Business

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.

Published

2 months ago

July 27, 2023

Admin

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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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

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Melvin Lum appointed as KPI OceanConnect Global Accounts Commercial Director in Singapore

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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

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TotalEnergies Marine Fuels renews ISCC EU certification for bio bunker fuel

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TotalEnergies Marine Fuels renews ISCC EU certification for bio bunker fuel

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“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