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ENGINE: Europe & Africa Fuel Availability Outlook

HSFO supply remains tight in Gibraltar Strait ports; ARA gasoil stocks gain weight while fuel oil is drawn; bunker fuel availability improves in Durban.

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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:

29 June 2022

  • HSFO supply remains tight in Gibraltar Strait ports
  • ARA gasoil stocks gain weight while fuel oil is drawn
  • Bunker fuel availability improves in Durban

 

Northwest Europe

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO are normal in ARA ports, while HSFO is tight for prompt deliveries, sources say.

Recommended lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO are 3-5 days in ARA, but some suppliers can offer LSMGO on prompt dates, sources say. HSFO requires a longer lead time of 5-7 days

Independently held gasoil stocks in the ARA increased last week and scaled to their bulkiest level so far in June, while fuel stocks declined slightly.

Gasoil stocks increased by 720,000 bbls to 11.33 million bbls in the week to 23 June, and fuel oil inventories decreased by 90,000 bbls to 7.93 million bbls, according to Insights Global data.

Fuel oil stocks in the ARA have gradually been increasing since a slump in April. The inventory buildup was supported by continuous flows from Russia.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability in Hamburg are normal, but HSFO supply is tight as suppliers have limited stock, sources say.

LSMGO availability is normal in Bremerhaven, but VLSFO and HSFO prompt deliveries are more difficult to find.

 

Mediterranean

HSFO supply is tight in the Gibraltar Strait ports, while VLSFO and LSMGO are more readily available for prompt deliveries, sources say.

Recommended lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO are 3-4 days in Gibraltar and Algeciras, while HSFO stems are mostly subject to enquiries, a source says.

Some suppliers in Gibraltar Strait can offer HSFO in limited quantities.

Congestion in Gibraltar has reportedly increased to seven vessels on Wednesday from just two in the past day, port agent MH Bland says. Two suppliers were running 2-4 hours behind schedule on Wednesday morning.

Strong wind and gusts are forecasted on Friday, which could possibly trigger suspension or delays in Gibraltar.

In Ceuta, all port operations are running normally and no congestion has been reported today, according to shipping agent Jose Salama & Cia. Eight vessels are due to arrive today.

LSMGO and VLSFO availability are normal in Ceuta, and some suppliers can offer deliveries for prompt dates, sources say.

In Malta, all bunkering areas have been open for supply this week amid conducive weather conditions, Seatrans Shipping agency says.

 

Africa

VLSFO and LSMGO availability have improved in Durban and some suppliers can offer prompt deliveries, sources say. VLSFO has been tight in past few weeks, but with the arrival of replenishment stocks, the pressure has eased a bit.

VLSFO price in Durban has decreased by $51/mt since the start of this week.

Availability of VLSFO is normal in Port of Elizabeth and suppliers can offer prompt deliveries, but LSMGO is tight for prompt dates, a source says.

No congestion has been reported in Port of Elizabeth on Friday, according to Rennies Ships Agency. However, bad weather is forecast on Friday that could trigger suspension or delays until Sunday.

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 30 June, 2022

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Biofuel

Ulsan Port aims to become leading bio bunker fuel supply hub in Northeast Asia

UPA’s Director Byeong-gu Kim unveiled comprehensive plans to promote marine biofuel adoption centered on Ulsan Port at 2nd Forum on the Commercialization of Biofuels for Maritime Vessels in Seoul.

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Ulsan Port aims to become leading bio bunker fuel supply hub in Northeast Asia

Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) on Thursday (24 April) said it is looking to position the port as a leading biofuel supply hub in Northeast Asia. 

UPA, Korea’s port operator for energy and petrochemical logistics, emphasised its strategic role in building a stable marine biofuel supply chain aligned with tightening global regulations.

UPA's Director Byeong-gu Kim unveiled comprehensive plans to promote marine biofuel adoption centered on Ulsan Port at a recent biofuel forum in Seoul, highlighting the port's strategic advantages including its world-class petrochemical infrastructure, extensive storage facilities, and specialised handling expertise.

The presentation showcased UPA's commitment to developing the necessary facilities and operational frameworks to become Northeast Asia's “premier biofuel bunkering destination”.

“As IMO environmental regulations intensify, Ulsan Port Authority is strategically positioned to lead the transition to alternative fuels,” stated UPA President Jae-young Byeon. 

“Marine biofuels represent a practical alternative that can be implemented immediately without requiring new vessel construction or retrofitting. UPA will continue to strengthen port-centered biofuel supply networks and create a competitive eco-friendly marine fuel market through our advanced infrastructure and technical expertise.”

Chief Executive of the Korea Maritime Cooperation Center (KMC), Hong Sun-bae, emphasised that “the strategic partnership between the shipping industry and the logistics sector has become more important than ever in this era of climate-friendly economic transition.”

