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ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

Port operations and bunkering suspended in Gibraltar; HSFO supply tight in the ARA and Las Palmas; availability good in Ceuta.
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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:

2 August 2023

  • Port operations and bunkering suspended in Gibraltar
  • HSFO supply tight in the ARA and Las Palmas
  • Availability good in Ceuta

 

Northwest Europe

Overall bunker demand in Rotterdam and in the wider ARA hub has been slow so far this week, a trader says.

Prompt HSFO supply remains tight in the ARA. Several suppliers have limited product availability and recommend lead times of at least 5-7 days. VLSFO and LSMGO availability is said to be normal in the bunker hub. A lead time of 5-7 days is recommended for VLSFO, and 2-4 days for LSMGO.

The ARA’s independently fuel oil stocks averaged 2% higher on the month in July, according to Insights Global data. On the other hand, the region’s gasoil inventories – which include diesel and heating oil – averaged 10% lower in July.

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 port of Hamburg, with lead times of five days advised.

 

Mediterranean

Port operations, including bunkering, remains suspended in Gibraltar after an oil spill incident was reported in the bay on Tuesday. According to Gibraltar Port Authority, the oil spill incident was reported at 8.22 local time (6.22 GMT) on Tuesday in the southern part of the Western anchorage, when a vessel taking bunkers saw its tanks overflow.

The amount of oil that seeped into the water is still unquantified, it said. The port authority has initiated a contingency plan to clean up the oil spill. Bunkering was completely halted at the port’s Western anchorage on Wednesday, port agent MH Bland told ENGINE. It is unclear when the port authority will allow bunkering to resume at the anchorage, it added.

The oil spill is said to be minor and is likely to be cleared soon, another source told ENGINE. However, if Gibraltar’s closure is extended further, or leads to heavy congestion, then ships seeking bunkers there may be diverted to alternative locations such as Algeciras and Ceuta, a trader says.

The suspension has triggered congestion in Gibraltar, with 12 vessels awaiting bunkers on Wednesday, up from nine on Tuesday, MH Bland said. Meanwhile, bunkering continues to run smoothly in the nearby ports of Algeciras and Ceuta. VLSFO and LSMGO availability is said to be good in both ports.

In Ceuta, VLSFO and LSMGO availability is said to be good, with one supplier able to deliver stems for very prompt dates (0-2 days), a source says. A cargo with about 36,000 mt of VLSFO was discharged in the port on Tuesday, and the entire volume went to the same supplier, according to a social media post from the Port of Ceuta.

VLSFO availability is also good in Las Palmas, where at least two suppliers are able to supply the grade for prompt delivery dates (0-2 days). HSFO availability is relatively tighter there. One supplier is running low on HSFO stocks and has no plans to replenish them soon, a source says.

Other bunker delivery areas in the Mediterranean, such as Lisbon, Sines, off Malta and Piraeus have good availability of VLSFO and LSMGO. Suppliers in most of these locations are able to deliver both grades on prompt delivery dates.

 

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. LSMGO is almost out of stock in Richards Bay, the source adds.

Bunkering was on standby in Algoa Bay on Wednesday morning due to a bunker barge not being ready, according to Rennies Ships Agency.

VLSFO supply has improved in Mozambique’s Nacala this week, a source says. HSFO availability remains tight there, with delivery dates stretching to mid-August. Meanwhile, LSMGO availability is good there.

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

By Nithin Chandran

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 3 August, 2023

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Milestone

China: Xiamen port records 16.37% jump in bunker sales volume in 1H2025

Total of 416 international ships, an increase of 6.12% on year, received marine fuel in bunkering operations during the same period.
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July 11, 2025

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Xiamen port bunkering

The Port of Xiamen recorded bonded bunkering volume of 274,500 metric tonnes (mt) in the first half (1H) of 2025, representing a jump of 16.37% on year, reported Xiamen Daily on Thursday (10 July).

A total 416 international ships, an increase of 6.12% on year, received marine fuel in bunkering operations during the same period.

The report noted Xiamen Port to be increasing bunker players while optimising its bonded marine fuel supply chain system in recent years.

Before February 2025, there were only two bonded bunker fuel suppliers with national licenses operating at Xiamen Port.

The port welcomed Xiamen Kunlun Fuel Oil [厦门昆仑燃料油] as a new marine fuel supplier on 1 February; the company was awarded the first Xiamen local license by both Xiamen Customs and the local government.

Followingly, Xiamen Kunlun Fuel Oil performed its first bonded bunkering operation at Xiamen port on 26 February.

Xiamen Port earlier launched a pilot programme called “two warehouse functions superposition” which combines the functions of both bonded oil storage warehouse and export supervision warehouse into one unit.

Using just a single oil storage tank allows bunker fuel suppliers at Xiamen to save on renting tanks, reduce time spent on tank unloading, improve utilisation rates, and shorten bunker delivery times.

Related: PetroChina subsidiary wins first bonded bunkering licence in Xiamen

 

Photo credit: Xiamen Port Authority, China
Published: 11 July 2025

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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.
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3 days ago

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July 11, 2025

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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

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Financial Result

Glander International Bunkering reports EBT of USD 22 million for FY2025

‘This fiscal year, we focused on staying close to our clients, while adapting to a fast-changing market,’ says CEO Carsten Ladekjær.

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July 11, 2025

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Glander Result 2024 2025 MT

Global bunker trading and energy solutions provider Glander International Bunkering on Thursday (10 July) posted financial results for the year ended on April 30, 2025 – reflecting stable performance amid ongoing changes in global maritime and regulations.

The company reports a turnover of USD 3 billion and earnings before tax (EBT) of USD 22 million, including a non-recurring item.

“These results demonstrate consistent performance compared to the previous fiscal year, as the company continues to focus on conventional fuels, new fuels, risk management and extensive global reach,” CFO David Varghese comments.

Navigating change in maritime

Throughout the 2024-25 fiscal year, the bunker industry faced critical challenges including the escalation of the US-China trade conflict, ongoing Red Sea and Suez Canal security risks, and the first full-year impact of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) for maritime shipping.

Compliance with IMO CII measures and the uptake of new fuel products also influenced bunker demand patterns and pricing strategies.

“This fiscal year, we focused on staying close to our clients, while adapting to a fast-changing market,” says CEO Carsten Ladekjær. “In a time of uncertainty and transformation, we focused on staying agile, supporting customers with conventional fuels, and laying the groundwork for new fuel solutions.”

New fuels and other key achievements

Glander International Bunkering made significant progress in 2024-25: completing bioLNG deliveries, expanding biofuel supply, and launching a compliance calculator to help customers navigate FuelEU Maritime. Compared to the previous fiscal year, the company achieved a 71% increase in biofuel volume and 85% increase in LNG volume, along with the sale of nearly 100,000 EUAs.

Other achievements throughout the year include the renewal of its ISCC certifications, membership in the Smart Freight Centre, and Great Place to Work certification for the 7th consecutive year.

Looking ahead, Ladekjær says, “We will do what we have always done since 1961– adapt to new changes and be there for our clients.” He added that Glander International Bunkering is prepared for the next phase of change in global shipping, as decarbonisation, regulatory expansion and geopolitical developments continue to shape the bunker fuel market.

 

Photo credit: Glander International Bunkering
Published: 11 July 2025

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