Connect with us

Business

ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

ARA’s gasoil stocks drawn by 10% in June; VLSFO and HSFO tight in Las Palmas; VLSFO and LSMGO availability normal in Gibraltar Strait.

Admin

Published

on

post 55350

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:

5 July 2023

  • ARA’s gasoil stocks drawn by 10% in June
  • VLSFO and HSFO tight in Las Palmas
  • VLSFO and LSMGO availability normal in Gibraltar Strait

 

Northwest Europe

HSFO supply remains tight for prompt delivery dates in Rotterdam and in the wider ARA hub, a trader says. Recommended lead times for HSFO and VLSFO are unchanged at 5-7 days. LSMGO, meanwhile, is readily available for very prompt dates (0-2 days). At least three suppliers can supply prompt LSMGO in Rotterdam.

The ARA’s independent gasoil stocks averaged 10% lower in June than across May, and were at their lowest level since January, according to Insights Global data. The gasoil inventories have come down sharply from recent peak levels of 18.59 million bbls seen in February, to 16.41 million bbls in the latest week.

The region’s fuel oil stocks averaged 5% lower in June than in May.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability remains normal for delivery off Skaw, while HSFO is relatively tighter, a source says. Recommended lead times for all grades remain unchanged at 7-10 days.

Bunker fuel availability is normal in the German ports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven, with lead times of five days.

 

Mediterranean

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO remains normal in Gibraltar, a source says. Recommended lead times for both grades are about 3-5 days in the port. LSMGO availability is good in Ceuta, with a supplier able to deliver stems with five days of lead time. In Algeciras, VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal for prompt delivery dates.

Minimum 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.

VLSFO and HSFO availability is tight in Las Palmas. One supplier can offer VLSFO for delivery dates in mid-July, while others are hesitant to confirm delivery dates, sources say. Tight availability has pushed prices for the grade higher in recent days. Las Palmas, which typically prices VLSFO at parity with or lower than Gibraltar, now prices the grade $16/mt higher.

One supplier in Las Palmas expects an HSFO replenishment cargo to arrive by next week.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in the Portuguese ports of Lisbon and Sines, a source says.

HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO availability has improved in the Greek port of Piraeus.

 

Africa

VLSFO and LSMGO availability remains steady 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 were suspended in Algoa Bay on Wednesday due to rough weather conditions, according to Rennies Ships Agency. Four vessels were waiting to bunker at anchorage, and another three vessels were scheduled to arrive for bunkers between Thursday and Friday, Rennies says.

Nithin Chandran

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 6 July, 2023

Continue Reading

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.

Admin

Published

on

By

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

Continue Reading

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.

Admin

Published

on

By

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

Continue Reading

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.

Admin

Published

on

By

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

Continue Reading
Advertisement
  • Zhoushan Bunker
  • Sea Trader & Sea Splendor
  • v4Helmsman Gif Banner 01
  • Consort advertisement v2
  • Aderco advert 400x330 1
  • SBF2
  • EMF banner 400x330 slogan
  • RE 05 Lighthouse GIF

OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS

  • E MARINE LOGO
  • SEAOIL 3+5 GIF
  • Triton Bunkering advertisement v2
  • Singfar advertisement final
  • HL 2022 adv v1


  • Auramarine 01
  • Synergy Asia Bunkering logo MT
  • Mokara Final
  • Cathay Marine Fuel Oil Trading logo
  • Innospec logo v6
  • CNC Logo Rev Manifold Times
  • Central Star logo
  • Kenoil
  • PSP Marine logo
  • Golden Island logo square
  • LabTechnic
  • 400x330 v2 copy
  • VPS 2021 advertisement
  • Advert Shipping Manifold resized1
  • Headway Manifold

Trending