Business

ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Prompt LSMGO supply tight in ARA; VLSFO “super tight” in Ceuta; barge availability improves off Skaw.

Published

4 months ago

June 8, 2023

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

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