The 2nd Forum on the Commercialisation of Biofuels for Maritime Vessels, hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and co-organized by UPA and KMC, drew around 300 key stakeholders from across the shipping, energy, terminal, shipbuilding, and finance sectors. 

The event underscored the increasing urgency of eco-friendly fuel adoption, following the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s approval of mid-term greenhouse gas reduction measures.

Expert sessions featured actionable insights and market intelligence from key players in the maritime and energy sectors: 

  •     Key outcomes from the 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC83) by Team Leader Dae-jung Hwang of KMC
  •     Biofuel utilisation and demonstration cases by Manager Dae-sik Seo of HMM
  •     Current usage status and challenges of B100 biofuel by Manager Min-guk Jang of G-Marine Service
  •     Market outlook for marine biofuels by Chief Surveyor Jae-hoon Lim of DNV
  •     Case studies of biofuel applications for marine engines by Team Leader Jae-yup Seo of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering
  •     Global marine biofuel market trends and bunkering developments by Senior Manager Yul-kyung Hong of Hyundai Fuels

 

Photo credit: Ulsan Port Authority
Published: 25 April, 2025

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Shipping Corridor

SFOC report proposes green methanol-fuelled Korea-Europe shipping corridor

Corridor will run between Pyeongtaek Port—the largest hub for automobile imports and exports in South Korea—and major European ports of Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Southampton.

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SFOC report proposes green methanol-fuelled Korea-Europe green shipping corridor

Korean non-government organisation Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC) on Wednesday (23 April) released a report proposing the establishment of a green methanol-fuelled South Korea-Europe shipping corridor. 

The proposed corridor will run between Pyeongtaek Port—the largest hub for automobile imports and exports in South Korea—and major European ports of Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Southampton, presenting strategic pathways for the decarbonization of the maritime sector.

South Korea has announced its “Greenship-K Program” to accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly vessels and set a national goal to achieve a 100% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping by 2050.

Focusing on a green methanol-fuelled Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) operation model, the report quantitatively assessed the potential for greenhouse gas reduction along key routes. Notably, the Bremerhaven–Pyeongtaek route alone is estimated to reduce more than 1.4 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, given its high cargo volume.

The report proposed the adoption of green methanol as the primary fuel for the corridor, with a long-term goal to transition toward e-methanol. This shift is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 70% compared to conventional fossil fuel use.

Beyond fuel switching, the report emphasised the importance of securing a stable green fuel supply chain, establishing supportive legal and institutional frameworks, and fostering close public-private cooperation among shipping companies, cargo owners, port operators, and fuel suppliers to make the corridor a viable reality.

“With these foundational elements in place, Pyeongtaek Port is well positioned to become the starting point of Korea’s transition toward a decarbonised maritime sector,” SFOC said. 

Note: The full report by SFOC can be viewed here and it is also available in Korean here.  

 

Photo credit: Solutions for Our Climate
Published: 25 April, 2025

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Biofuel

MASH Makes powers first vessel trial with bio bunker fuel from carbon-negative process

NORDEN and MASH Make completed the world’s first commercial vessel trial using B20 blend produced from a carbon-negative process; vessel operated on a roundtrip voyage from Singapore to Brazil.

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MASH Makes powers first vessel trial with bio bunker fuel from carbon-negative process

Global shipping company DS NORDEN and renewable energy company MASH Makes on Thursday (21 April) successfully completed the world’s first commercial vessel trial using biofuel produced from a carbon-negative process. 

The vessel operated on a roundtrip voyage from Singapore to Brazil, successfully using 65 tonnes of fuel blend with 20% MASH Makes biofuel in its auxiliary engine.

“This trial proves that MASH Makes’ biofuel is suitable for marine engines, and it marks an important milestone towards bringing the fuel into our operation,” said Henrik Røjel, Head of Decarbonisation and Climate Solutions, NORDEN.

The trial demonstrated that MASH Makes’ biofuel is technically a drop-in fuel, compatible with existing systems and capable of reducing reliance on fossil fuels in specific marine applications. 

The results point to a practical path for shipowners to cut emissions without waiting for new infrastructure.

If the new agreement by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to cap and price excess emissions globally is ratified in October 2025, MASH Makes offers a solution that enables shipowners to start significantly reducing their emissions well before the agreement takes effect in 2028.

“Our biofuel meets the technical requirements of the shipping industry and can be used in unmodified engines. It’s a seamless, scalable alternative ready to cut emissions today,” said MASH Makes CEO Jakob Bejbro Andersen.

Unlike emerging fuels like green hydrogen or ammonia, which require new infrastructure, MASH Makes biofuel integrates directly with existing systems.

NORDEN acquired a minority stake in MASH Makes in 2023 to strengthen its future supply of renewable fuels. Since the acquisition, the two companies have worked closely together to validate the biofuel for marine usage. 

 

Photo credit: DS NORDEN
Published: 25 April, 2025

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