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ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

HSFO supply improves in Hamburg; availability normal in Gibraltar; LSMGO tight in South African ports.
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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:

  • HSFO supply improves in Hamburg
  • Availability normal in Gibraltar
  • LSMGO tight in South African ports

 

Northwest Europe

HSFO availability is said to be normal in Rotterdam and in the wider ARA hub, two sources say. Lead times of 5-6 days are recommended for the grade, unchanged from last week. HSFO has become more widely available with some suppliers, compared to last month when availability was limited, a trader says.

However, some still think HSFO supply will remain tight for the rest of the year.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in the ARA hub. Lead times of 4-6 days are recommended for VLSFO, and up to four days for LSMGO. Some traders say that prompt availability of LSMGO is tight in the ARA hub. A few suppliers that are offering the grade for very prompt delivery dates (0-2 days) are quoting with steep price premiums, a trader says.

Overall, demand for LSMGO has been slow in recent weeks, the trader adds.

Rotterdam’s LSMGO price swung to a discount of $35/mt to front-month ICE Gasoil futures on Wednesday, after trading at a rare premium of about $7/mt over the ICE Gasoil contract last week.

Meanwhile, ICE Gasoil is in steep backwardation, with $14/mt between the front- and second-month contracts. Its second-to-third month spread more than twice as wide at $31/mt on Wednesday. A backwardated forward structure is usually a sign of fewer incentives to store products.

In the German port of Hamburg, VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal. Lead times of about five days are recommended for the grades. HSFO supply has improved a bit in the port, a source says.

 

Mediterranean

All grades remain in normal availability across Gibraltar Strait ports. Lead times of 3-5 days are recommended for VLSFO and LSMGO in Gibraltar, and 4-6 days for HSFO. Several suppliers in Gibraltar and Ceuta are able to supply VLSFO and LSMGO on prompt delivery dates, 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 good in the Portuguese ports of Lisbon and Sines.

Securing VLSFO and LSMGO for very prompt dates off Malta can be slightly difficult. One supplier is unable to supply the grade for very prompt dates due to a tight schedule, while another can supply from 10 September. But rough weather conditions are forecast between Wednesday and Friday, which could disrupt bunker operations off Malta.

Other bunker delivery areas in the Mediterranean such as Piraeus and Istanbul have good availability of VLSFO and LSMGO, a source says.

 

Africa

LSMGO availability is “super tight” across the South African ports of Durban, Cape Town and Richards Bay, a source says. The grade is in tight supply in the region, partly because one major supplier is running low on stocks there. VLSFO availability is relatively better and lead times of up to seven days are still recommended for the grade.

Bunkering resumed in Algoa Bay on Wednesday after being suspended for a day due to rough weather conditions, according to Rennies Ships Agency. However, strong wind gusts and heavy swells are forecast to hit the bay over the weekend, which could trigger another suspension.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is good in Mozambique’s Nacala and Maputo ports, a source says. HSFO is almost out of stock in Nacala. One supplier expects to receive a replenishment cargo after 15 September, which could ease some supply pressure there.

 By Nithin Chandran

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 7 September, 2023

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Singapore: Sea Oil Petroleum receives ISCC EU certification, mulls increasing product portfolio

‘Sea Oil seeks to do its part for climate change by giving options to support to our end users,’ says Steve Goh, Head of Trading.

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July 10, 2025

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Sea Oil logo

Singapore-based bunker trading firm Sea Oil Petroleum Pte Ltd (Sea Oil), a wholly owned subsidiary of Thailand-listed Sea Oil Public Company Limited, has received International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) EU certification, learned Manifold Times.

ISCC EU is a certification scheme that verifies compliance with the sustainability criteria for biofuels and bioliquids within the European Union. It ensures that biomass and biofuels used in the EU meet specific environmental and social requirements, including greenhouse gas emission reductions and traceability throughout the supply chain.

