Connect with us

Bunker Fuel

ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (6 Dec 2023)

Bunker fuel availability normal in the ARA; prompt bunker supply tight in Malta and Piraeus; LSMGO tight in Durban and Richards Bay.
Admin

Published

2 years ago

on

RESIZED ENGINE Europe and Africa

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:

  • Bunker fuel availability normal in the ARA
  • Prompt bunker supply tight in Malta and Piraeus
  • LSMGO tight in Durban and Richards Bay

Northwest Europe

VLSFO availability is said to be normal in the ARA bunkering hub. Lead times of 5-7 days are generally recommended for VLSFO deliveries there to ensure full coverage from suppliers, a source says. However, some suppliers can offer deliveries with shorter lead times.

HSFO and LSMGO availability is also normal in the ARA, the source adds. Recommended lead times for HSFO are 5-7 days, while LSMGO requires a shorter lead time of 3-5 days. 

The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks averaged 15% higher in November than across October, according to Insights Global data.

The ARA’s fuel oil stocks in November increased to their highest monthly level since August. The region imported 210,000 b/d of fuel oil in November, down from 243,000 b/d imported in October, according to cargo tracker Vortexa.

The UK became the biggest fuel oil import source for the ARA hub, accounting for 20% of the region’s total fuel oil imports in November, followed by Turkey (17%) and Lithuania (8%). Other import sources were Sweden and Poland, both accounting for 6%. 

Meanwhile, the ARA hub’s independent gasoil inventories — which include gasoil and heating oil — fell by 4% in November despite a rise in gasoil imports.

HSFO supply remains tight for delivery off Skaw. Lead times of 7-10 days are recommended for delivery there, a trader says. Meanwhile, availability of VLSFO and LSMGO grades is relatively better, requiring shorter lead times of 5-7 days.

Bunker fuel availability is said to be good in the German port of Hamburg. A trader recommends lead times of 3-5 days for optimal coverage from suppliers there.  

Mediterranean

Availability of all bunker fuel grades is said to be normal in Gibraltar.  LSMGO and VLSFO grades are available for prompt delivery dates, with recommended lead times of 3-5 days for both grades, a source says. For HSFO, shorter lead times of 2-4 days are recommended.  

Adverse weather conditions have prevailed in Gibraltar intermittently over the last week. Strong wind gusts of 20 knots are forecast to hit the port on Wednesday evening. Rough weather conditions are forecast on Friday as well, which could hamper smooth bunker deliveries there.

Bunkering remains limited off Malta due to adverse weather conditions. Bunker operations remained limited to less weather-prone bunkering area four out of the total six bunkering areas on Wednesday, according to the port agent MH Bland. Moreover, availability of all bunker fuel grades is said to be tight there and weather disruptions can cause more delays, a trader says.

Meanwhile, bunker fuel availability is normal across all grades in Istanbul, a source says.

Bunker fuel supply is also normal in the Greek port of Piraeus. But securing prompt deliveries can be slightly difficult there, a trader says.

Bunkering is progressing normally in the Portuguese ports of Lisbon and Sines, where supply of VLSFO and LSMGO grades is normal.

Africa

In South Africa’s Durban and Richards Bay, VLSFO availability is said to be normal. Lead times of 5-7 days are recommended for both grades, a source says.

LSMGO availability, however, remains tight in both ports. The grade’s deliveries are subject to enquiries there, the source adds.

Offshore bunkering in Algoa Bay has been suspended for three months now. Offshore deliveries there came to a halt in September after the South African Revenue Service (SARS) detained bunker barges over import duty disputes.

Negotiations between offshore bunker suppliers and authorities are underway. A decision is likely to be announced by mid-January, a port agent told ENGINE. However, bunker supply is available in the adjacent Port Elizabeth, where only one supplier is offering deliveries.

Meanwhile, availability of HSFO and LSMGO grades is good in Mozambique’s Nacala port, a source says. VLSFO supply is said to be tight there.

Prompt VLSFO supply has been tight in Maputo since last week, while LSMGO is more readily available there.

By Manjula Nair

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 7 December, 2023

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Newbuilding

China: Steel cutting ceremony for methanol bunkering tanker “Lucia Cosulich” held

A steel cutting ceremony was held for the 7,999 DWT IMO Type 2 chemical bunker tanker at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard, China.
Admin

Published

3 days ago

on

July 11, 2025

By

Lucia Cosulich

Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy on Wednesday (9 July) announced the steel cutting ceremony of Lucia Cosulich, a 7,999 DWT IMO Type 2 chemical bunker tanker – the second vessel in a series of four – at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard, China.

“This milestone marks another bold step in our Marine Energy business unit’s commitment to clean fuel readiness and operational excellence,” said the company.

