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ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Rotterdam’s HSFO price surges to 11-month highs; availability normal in most Mediterranean ports;
tight supply in Nacala.

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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:

26 July 2023

  • Rotterdam’s HSFO price surges to 11-month highs
  • Availability normal in most Mediterranean ports
  • Tight supply in Nacala

 

Northwest Europe

Prompt HSFO supply remains tight in Rotterdam and in the wider ARA hub. Tight supply has contributed to push Rotterdam’s HSFO prices above $500/mt for the first time since last September. Loading delays at the oil terminals have added more pressure on bunker availability of the grade, a source says.

The spike in Rotterdam’s HSFO price has contributed to narrow the port’s Hi5 to just $60/mt. Lead times for HSFO stretch to almost one week out. Several suppliers in Rotterdam are still hesitant to offer large stems due to limited product availability, a trader says.

VLSFO availability has improved in Rotterdam. Recommended lead times for the grade have dropped from 5-7 days last week to 4-5 days now. LSMGO is also readily available in Rotterdam and in the wider ARA hub, with unchanged lead times of 2-3 days.

The ARA’s independent gasoil inventories – which include diesel and heating oil – have averaged 11% lower so far this month than across June.   

VLSFO and LSMGO availability remains normal for delivery off Skaw, a source says. HSFO is relatively tighter there as fewer suppliers offer the grade. Recommended lead times for all grades remain unchanged at 7-10 days, however. Barge availability is said to be normal.

Bunker fuel availability is normal in the German port of Hamburg, with lead times of five days advised.

 

Mediterranean

HSFO availability has improved in Gibraltar, with lead times decreasing from last week’s seven days, to five days now. VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal across Gibraltar, Algeciras and Ceuta. Recommended lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO remain unchanged at 3-5 days.

Product availability is said to be normal across Gibraltar Strait ports, and prompt supply is possible, a source says. 

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

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is said to be normal in the Portuguese ports of Lisbon and Sines. “We have plenty of product”, a supplier said. However, going forward supply may tighten due to upcoming refinery maintenances. According to Wood Mackenzie data, the Galp refinery in Sines is expected to undergo periodic maintenances between October and November, which could impact crude distillation capacity and possibly limit bunker resupply to Portuguese ports.

Bunker fuel availability also remains good for prompt supply off Malta, while four days of lead times are recommended for HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries 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 still recommended, a source says.

Bunkering is progressing normally in Algoa Bay, according to Rennies Ships Agency. But strong wind and high swells are forecast to hit the bay in periods between Saturday and Sunday, which could delay operations or trigger suspension there.

VLSFO and HSFO availability is tight in Mozambique’s Nacala port, a source says. HSFO is even tighter there, with delivery dates stretching to mid-August. Meanwhile, LSMGO remains readily available for prompt dates.

In Maputo, VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal for prompt dates.

By Nithin Chandran

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 27 July, 2023

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Alternative Fuels

TMD Energy and Double Corporate to negotiate on bioenergy sustainable fuel solutions deal

TMD Energy and bioenergy firm Double Corporate entered into a MoA to explore a strategic collaboration in the business of bioenergy sustainable fuel solutions for Malaysia and global markets.

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Malaysia- and Singapore-based marine fuel bunkering services provider TMD Energy Limited (TMDEL) on Wednesday (18 June) announced the company has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with bioenergy firm Double Corporate Sdn Bhd to explore a strategic collaboration in the business of bioenergy sustainable fuel solutions for Malaysia and global markets. 

The company said this collaboration marks a new milestone towards TMDEL’s strategy to expand into sustainable and alternative fuel energy sectors. The MOA initiates exclusive negotiations to formalise partnerships in bioenergy sustainable fuel solutions and operational integration.

On 21 April, TMDEL, a 65.08%-owned subsidiary of Straits Energy Resources, was listed on the New York Stock Exchange American (NYSE American).

TMDEL and its subsidiaries (TMDEL Group) are principally involved in marine fuel bunkering services specializing in the supply and marketing of marine gas oil and marine fuel oil of which include high sulphur fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil and very low sulphur fuel oil, to ships and vessels at sea. 

TMDEL Group is also involved in the provision of ship management services for in-house and external vessels, as well as vessel chartering services.

Double Corporate is a ISCC-EU certified Malaysian-based bioenergy company specialising in waste-based bioenergy and it involves converting waste into high-yield sustainable fuels and lubricants using proprietary, ISCC-EU-approved technology. 

Double Corporate has a decade-long expertise in producing high-yield, low-emission biofuels suitable for applications in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and sustainable marine fuel (SMF) markets, particularly in Europe and Asia.

Dato’ Sri Kam Choy Ho, Chairman and CEO of the company, said: “This partnership aligns with our vision to expand regionally and globally to advance long term sustainable, green business and fuel innovation. Double Corporate’s circular-economy focus complements our commitment to environmentally responsible energy solutions.”

