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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.

Published

2 months ago

August 3, 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:

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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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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“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