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ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (7 Feb 2024)

Fuel oils tight prompt in the ARA; demand drops in Gibraltar; VLSFO and LSMGO very tight in Durban.

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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:

  • Fuel oils tight prompt in the ARA
  • Demand drops in Gibraltar
  • VLSFO and LSMGO very tight in Durban

Northwest Europe

LSMGO availability is good for prompt delivery dates of 2-4 days in the ARA, according to a trader. Longer lead times of 5-7 days are recommended for HSFO and VLSFO grades.

The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks averaged 14% bigger in January than across December, according to Insights Global data.

The region imported 222,000 b/d of fuel oil in January, which was just 2,000 b/d up from December, according to cargo tracker Vortexa. The ARA imported low sulphur fuel oil (LSFO) and HSFO in a 54/46 ratio in December, while in January this ratio tilted more towards HSFO and changed to 48/52.

The UK emerged as the ARA hub’s largest fuel oil source, accounting for 19% of the ARA’s total imports in January, followed by the US (13%) and Poland (12%).

The ARA’s independent gasoil inventories – which include diesel and heating oil – increased by 4% in January. The ARA imported 399,000 b/d of gasoil in January, up from 373,000 b/d imported in December.

In the German port of Hamburg, availability across all grades is currently good. Lead times are recommended at 3-5 days, according to a trader. 

Off Skaw, LSMGO and VLSFO grades are available with lead times of 5-7 days, a trader told ENGINE. HSFO remains tight and is only available for non-prompt deliveries. Lead times of 7-10 days are recommended for the high sulphur grade. 

Mediterranean

Demand has dipped in Gibraltar, according to a trader. Lead times for HSFO are advised at 6-8 days, and at 5-6 days for VLSFO. In contrast, LSMGO is available for prompt delivery and lead times of 2-4 days are recommended. 

Strong wind gusts of up to 25 knots are forecast to hit the Gibraltar Strait on Thursday, which could impact bunkering in the ports there. The strait is also set to experience rough weather on Friday, when wind gusts are forecast to reach 45 knots. 

In Las Palmas, HSFO supply tightness continues from last week. Prompt VLSFO and LSMGO supply is also tight there amid strong demand, a trader says. The port has been witnessing high demand over the past month due to vessel diversions from the Red Sea.

Strong winds of 25 knots have caused bunker disruptions off Malta. Bad weather is also forecast for the rest of the week with wind gusts between 24-25 knots forecast on Thursday and Friday, which can disrupt bunkering and cause a backlog.

In the Greek port of Piraeus, availability currently is good across all bunker grades, a trader said. Increased wind speeds on Saturday may impact operations. 

Availability across all grades is also good in Turkey’s Istanbul, according to a trader. Currently, bunkering is proceeding smoothly at the port amid calm weather conditions. Weather disruptions are likely in the area and may impact bunkering, a trader says. 

Africa

In the South African ports of Durban and Richards Bay, VLSFO availability is very tight, according to a trader. Lead times have varied widely in recent weeks, with some now recommending lead times of more than 10 days.

LSMGO supply is limited in these two South African ports, prompting some ships to turn to Mauritius’ Port Louis for bunkers, where availability is normal, a trader says.

Strong wind gusts of 25 knots are forecast in Durban on Wednesday, and gusts of 29 knots on Saturday.

Demand is good in Mozambique’s Nacala and Maputo ports. While Nacala has good availability across all grades, Maputo is witnessing tight availability for prompt delivery dates for VLSFO, but good availability of LSMGO.

Namibia’s Walvis Bay has seen strong demand since vessel diversions were announced in December. This has been reflected in fuel sample data from testing labs that ENGINE has access to.

By Manjula Nair

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 8 February, 2024

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Newbuilding

Tsuneishi delivers world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulker to NYK

“Green Future” was delivered at Tsuneishi factory on 13 May and will be chartered by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers, an NYK Group company, from Kambara Kisen.

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Tsuneishi delivers world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulker to NYK

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding on Wednesday (14 May) said it has delivered the world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulk carrier, Green Future

The 65,700 dwt vessel was delivered at its factory on 13 May and will be chartered by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers, an NYK Group company, from Kambara Kisen.

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding said the vessel maintains the high cargo capacity and fuel efficiency characteristic of the TESS66 Aeroline design series, while enabling more sustainable operations through the use of methanol as a fuel.

The methanol fuel tank has been positioned to maximise safety and facilitate smooth cargo handling while maintaining loading efficiency. It is also equipped with a fuel-efficient main engine and Tsuneishi’s proprietary Aeroline technology to reduce wind resistance, delivering superior fuel performance.

Mr Okumura Sachio, Representative Director, President & Executive Officer of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, said: “This delivery marks just the beginning. We will continue constructing methanol dual-fuelled vessels at our overseas facilities and remain steadfast in our pursuit of technological innovation to contribute to a more sustainable maritime industry and global environment.”

