Business

ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

VLSFO and HSFO supply still tight in the ARA; prompt HSFO stems scarce in Gibraltar; availability normal across South African ports.

Published

2 years ago

May 4, 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:

3 May, 2023

VLSFO and HSFO supply still tight in the ARA
Prompt HSFO stems scarce in Gibraltar
Availability normal across South African ports

Northwest Europe

Prompt supply of VLSFO and HSFO is still tight in Rotterdam and in the wider ARA hub. This could partly be because of product shortages at refineries, a source says. Shell’s Pernis refinery near Rotterdam is undergoing a scheduled three-month maintenance, which is set to be completed by the end of this month.

Meanwhile, availability of LSMGO is said to be normal for prompt dates in the ARA, requiring lead times of around three days.

Independently held fuel oil stocks in the ARA averaged 1% higher in the first three weeks of April than across March.

According to cargo tracker Vortexa, the region's fuel oil imports have primarily arrived from Poland (13%), Lithuania (11%), the UK and UAE (10%), and Denmark (8%).

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, prompt supply of VLSFO, HSFO and LSMGO is said to be normal. Lead times of around 5-6 days are recommended for deliveries of all fuel grades, a source says.

VLSFO and HSFO deliveries are subject to enquiries in Bremerhaven.

Mediterranean

Availability is said to be normal for most bunker fuel grades in Gibraltar, but fixing prompt stems of HSFO can be slightly difficult there, sources say. One supplier in Gibraltar is running low on HSFO stocks, a source says.

Lead times of 3-5 days are advised for VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries in Gibraltar, while HSFO can require a longer period of up to seven days.

Bunker supply is normal in Algeciras, while VLSFO is tight in Las Palmas, a source says.

Weather conditions are forecast to remain conducive in Gibraltar Strait ports this week. This would allow suppliers to deliver stems smoothly.

Minimal congestion was reported in Gibraltar and Algeciras on Wednesday, according to port agent MH Bland. One supplier in Gibraltar and three in Algeciras were behind schedule on Wednesday morning.

However, Las Palmas is forecast to experience rough weather conditions in periods between 7-12 May, which could complicate deliveries at the port’s outer anchorage, MH Bland says.

Supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal in Barcelona, a source says.

Bunker fuel supply across all grades is said to be normal in Malta. Some suppliers can offer deliveries for prompt dates off Malta, a source says.

In Greece’s Piraeus port, supply of HSFO and LSMGO is normal, but VLSFO is tight for prompt dates.

Africa

Bunker fuels supply is said to be normal in Durban, Algoa Bay and other South African ports, sources say.

However, securing prompt deliveries of VLSFO and LSMGO can be slightly difficult in Durban and Algoa Bay, where stems may require lead times of up to seven days, a source says.

Bunkering is progressing normally in Algoa Bay, according to Rennies Ships Agency. High swells of more than 3 metres are forecast to hit the bay on Friday, which could complicate deliveries. 13 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 normal in both locations, a source says.

By Shilpa Sharma

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 4 May, 2023

LNG Bunkering

Singapore: MPA launches EOI to expand LNG bunkering services amid growing demand

MPA is seeking proposals to explore scalable solutions for sea-based LNG reloading to complement existing onshore LNG bunkering storage and jetty capacities and e/bio-methane supply as a marine fuel.

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2024

Admin

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) to explore scalable solutions for sea-based liquefied natural gas (LNG) reloading to complement the existing onshore LNG bunkering storage and jetty capacities and the supply of e/bio-methane as marine fuel in the Port of Singapore.

MPA said LNG bunkering in Singapore has grown from 16,000 tonnes delivered in 2022 to over 385,000 tonnes delivered from January to October 2024.

According to the EOI, demand for LNG bunkering is expected to grow further with a growing global fleet of LNG dual-fuelled vessels and competitive LNG bunker prices.

“The EOI seeks to gather proposals on three areas: to scale up sea-based reloading operations, including ship-to-bunker barge LNG operations; to facilitate the supply of LNG alternatives such as liquefied bio-methane; and to develop floating platform concepts to enhance bunkering safety and efficiency,” MPA added.

“The EOI proposals should also include mitigation measures to address the issue of methane slip on a well-to-wake basis.”

Participants in the EOI do not need to be an existing LNG bunkering licensee. Participants are required to propose models for operationalising sea-based LNG reloading starting from 2025. Participants selected will be required to conduct trials in Singapore to validate the proposed solution’s operational feasibility and safety.

“Insights gained from the EOI and trials will inform MPA’s review of the LNG licensing framework, including enhancements to supply to better serve the industry’s bunkering needs,” it said.

Note: Interested parties can visit the MPA website for details and submission guidelines. Proposals must be submitted by 28 February 2025, 1pm (Singapore time).