The milestone, which took place on 22 May after two months of processing, was reflective of the company’s aim to expand its bunker fuel product offerings to clients seeking sustainable solutions, Steve Goh, Head of Trading at Sea Oil, told the bunkering publication.

“It is important for the bunkering sector to remain relevant, adapt, and play an active role in supporting shipping’s decarbonisation journey,” said Mr Goh while adding that, “this is in line with our group’s green initiative and sustainability drive.”

“As such, Sea Oil seeks to do its part for climate change by giving options to support to our end users.

“By achieving ISCC EU certification, Sea Oil will be in a better position to provide green marine fuel solutions to customers embarking on this journey towards net zero.”

Manifold Times in May reported Sea Oil welcoming a Senior Bunker Trader to its team.

The company started 2025 with an expanded team on both international and local fronts.

Sea Oil Petroleum may be reached at: [email protected]

Related: Singapore: Sea Oil Petroleum boosts Asia and international presence with new Senior Bunker Trader
Related: Singapore: Sea Oil Petroleum enters 2025 with international representatives, expanded team

 

Photo credit: Sea Oil Petroleum
Published: 10 July 2025

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Anemoi unveils state-of-the-art rotor sail production facility in China

Site boasts an annual production capacity of 250 Rotor Sails, and the option to expand further and store units for fast turnaround.
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Anemoi Rotor Sail production facility MT

Wind propulsion solutions provider Anemoi Marine Technologies on Tuesday (8 July) officially opened its new Rotor Sail production facility in China.

Strategically located on the banks of the Yangtze River, Anemoi’s facility is located in Jingjiang City, Jiangsu Province, within Daming Heavy Industry’s manufacturing base.

The facility provides direct access to port infrastructure, enabling seamless logistics for import, export, and delivery.

With barge transport available on-site, Rotor Sails can be transported efficiently and installed directly at nearby major shipyards, streamlining operations and minimising environmental impact.

“This is more than just a new site,” said Clare Urmston, CEO of Anemoi.

“It’s a fully integrated, end-to-end production hub where every stage, from steel fabrication and precision assembly to rigorous testing and quality assurance, is handled under one roof.

“That means faster turnaround, uncompromised quality, and complete oversight by our expert team, on site, from start to finish. Anemoi’s strategy is quality first and this site enables exactly that.”

With an annual production capacity of 250 Rotor Sails, and the option to expand further and store units for fast turnaround, the new site positions Anemoi to meet surging global demand and support its customers in achieving critical decarbonisation goals.

 

Photo credit: Anemoi Marine Technologies
Published: 10 July 2025

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Global Energy Storage Group sells Rotterdam terminal to Tepsa, exits Dutch market

Chooses to sharpen its focus on growth in Asia, particularly its flagship terminal in Port Klang, Malaysia.
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July 10, 2025

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Global Energy Storage Group (GES) on Wednesday (9 July) announced the completion of the sale of its terminal located in the Port of Rotterdam., marking its exit from the Dutch market.

The facility, which includes 212,000 m³ of tank storage and approximately 18 hectares of development land in the Europoort area, was sold to Tepsa, a European bulk liquid and gas storage operator.

The transaction represents a key milestone for GES as it continues to focus its resources on expanding its presence in the fast-growing Asian market, with particular emphasis on its strategic terminal at Port Klang, Malaysia.

It also ensures that the Rotterdam terminal is passed into the hands of a high-quality follow-on owner well positioned to take the asset forward. The transaction also delivers a strong return for GES’s shareholders.

“Part of the investment cycle is realising value from assets at the right time, and we’re confident this was the right moment for GES,” commented Peter Vucins, CEO of GES.

“We are now fully focused on growing our business in Asia, with Port Klang at the centre of that strategy. We extend our sincere thanks to the Rotterdam team and our customers for their support and for maintaining a safe, reliable, and forward-looking operation throughout our ownership.”

With the sale of the Rotterdam terminal, GES no longer holds assets in the Netherlands.

 

Photo credit: Global Energy Storage Group
Published: 10 July 2025

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