The MOA establishes the parties’ intention to enter into mutual discussions to collaborate and participate in the business in Malaysia and globally with a one-year exclusivity period for negotiations, extendable by mutual consent. Both parties will prioritise finalising definitive agreements within the exclusivity window.

 

Photo credit: TMD Energy
Published: 19 June, 2025

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Alternative Fuels

Singapore-based Proteus Energy introduces hydrogen fuel cell system for maritime sector

Company has partnered with hydrogen fuel cell company Symbio France to develop the Proteus Maritime Fuel Cell Solution, a modular hydrogen fuel-based system for ports and vessels.

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Singapore-headquartered clean energy provider Proteus Energy on Wednesday (18 June) has developed the Proteus® Maritime Fuel Cell Solution, a modular hydrogen fuel-based system for ports and vessels. 

The first offering is the Proteus®75. Each fuel cell stack is 75 kW output, and these can be combined for larger power requirements. The vessel types being targeted are harbour craft, and vessels in the coastal, offshore support, and in-land waterway segments.

The technology has been developed in partnership with Symbio France, a world leading hydrogen fuel cell company with over 30 years track record. Symbio is jointly owned by global industrial groups Michelin, Stellantis, and Forvia.

“The maritime industry needs viable clean energy solutions today,” said Dr Lars Gruenitz, CEO of Proteus Energy. “We are providing a high energy density solution that is compact and lightweight, which is critical for vessels where space and weight considerations are imperative. This best-in-class system is the logical and most cost-effective choice to help operators make a quantum leap in their decarbonisation efforts”.

The Proteus® Maritime Fuel Cell Solution can be delivered as a modular powerpack or customised and fitted into vessels.

Proteus’ fuel cell technology also complements electric propulsion and offers a powerful solution for hybrid vessels by extending their range and easing the load on batteries, thus improving space efficiency and vessel performance.

The Proteus® Maritime Fuel Cell Solution will be backed by a two-year performance guarantee from Symbio France.

Symbio’s systems have already logged millions of kilometers powering cars, buses and commercial trucks across Europe. Now, that same rigorous, road-tested performance is being deployed at sea with added protections for marine operating conditions.

The fuel cell stacks are produced at Symbio’s gigafactory in Lyon, France, using robotic assembly systems capable of producing thousands of units annually.

This high-throughput capability ensures that Proteus can meet rising demand without sacrificing quality – something only established and proven hydrogen fuel cell manufacturers can claim.

What also sets Proteus apart is its ability to bring economies of scale, continuous R&D, and tried and tested reliability from land transport into the marine environment. 

To provide a convenient fuel storage option, Proteus also offers high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks developed with its partner Forvia, a major global components and technology company. The DNV type-approved tanks, which are already available for delivery, offer a safe and easy way to store hydrogen onboard vessels and will be produced on an industrial scale.

In addition, Proteus works with port operators to provide them with customised refueling solutions and infrastructure.

The Proteus® Maritime Fuel Cell Solution is expected to be available for delivery beginning January 2026, with type approval from DNV anticipated before the end of this year. Proteus is ready to work with customers now.

 

Photo credit: Proteus Energy
Published: 19 June, 2025

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Sanctions

UK slaps sanctions on bunker company and Russian shadow fleet of oil tankers

Government has imposed sanctions on 20 oil tankers and Rosneft’s bunker fuel trading subsidiary Rosneft Marine (UK) Limited, in its latest action targeting Russia’s financial, military and energy sectors.

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The UK government on Tuesday (17 June) has imposed sanctions on 20 oil tankers and Rosneft’s bunker fuel trading subsidiary Rosneft Marine (UK) Limited, in its latest action targeting Russia’s financial, military and energy sectors.

The new sanctions crack down further on Russia’s shadow fleet, targeting 20 of oil tankers. The UK is also tightening the net around those who enable Putin’s illicit oil trade, sanctioning Orion Star Group LLC and Valegro LLC-FZ, for their role in crewing and managing shadow fleet vessels. 
The action also targets Russia’s military capabilities, hitting the military agency leading the development of Russia’s underwater intelligence gathering operations (GUGI), protecting the UK from attacks on subsea infrastructure, restricting Putin’s war machine and increasing our security at home. 

“These sanctions strike right at the heart of Putin’s war machine, choking off his ability to continue his barbaric war in Ukraine,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.

“We know that our sanctions are hitting hard, so while Putin shows total disregard for peace, we will not hesitate to keep tightening the screws.

“The threat posed by Russia cannot be underestimated, so I’m determined to take every step necessary to protect our national security and keep our country safe and secure.”

According to Rosneft’s website, Rosneft Marine UK, a Rosneft trading division, was established in 2010 to carry out bunker fuel trading for international cargo shipping.

In 2010, an office was opened in London, then in Beijing in 2012.

 

Photo credit: balesstudio on Unsplash
Published: 19 June, 2025

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