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ENGINE: Europe and Africa Fuel Availability Outlook (3 June 2026)

Prompt availability tight at Gibraltar Strait ports; rough seas complicate bunkering in Las Palmas; prompt supplies 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:

  • Prompt availability tight at Gibraltar Strait ports
  • Rough seas complicate bunkering in Las Palmas
  • Prompt supplies tight in Durban

Northwest Europe

VLSFO and HSFO availability remains tight in the ARA bunkering hub, with buyers recommended longer lead times of around 10 days to get competitive offers from a wide selection of suppliers, a trader told ENGINE.

LSMGO is available more readily and needs a shorter notice of around 5-6 days, the trader added.

The disruption in Hormuz has tightened availability of blending components in the ARA, which has affected the ability to produce on-spec fuels consistently, Peninsula said last week. This has complicated prompt availability of bunker fuel in the area.

Separately, the ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks averaged 17% lower in May than in April, according to Insights Global data.

Fuel oil stocks have fallen to levels not seen in more than a decade. The fuel oil stock average in May was 44% less than in February, which was the month before the war started in the Middle East.

The ARA hub has imported 279,000 b/d of fuel oil in May, rising from April’s 207,000 b/d, according to data from cargo tracker Vortexa. 

Most of May’s supplies has arrived from Caribbean Netherlands (16%), Benin (12%) and Nigeria (11%).

The region’s independent gasoil inventories – which include diesel and heating oil – have averaged 6% lower this month than in April. Gasoil inventories have fallen to their lowest in nearly two and a half years.

The ARA hub imported 204,000 b/d of gasoil in May, up significantly from 143,000 b/d in April, Vortexa data showed.

Around 48% of May’s shipments has come from the U.S., while Saudi Arabia (13%) and the U.K. (8%) were some of the other major contributors.

In Germany’s Hamburg, buyers are requested to book stems with around five days of notice, a trader told ENGINE.

Fuel availability is stable off Denmark’s Skaw and in Sweden’s Gothenburg, but buyers are recommended to book around 10 days in advance to arrange deliveries of any fuel grade, according to a trader.

Mediterranean

Prompt availability of all fuel grades remains tight at the Gibraltar Strait ports, with buyers recommended lead times between 7-10 days, a trader told ENGINE.

Most suppliers in Gibraltar are delayed by around 12-24 hours on deliveries, port agent MH Bland said.

In the Canary Islands’ bunkering hub of Las Palmas, bunker fuel availability is tight for prompt delivery dates, and buyers are recommended lead times of around 7-10 days to get deliveries of any fuel grade, a trader told ENGINE.

High swells of around 2 metres are forecast in the area at least until 10 June. In such rough sea conditions, bunker operations are closed in the southern and northern outer anchorage areas, port agent MH Bland said.

Deliveries are being carried out in the inner anchorage and at the berth, with wait times of around 2-3 days, the port agent added.

In Portugal’s Lisbon, fuel availability remains normal, a source told ENGINE.

In Greece’s Piraeus, VLSFO availability is limited, a supplier told ENGINE. LSMGO and ULSFO have more demand in the port.

Fuel availability is stable in Türkiye’s Istanbul, and buyers are able to secure deliveries easily within 1-3 days, a local supplier told ENGINE.

Africa

VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries in Togo’s Lome and off Namibia’s Walvis Bay require around 10 days of lead time, a trader said.

High swells of around 2 metres may complicate deliveries off Walvis Bay.

In Nigeria’s Lagos, availability is stable and a supplier said delivery of VLSFO within 5-7 days is possible.

A supplier in Angola’s Luanda said they are awaiting VLSFO replenishments, but LSMGO deliveries can be done in around 3-4 days.  

In South Africa’s Durban and off Algoa Bay, prompt fuel availability is tight, with buyers requested to book around 5-7 days ahead, a trader said

In the Mozambican ports of Nacala and Maputo, buyers are recommended around 7-10 days of lead time for VLSFO supplies, a trader said.

In Senegal’s Dakar, VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries require around 5 days of lead times, a source told ENGINE.

In Mauritius’ Port Louis, fuel demand is strong and availability is tight. Buyers are recommended longer lead times of around two weeks for all fuel grades, according to a trader.

By Nachiket Tekawade

 

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Mass Flowmeter

Hong Kong backs MFM adoption with voluntary scheme to boost bunkering competitiveness

Hong Kong’s Marine Department launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems on their bunker vessels.
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RESIZED EH dual mfm setup

Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) on Wednesday (3 June) launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems (MFM systems) on their bunker vessels.

MD said the scheme aims to enhance Hong Kong’s bunkering service quality and the competitiveness of Hong Kong ports, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre and a major bunkering port.

Under the Scheme, bunker operators of traditional maritime fuel and biodiesel that install and use MFM systems on their bunker vessels, with the MFM systems inspected and certified by an accredited body in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 22192 Standard or equivalent requirements, can apply to the MD for inclusion in the scheme’s “List of Quality Bunker Vessels”, provided they meet the relevant technical and operational requirements. 

