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:
19 April 2023
Northwest Europe
VLSFO and HSFO availability is tight in the ARA hub, partly because of product shortages in refineries. Shell’s Pernis refinery near Rotterdam is currently undergoing scheduled three-month maintenance, which is set to finish on 1 May. Around 200,000 b/d of crude distillation unit capacity has been offline.
Recommended lead times for VLSFO and HSFO are about 5-7 days. HSFO lead times can be even longer due to product loading delays at terminals. Loading delays of 2-4 days have been reported at some terminals in recent weeks, a source says.
Meanwhile, independently held fuel oil stocks in the ARA have been steady so far this month, while imports have come down from March.
Poland emerged as the top source for the ARA’s fuel oil imports in the first two weeks of this month, going by the cargo tracker Vortexa data shows. Fuel oil imports from Poland accounted for 23% of the region’s total imports. Other fuel oil import sources were Denmark (16%), Finland (14%), Mexico (13%) and Angola (10%).
Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to be normal for prompt delivery off Skaw, a source says. Delivery prospects for HSFO are still 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. Overall bunker demand has been slow there.
Mediterranean
VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries can be secured for prompt dates in Gibraltar, a source says. HSFO requires lead times of at least three days. Strong winds of up to 30 knots are forecast to hit Gibraltar on Wednesday evening, which could complicate deliveries. However, the weather is expected to improve from Thursday.
No congestion was reported in Gibraltar on Wednesday.
Peninsula has added a new bunker delivery vessel Hercules Sky in Gibraltar. Hercules Sky will be used to deliver conventional marine fuels stems in Gibraltar Strait ports along with biofuel blends.
Bunkering at Algeciras’ outer port limit (OPL) and outer Delta anchorage has been suspended since Monday due to rough weather conditions, port agent MH Bland says. Bunker operations at Ceuta’s anchorage have also been suspended since Monday, while deliveries at the port’s more sheltered berth area are running smoothly.
VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in Portugal’s Lisbon and Sines, a source says. Recommended lead times are about 5-6 days.
Bunker fuel availability is normal in Malta. Some suppliers can offer deliveries for prompt dates off Malta, a source says.
No congestion was reported off Malta on Wednesday, Seatrans Shipping agency says. Eight vessels were scheduled to arrive for bunkers in and off Malta on Wednesday, Seatrans adds.
LSMGO availability is said to be normal in Greece’s Piraeus port. Prompt deliveries are subject to supplier schedules, a trader says.
Africa
Supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to be normal in Durban and Algoa Bay. However, securing prompt deliveries are still difficult and stems require lead times of up to seven days.
Bunkering is currently running smoothly in Algoa Bay. But strong winds and swells are forecast to hit the bay from Thursday, 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.
Bunker operations are running smoothly in Mozambique’s Nacala and Maputo ports. Supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to be normal in Nacala, a source says. Availability of the two grades is tight in Maputo, the source adds.
By Nithin Chandran
Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 20 April, 2023
To support Maritime Singapore’s long-term sustainability goals, an innovation opportunity focusing on maritime decarbonisation will be featured for the first time.
Meeting will be held at 238A Thomson Road, Novena Square Tower A, Singapore 307684 on 21 June at 11.00 am, according to the Government Gazette.
More prompt LSMGO available in Rotterdam; ARA’s gasoil stocks recover for second consecutive week; slight congestion in Gibraltar.
During the sea trials, it transpired that the vessel’s propulsion systems needed further adjustments and alignment; Rauma shipyard needed more time to carry out these technical works.
Engines running on LNG would need to be fitted with an inert gas system to prevent the build-up of highly flammable gasses, according to Survitec’s Maritime Protection brand.
Highlights included the demonstration of the rescue capabilities of MPA’s newest hybrid diesel-electric patrol craft “MPA Guardian” for specialised rescue ops.
Advanced analytical services will support support clients in the shipping sector allowing for more accurate and efficient testing of methanol as a marine fuel, Bryan Quek tells bunkering publication Manifold Times.
While slow steaming may help save fuel cost and lowers emissions, it may end up being a costly endeavour for ship owners. Innospec suggests looking at smart slow steaming instead, shares Nicea Ng.
Bunker claim was regarding the supply and delivery of RMG380 to the demise charter of the India-flagged oil tanker on 24 February 2022 at Yosu port, according to court documents obtained by Manifold Times.
Claim was regarding sales of LSFO from Gulf Petrochem to Prime Oil Trading on 24 February 2020 which was due for payment on 23 June 2020 after a 120-day credit period, state court documents.
Remi Eriksen of DNV Group, shared during event, the business case for decarbonization must involve four key factors including alternative bunker fuels once safety guidelines and bunkering infrastructure are established.
Malaysian government will ensure all obligations and conditions under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships or MARPOL are implemented, says Transport Minister.