NYK said the vessel is the first bulk carrier in the NYK Group to be equipped with a dual-fuel engine that uses methanol and fuel oil.

Vessel Particulars

LOA: 199.99 m
Breadth: 32.25 m
Depth: 19.15 m
Deadweight: approx. 65,700 metric tonnes
Capacity: approx. 81,500 m3
Draft: 13.8 m

 

Photo credit: Tsuneishi Shipbuilding
Published: 15 May, 2025

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Events

Green Shiptech China Congress to explore alternative bunker fuels and ship technologies

LNG, methanol and ammonia as well as fuel cell integration will be among key issues discussed at the annual conference which will be held on 25 to 26 September in Shanghai.

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1000×600 GSCC2025 Logo

Ridge China on Wednesday (14 May) announced it will be hosting the 14th Green Shiptech China Congress (GSCC), an annual conference which will be held on 25 to 26 September in Shanghai. 

More than 4,400 experts and decision makers from governments, classification societies, shipowners, shipyards, research institutes, technology/equipment suppliers and consulting companies attended the previous GSCC from 2012 to 2024. 

For 2025, over 400 industry experts, corporate decision makers and government officials will be engaged in comprehensive discussions on current issues of IMO, EU, USCG, China MSA’s policies and regulations, designs and standards for new ship models, innovative and sustainable green ship technologies at this annual conference.

Alternative bunker fuels such as LNG, methanol and ammonia as well as fuel cell integration will be part of the important issues discussed at the event. 

Speakers will be from

  • IMO
  • European Commission
  • U.S. Coast Guard
  • China MSA
  • Financial Institutions
  • Maritime Research Institutes
  • Solution & Technology Providers
  • Shipowners
  • Shipyards
  • Classification Societies

Key topics

  • Policies and Regulations Update and Interpretate by IMO, European Commission, U.S. Coast Guard and China MSA
  • Retrofitting Vessels to Achieve Decarbonization Goals
  • Energy Efficiency Continues to Be Key for Decarbonization
  • Decarbonization Through Digitalization
  • Digital Technologies As a Key Enabler for Emissions Reduction
  • Impact of a Hull Coating Upgrade on Hull Efficiency
  • LNG As Marine Fuel: Pivoting Towards Cleaner Shipping
  • Methanol As a Marine Fuel
  • Ammonia’s Credentials As a Green Fuel
  • Wind Propulsion Technology
  • Fuel Cell Integration: Upcoming Challenges and Opportunity
  • Propelling Carbon-neutral Shipping with Green Engines and Alternative Fuels
  • Next-generation Electric and Hybrid Marine Propulsion Technologies and Components
  • Latest Developments in Energy Storage Systems

Interested parties may contact:

Mr. Quin Xu
Tel: +86 21 6607 8610 -8003
Mob: +86 13564222811
Email: [email protected] 

Note: The English and Chinese version of the event website can be found here and here respectively while the event registration can be found here

 

Photo credit: Ridge China
Published: 15 May, 2025

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Bunker Fuel

TFG Marine to launch bunker fuel supply operations in Jamaica on 1 June

Firm will commence marine fuel supply operations at Port of Kingston and on north coast of Jamaica, with Scott Petroleum, a local supplier with insight into Caribbean bunker market.

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TFG Marine to launch bunker fuel supply operations in Jamaica from 1 June

Global marine fuel supply and procurement firm TFG Marine on Wednesday (14 May) said it will launch its bunkering service in Jamaica with its local partner, Scott Petroleum. 

The marine fuel supply operations will commence at the Port of Kingston as well as on the north coast of Jamaica, from 1 June.

 “The operation is being launched in partnership with Scott Petroleum, a trusted local supplier with over two decades of experience and unmatched insight into the Caribbean bunker market,” it said in a social media post. 

Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) and Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO) fuels will be sourced locally from the Petrojam Limited-operated Kingston refinery and will be supplied via the bunker barge operated by Scott Petroleum.

“By combining Scott Petroleum’s local insight with TFG Marine’s global expertise and commitment to innovation, this new venture aims to set a new benchmark for marine fuel supply in the region, delivering reliable, efficient and transparent bunkering services to vessels calling at this key Caribbean port,” the company said. 

Kenneth Dam, Head of Bunkering at TFG Marine, said: “We’re very happy to be setting up in Jamaica,” It’s a strategic location with strong demand and teaming up with Scott Petroleum means that we can hit the ground running with an existing reliable, well-run operation.

“We’re looking forward to bringing TFG Marine’s global expertise and fuel supply innovation to the Caribbean, and to raising the standard of service for marine fuel customers across the region.”

 Gary Scott, CEO at Scott Petroleum, said: “We are excited about our partnership with TFG Marine. The new venture will form a strong force to expand the bunker service being offered in Jamaica and will be able to capture other opportunities that exist in the region”

 Note: For inquiries regarding TFG Marine’s new vessel supply services in the region in collaboration with Scott Petroleum, contact [email protected] or [email protected]

 

Photo credit: TFG Marine
Published: 15 May, 2025

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