Details of the bunker vessels successfully included in the List will be published on a dedicated page on the MD’s website for reference by shipping companies and relevant stakeholders.

Participation in the Scheme is voluntary. In addition to receiving recognition from the MD, participating bunker operators will benefit from enhanced corporate image and competitiveness through the adoption of MFM systems, thereby boosting customers’ confidence and helping to create new business opportunities.

 A spokesman for the MD, said: “As an international maritime centre supported by our country, Hong Kong has a strategic location adjacent to major international fairways. Coupled with years of development in marine fuel bunkering, Hong Kong possesses rich experience and talent in the field. For many years, Hong Kong has consistently ranked as the seventh-largest bunkering port globally, the second-largest in our country, and the largest in the Greater Bay Area, providing reliable and competitive fuel bunkering services to ocean-going vessels from around the world. 

“As the international shipping industry has an increasing demand for accuracy and transparency in bunkering services, service quality and measurement precision in bunkering operations have become important indicators of a bunkering port’s competitiveness. The Scheme will enhance bunkering accuracy and transparency, further enhancing the quality of Hong Kong’s bunkering services.

The spokesman added that comprehensive port services are one of Hong Kong’s key advantages as an international maritime centre.

“We will also mandate the use of MFM systems on all methanol bunker vessels this year to ensure that Hong Kong continues to provide high-quality bunkering services in the era of green maritime fuels.” 

Note: The application form for the Scheme can be found on the MD’s website. Interested bunker operators can download the application form from the website or contact the MD’s Green Maritime Fuel Team via email ([email protected]) for details.

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Alternative Fuels

MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency.
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MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (3 June) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company to strengthen collaboration in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, innovation, and manpower development. 

The MoU was signed on 25 May 2026 by Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, and Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC.

The MoU underscores the shared commitment of MPA and MSC to foster a sustainable, digital, and future-ready maritime sector, while enhancing MSC’s operational and business activities in Singapore. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of MSC establishing its Asia Regional Office and local office in Singapore.

Under the MoU, MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency and operational performance.

MPA and MSC will also collaborate on maritime digitalisation initiatives to improve operational efficiency, including streamlining vessel arrivals and port operations. 

On manpower development, MSC will support internship and scholarship opportunities through Singapore Maritime Foundation’s Maritime Outreach Network (MaritimeONE) platform, an industry-led tripartite partnership comprising industry, government and institutes of higher learning that aims to raise awareness of the maritime industry and attract quality talent into the maritime sector.

Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “This partnership reflects the strong collaboration between MPA and MSC in driving sustainability and digitalisation in the maritime sector. By working together on decarbonisation, operational efficiency and talent development, we aim to strengthen Maritime Singapore’s position as a trusted and future-ready global maritime hub.”

Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC, said: “Singapore is a strategically important hub for MSC and a key gateway to the broader Asia region. As we mark 30 years in Singapore, this MOU reinforces our long-term commitment to strengthening our presence here. MSC and Singapore are closely aligned on the priorities shaping the future of global shipping, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to drive the continued growth and resilience of the maritime industry.”

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Methanol

Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

Following “Seaspan Yangtze”, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the methanol retrofit programme are “Seaspan Amazon”, “Seaspan Ganges”, “Seaspan Thames”, and “Seaspan Zambezi”.
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Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

Seaspan Corporation (Seaspan) and Hapag-Lloyd on Wednesday (3 June) announced the successful completion of the first of the five vessel conversions under their methanol retrofit programme with the delivery of Seaspan Yangtze.

From the early SAVER (Seaspan Action for Vessel Energy Reduction) programme to today’s CleanBlue initiative, Seaspan has committed over USD 230 USD million across 86 vessels, executing more than 550 efficiency and retrofit projects.

Following Seaspan Yangtze, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the programme are Seaspan Amazon, Seaspan Ganges, Seaspan Thames, and Seaspan Zambezi. Each retrofit is expected to reduce well-to-wake CO₂e emissions by approximately 30,000 to 50,000 metric tonnes per vessel annually when operating on low-carbon methanol, while also extending vessel lifespan and enhancing fuel flexibility.

“Decarbonisation is not just about building the fleet of tomorrow, it is also about unlocking the full potential of the fleet we have today. Retrofitting and upgrades on existing fleets play a practical, immediate, and economical role in accelerating shipping’s decarbonization journey,” said Bing Chen, Chairman, President and CEO of Seaspan. 

“Project SAVER CleanBlue highlights Seaspan’s strong customer partnerships, deep technical expertise, and unique platform integrated with JV partners, such as WattSpan Maritime Technology, in executing complex and large-scale retrofit projects.”

“The successful conversion of the Seaspan Yangtze together with the planned retrofit of its four sister vessels is another important step on our ambitious path towards net-zero fleet operations by 2045,” said Silke Lehmköster, Managing Director, Fleet, Hapag-Lloyd. 

“Together with Seaspan, we are demonstrating that retrofitting existing vessels for low-carbon methanol can be a practical way to reduce emissions in shipping.”

 

Photo credit: Seaspan
Published: 4 June, 2026

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