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 13 December, 2024

Events

Malaysia: 12th PorTech Asia Summit to bring together leaders in port industry

Event, which will be held on 9 to 10 January, will tackle important topics in the port industry including challenges and opportunities for Asian Port Industry as well as sustainable green development of ports.

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2024

Admin

Malaysia: 12th PorTech Asia Summit to bring together leaders in port industry

The 12th PorTech Asia Summit is now just one month away, with doors opening at Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 9 to 10 of January.

The summit is organised and hosted by Shine Consultant and co-organised by ASEAN Ports Association (APA).

Themed Smart, Green, Multi-win, the summit will gather leaders and experts in the field of port technology around the world to discuss and promote the innovation and development of the port industry in the digital era.

Some speakers who were invited to share their unique insights and valuable experiences in their respective fields include:

Dato' Monaliza Binti Suhaimi, General Manager, Johor Port Authority
YBhg. Dato' Dr. Vijayaindiaran A/LR.Viswalingam, General Manager, Penang Port Commission
Uematsu Hisataka, President, Port of Yokohama, Japan
Vineet Mahajan, Vice President & Head of Sustainability, DP World APAC
Liu Chang Man, Vice President, Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd
Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman, Mumbai Port Authority and Deendayal Port Authority
Mazlim Bin Husin, Chief Commercial Officer, Kuantan Port
Mohd Khairul Azizat Johari, Head of Facility Management, Johor Port Berhad, Malaysia
Budi Cahyono, Vice President Director, PT Jakarta International Container Terminal
Eun-kyoung Park, General Manager, Overseas Business Department, Busan Port Authority
Ivan Fantin, Vice President, Chief Lean Officer, APM Terminals, Maersk
Desmond Ong, Chief Digital Officer, Jurong Port, Singapore

Agenda

Day 1: 9 January

Session 1: Challenges and Opportunities for Asian Port Industry

Session 2: Blending Old and New: Port Construction and Upgrade Projects

Day 2: 10 January

Session 3 Forum: Efficiency Improvement and Business Innovation Driven by Digital Intelligence

Session 4 Forum: Green & Safety - Building Sustainable Development Capacity of Ports

Shine Consultant is inviting representatives from government and port authorities, industry associations, port terminal owners, digital solution providers, port machinery and equipment suppliers, research institutions, professional service organizations, and other relevant institutions to attend the summit.

Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with industry leaders and jointly explore the future trends and innovative pathways of the port industry.

Interested parties may contact:

Jenny Wu
Tel: (86 21) 6095 7179
E-mail: [email protected]
Company: Shine Consultant International Ltd.

Or scan QR code to register. Interested parties may also register here.

qr code portech

Photo credit: Shine Consultant
Published: 13 December, 2024

LNG Bunkering

Wärtsilä wins LNG systems order for Vitol bunkering newbuild vessel

Firm will supply cargo Handling and Fuel Gas Supply systems for a new 12,500 m3 LNG bunkering vessel currently being built at Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering shipyard in China.

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2024

Admin

Wärtsilä wins LNG systems order for Vitol bunkering newbuild vessel

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of technology group Wärtsilä, on Friday (13 December) said it has won a contract to supply Cargo Handling and Fuel Gas Supply systems for a new 12,500 m3 LNG bunkering vessel.

The vessel is being built at the Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering shipyard in China, for global energy company Vitol.

“Wärtsilä’s ability to engineer, design and deliver a complete system, including the Boil-Off Gas (BOG) management, integrated fuel supply, custody transfer and bunkering transfer systems, was central to the contract award,” Wärtsilä said, adding the order was booked by the company in Q4, 2024.

Richie Zhu, Sales Manager, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, China, said: “LNG is today an important marine fuel and is rapidly becoming the preferred choice for owners and operators seeking more sustainable fuel options. The market for LNG bunkering vessels is increasing in line with this trend, and we have established a leading position in supplying modern and reliable systems that optimise overall cargo handling efficiency for such vessels.”

Manifold Times previously reported Vitol securing three LNG Bunkering Vessels (LNGBV) through its shipping company, Vitol International Shipping Pte Ltd (VIS).

The vessels were secured via a seven to ten year time charter agreement with Avenir LNG Limited (Avenir) and an order for two vessels at the CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co. Ltd shipyard in Nantong, China.

The time charter agreement with Avenir is for one newbuild 20,000 m3 LNGBV. The time charter will commence at delivery from the shipyard in China in Q4 2026 and will serve a period of seven years with options to extend up to ten years in total.

Vitol also ordered one 12,500 m3 and one 20,000 m3 LNGBV at the CIMC SOE shipyard in China. The vessels will be delivered in Q4 2026 and Q3 2027 respectively.

Photo credit: Wärtsilä
Published: 13 December, 2024