The vessel will be fully methanol-ready, capable of carrying, burning, and bunkering methanol safely and efficiently, with full regulatory compliance standards.

It will feature an integrated Nitrogen Generator System, ensuring safe and inert tank operations at all times. Equipped with advanced safety systems specifically engineered for low-flashpoint fuel handling, the vessel sets a new benchmark in future fuel readiness.

A complete methanol bunkering setup will come as standard, including the Quick Connect/Disconnect Couplings (QCDC), dedicated transfer lines and comprehensive monitoring and control systems to ensure efficient and secure fuel handling.

“Built on state-of-the-art architecture, she is designed not only to meet but to exceed the evolving demands of tomorrow’s energy supply chain,” noted the firm.

“Lucia Cosulich embodies our vision to lead the transition within the maritime fuel landscape.”

 

Photo credit: Fratelli Cosulich
Published: 11 July 2025

Continue Reading

Biofuel

GREENMARINE and Vertoro to accelerate adoption of lignin-alcohol as marine fuel

Like fossil oil, liquid lignin can be used as a platform for fuel, chemical and material applications.
Admin

Published

3 days ago

on

July 11, 2025

By

Chuttersnap 1 1 MT

Methanol marine fuels consultancy GREENMARINE and Vertoro, a Maersk-backed Dutch start-up focused on developing liquid lignin technology which can be used as a bunker fuel, has signed an agreement to jointly accelerate the market validation and commercial roll-out of lignin-alcohol as sustainable marine fuels.

“We at GREENMARINE Group are excited to join forces with Vertoro to bring their revolutionary lignin alcohol blend fuel to market,” said Fredrik Stubner, founder and CEO of GREENMARINE Group.

“This breakthrough technology redefines sustainable maritime fuels, delivering environmental benefits and cost efficiencies, paving the way for a greener, more competitive shipping industry.”

Dr. Michael Boot Boot, co-founder & co-CEO Vertoro, replied, “GREENMARINE Group has an excellent track record as a match maker for green fuel producers with engine manufacturers and shipping companies, opening many doors for us on both the fuel validation and offtake side.”

Vertoro, founded in 2017, produces liquid lignin exclusively from sustainably sourced forestry and agricultural residues by means of a patented thermochemical process. Like fossil oil, liquid lignin can be used as a platform for fuel, chemical and material applications.

Related: Maersk invests in Dutch start-up Vertoro to develop green lignin marine fuels

 

Photo credit: CHUTTERSNAP from Unsplash
Published: 11 July 2025

Continue Reading

Business

UK: Greenergy proposes to end biodiesel production at its Immingham plant

Despite significant cost reductions to improve the plant’s viability, the Immingham plant has continued to be negatively impacted by market factors.
Admin

Published

3 days ago

on

July 11, 2025

By

Greenergy logo MT

Europe’s largest manufacturer of waste-based biodiesel Greenergy on Thrusday (10 July) confirmed it will begin consultation on a proposal to cease production at its biodiesel plant in Immingham, Lincolnshire.

Despite significant cost reductions to improve the plant’s viability, the Immingham plant has continued to be negatively impacted by market factors, including slower increases in the UKs biofuels blending mandates compared to European countries and competition from subsidised US-origin products.

Greenergy’s announcement follows the strategic review of its biodiesel operations at Immingham, announced in late May 2025. Consultation with affected employees will begin as soon as possible. Greenergy is committed to supporting staff through this period.

“It has been an incredibly difficult decision to enter consultation on the proposed closure of our Immingham site, and a decision we have not taken lightly,” said Greenergy CEO Adam Trager.

“However, in light of continuing market pressures, we unfortunately do not have enough certainty on the outlook for UK biofuels policy to make the substantial investments required to create a competitive operation at Immingham.

“We are seeking urgent talks with ministers about increasing the amount of biofuels used in the UKs petrol and diesel, a move which will help protect the biofuels sector, as well as cutting the UK’s emissions, particularly from HGVs.

“Today’s decision does not reflect the dedication and hard work of affected staff and I would like to thank our employees at Immingham for their tremendous efforts to date. Our priority is supporting our employees through this difficult period.”

Related: Bunker One takes over Greenergy’s Thames client base
Related: Propeller Fuels to sell Greenergy bunker fuels in UK
Related: UK-based Greenergy time-charters two bunkering vessels for marine fuel deliveries
Related: Greenergy adds 0.5%S bunkers to UK marine fuel supply operations
Related: Greenergy extends its marine fuel supply network to include Tyne, UK
Related: UK: Greenergy commences supply of MGO from Thurrock port
Related: UK: Greenergy expands oil business into the marine fuels sector

 

Photo credit: Greenergy
Published: 11 July 2025

Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS



Trending