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:
7 June, 2023
- Prompt LSMGO supply tight in ARA
- VLSFO “super tight” in Ceuta
- Barge availability improves off Skaw
Northwest Europe
Overall demand has been slow in ARA ports so far this week. Securing LSMGO for very prompt dates (0-2 days) can be difficult, with lead times of at least five days recommended to ensure full coverage from suppliers.
Some argue that LSMGO supply is normal with prompt supply dates available. Recommended lead times for VLSFO and HSFO are about 4-7 days.
The ARA’s independent gasoil inventories - which include diesel and heating oil – averaged 2% higher in May than across April. Gasoil inventories averaged 17.95 million bbls in May, a massive 54% increase from stock levels a year ago.
The stock build has largely been supported by higher gasoil and diesel imports from Middle Eastern and Asian countries. Saudi Arabia and India have been the ARA’s biggest gasoil and diesel import sources since the EU ban on Russian imports began on 5 February, according to cargo tracker Vortexa data.
Barge availability has improved off Skaw after being tight last week. Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is said to be normal for delivery off Skaw, a source says. HSFO supply is comparatively tighter there. Recommended lead times for all grades range between 7-10 days.
Bunker fuel availability is normal in the German ports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven, with recommended lead times of five days.
Mediterranean
All grades remain in normal availability in Gibraltar and Algeciras. Lead times of at least five days are generally recommended. Some can supply with a shorter lead time, but these deliveries depend on suppliers' schedules.
VLSFO supply is “super tight” in Ceuta, where a supplier is running low on stock and can only supply on delivery dates after 15 June, a source says. This has added pressure on another supplier's stocks. LSMGO supply is comparatively better in Ceuta.
Minimal congestion was reported in Gibraltar, Algeciras and Ceuta on Wednesday, according to port agent MH Bland. Two suppliers in Gibraltar and three in Algeciras were behind schedule.
Availability is normal in Portuguese ports of Lisbon and Sines, a supplier says. Lead times of up to seven days are recommended for VLSFO and LSMGO supply.
Bunker fuel supply across all grades is said to be normal in Malta. Some suppliers can offer deliveries for prompt dates off Malta, but these deliveries are subject to firm enquiries, a source says.
Strike action on Tuesday had little to no impact on bunker operations in the French ports of Le Havre and Donges, a trader says. LSMGO and VLSFO availability is said to be normal in both ports.
Meanwhile, workers in the northern French port of Nantes are set to continue striking until Thursday, according to GAC Hot Port News. These strikes are being carried out in shifts, thereby limiting the impact on port operations.
VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in the Greek port of Piraeus.
Africa
VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in the South African ports of Durban and Cape Town, and at the Algoa Bay anchorage by Port Elizabeth, where lead times of up to seven days are recommended, a source says.
Bunkering was progressing normally in Algoa Bay on Wednesday, according to Rennies Ships Agency. But strong winds and high swells are forecast to hit the bay on Friday, which could delay bunker operations.
HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO availability is good in Mozambique’s Nacala port. Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal for prompt delivery in Maputo.
By Nithin Chandran
Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 8 June, 2023