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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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LNG Bunkering

Malaysia: Port of Tanjung Pelepas achieves milestone with first SIMOPS LNG bunkering op

LNG bunker vessel “MT Paolina Cosulich” refuelled LNG dual-fuel container ship “Bangkok Express”, operated by Hapag-Lloyd AG at the port.

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Malaysia: Port of Tanjung Pelepas achieves milestone with first SIMOPS LNG bunkering op

Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) on Sunday (16 February) said it successfully conducted its first Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering.

This significant achievement involved the LNG dual-fuel container ship Bangkok Express, operated by Hapag-Lloyd AG, and the LNG bunker vessel MT Paolina Cosulich.

“This milestone underscores PTP's dedication to enhancing our competitive edge in the global market by facilitating clean and efficient maritime operations,” the port said in a social media post.

“We are proud to have partnered with PETCO Trading Labuan Co., Ltd. (PTLCL) and Hapag-Lloyd on this pioneering initiative.”

Manifold Times previously reported the port also achieving its first LNG bunkering operation last year. 

The port completed its first-ever ship-to-containership methanol bunkering operation in November last year. 

Manifold Times previously reported the port achieving its first LNG bunkering operation last year. 

Related: Malaysia: Port of Tanjung Pelepas achieves milestone with first methanol bunkering op
Related: Malaysia: Port of Tanjung Pelepas completes first LNG bunkering operation
Related: Malaysia: Tanjung Pelepas selected to join P41 initiative to achieve green bunkering hub ambition
Related: Port Of Tanjung Pelepas joins G2G decarbonisation scheme between Malaysia and Australia

 

Photo credit: Port of Tanjung Pelepas
Published: 18 February, 2025

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LNG Bunkering

Kunlun Energy wraps up first STS offshore LNG bunkering operation in Hong Kong

Kunlun Energy, a red-chip controlled by PetroChina, said its bunkering vessel refuelled container ship “Zim Haifa Blue Stone” with 2,200 metric tonnes of LNG bunker fuel in a seven-hour operation.

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Kunlun Energy wraps up first STS offshore LNG bunkering op in Hong Kong

Kunlun Energy, a red-chip controlled by PetroChina, on Monday (17 February) said it completed Hong Kong’s first ship-to-ship (STS) offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation on 14 February. 

Kunlun Energy's 8,300 m3 capacity LNG bunkering vessel refuelled the container ship Zim Haifa Blue Stone with 2,200 metric tonnes (mt) of LNG in a seven-hour operation. 

The bunkering vessel involved in the operation is operated by a Kunlun Energy subsidiary. 

According to a PetroChina official, the receiving vessel Zim Haifa Blue Stone departed from Busan, South Korea, on 3 February and passed through Qingdao, Shanghai, and Ningbo before arriving in Hong Kong on 12 February. 

Its final destination is Istanbul, Turkey. This refuelling operation can meet the ship's fuel needs for the entire journey. 

“The successful implementation of this "ship-to-ship" offshore LNG bunkering operation is another example of Kunlun Energy's efforts to help improve the international shipping hub of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area,” Kunlun Energy said. 

“It is expected to attract more green-fuel vessels to pass through Hong Kong, encourage more environmentally friendly companies to conduct business in Hong Kong, accelerate transformation and technological innovation in the shipping industry, and promote the construction of Hong Kong as a green and smart port.”

“This operation holds significant importance for Hong Kong's push toward a green and sustainable shipping industry.”

 

Photo credit: Kunlun Energy
Published: 18 February, 2025

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Biofuel

Wallenius Wilhelmsen successfully completes its first biofuel bunkering trial in Japan

“M/V Tamesis” bunkered 400 metric tonnes of B24 VLSFO blended biofuel, supplied by Mitsubishi Corporation Energy at Port of Yokohama.

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Wallenius Wilhelmsen successfully completes its first biofuel bunkering trial in Japan

Wallenius Wilhelmsen on Monday (17 February) said it has successfully completed its first biofuel bunkering trial at the Port of Yokohama in Japan.

M/V Tamesis bunkered 400 metric tonnes (mt) of B24 VLSFO blended biofuel, supplied by Mitsubishi Corporation Energy. 

This milestone is part of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainability in shipping.

“As part of our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we have expanded our locations for biofuel supply. Since 2023, the expansion has included key ports in Belgium, Korea and Singapore,” the company said.

“Expanding to Japan enhances our ability to operate more efficiently and sustainably across our global network.”

Wallenius Wilhelmsen has set ambitious emission reduction targets to reach net-zero by 2040. This includes a 40% absolute reduction of well-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to our 2022 baseline, as approved by the Science Based Targets initiative.

Yasuyuki Sakurai, Senior Manager, the Orcelle Accelerator taskforce at Wallenius Wilhelmsen, said: “Achieving these targets require a major shift in energy sources from conventional fuels to low and zero-carbon alternatives. Expanding supply locations and securing sufficient biofuels remain a priority, and we are pleased to have conducted our first B24 VLSFO blended biofuel bunkering trial in Yokohama.”

“While our Reduced Carbon Service customers fully support our mass-balance concept, ensuring sufficient biofuel usage across our entire fleet and trade lanes is key to achieving our long-term sustainability goals.”

Mitsuo Ueda, General Manager of Mitsubishi Corporation Energy, said: “In anticipation of growing demand for biofuel in the marine sector, we have begun storing biofuel at our oil terminal in Onahama (Fukushima Prefecture) and supplying B24 in Tokyo Bay using our barges.:

“We deeply admire Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s leadership in the decarbonisation of the shipping industry and remain committed to playing our part in creating a more sustainable future. We will continue striving to meet industry needs through a stable supply of biofuels and contribute to the realisation of a carbon-neutral society.”

This milestone was achieved through close collaboration between Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s Energy Sourcing team and the Orcelle Accelerator taskforce, which has worked for the past two years to establish biofuel bunkering capabilities in Japan.

 

Photo credit: Wallenius Wilhelmsen
Published: 18 February, 2025

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