optimise oil spill response resources for incidents in the SOMS.

The response strategies and asset deployment plans tested during the TTX will be exercised during a Ground Deployment Exercise between the three littoral States and ITOPF in 2026.

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 12 February, 2025

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LNG Bunkering

South Korea’s HJSC scores LNG bunkering vessel order from H-Line Shipping

HJ Shipbuilding & Construction has secured its first order of the year with a contract worth KRW 127.1 billion (USD 87.6 million) to build an 18,000㎥ LNG bunkering vessel for H-Line Shipping.

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South Korean HJSC scores LNG bunkering vessel order from H-Line Shipping

HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) has secured its first order of the year with a contract worth KRW 127.1 billion (USD 87.6 million) to build an 18,000㎥ LNG bunkering vessel for H-Line Shipping. 

The contracted vessel is a large-scale LNG bunkering ship measuring 144 meters in length, 25.2 meters in width, and 12.8 meters in depth. It is capable of supplying up to 18,000㎥ of LNG in a single operation to LNG-fuelled ships. 

Equipped with two independent LNG tanks certified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the vessel features a dual-fuel propulsion system that allows it to operate on both eco-friendly LNG and marine diesel oil. This advanced system ensures both stability and operational efficiency while effectively reducing carbon emissions.

Yoo Sang-cheol, CEO of HJSC, said, “As global LNG demand and supply continue to grow, the LNG bunkering vessel market will see steady expansion.” 

“We will focus on strengthening our expertise in building eco-friendly, high-value-added ships, securing a competitive edge that aligns with our legacy as a leader in shipbuilding.”

This achievement follows the company's success in 2014 when it built the world’s first 5,100㎥ LNG bunkering vessel for Japan’s NYK Line.

“This accomplishment also reinforces South Korea’s shipbuilding industry's efforts to enhance competitiveness by securing high-efficiency, environmentally friendly vessels in the global market,” HJSC said. 

“Notably, with the anticipated expansion of oil and natural gas drilling and the resumption of LNG exports under the second Trump administration in the US, the market for crude oil carriers, LNG carriers, and LNG bunkering vessels is expected to see significant growth.”

“This trend is likely to benefit the country’s highly competitive shipbuilding industry.”

 

Photo credit: HJ Shipbuilding & Construction
Published: 12 February, 2025

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Bunker Fuel

AMSOL tanker “Uhambo” commences offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay

Firm announced that its product tanker Uhambo has started offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay, signalling that the service has resumed in the maritime bay of South Africa.

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AMSOL tanker “Uhambo” commences offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay

Marine services provider AMSOL recently announced that its product tanker Uhambo has started offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay, signalling that the service has resumed in the maritime bay in South Africa.  

“Now flying the South African flag and an important platform for the ongoing training and development of tanker-endorsed South African seafarers, the Uhambo has commenced offshore bunkering operations in Algoa Bay, delivering locally refined marine fuel on behalf of its oil industry client,” the company said in a statement shared with Manifold Times

In November 2024, the South African Revenue Services (SARS) released new protocols including amendments under sections 21, 60, and 120 of the Customs and Excise Act. Some amendments pertain to the storage of imported bonded fuel goods in designated customs and excise storage warehouses.

SARS' move was anticipated to facilitate bunkering to resume off Algoa Bay, which has been shut down since September 2023

AMSOL’s Chief Commercial Officer Graham Dreyden, said: “Our ability to comply with stringent operating regulations and legislation as well as international maritime and marine standards underpins AMSOL’s track record.”

“This is the case for operations in Algoa Bay and we have worked closely with authorities and relevant stakeholders to ensure all legislative requirements for offshore bunkering operations are met.”

AMSOL’s CEO Dan Ngakane said he is positive about the growth of the company and its broader impact. 

“We have acquired five vessels in the last 4 years in order to meet the needs of our clients in the region for reliable and professional, risk managed marine solutions,” he said.

“In leading growth in the South African maritime sector, we remain committed to meeting the highest standards for environmental protection, safety and compliance whilst developing the talent required to keep our industry growing and moving forward.”

AMSOL said it is the only marine services business operating in the region with a proven track record in effective management of risk-mitigated fuel transfers through a portfolio of services that include in-port bunker delivery, offshore bunkering, ship-to-ship fuel transfer services and offshore terminal management.

Related: ENGINE: SARS releases final rules for South Africa’s offshore bunkering
Related: SARS seeks public comments on amendments to bonded bunker fuel storage regulations
Related: South African Revenue Service issues media statement on detention of bunkering vessels
Related: ENGINE: Algoa Bay bunkering at a standstill as authority detains barges – sources
Related: ENGINE: Algoa Bay closure spurs surge in bunker calls at nearby ports

 

Photo credit: AMSOL
Published: 12 February, 2025

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