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GSF: Emergency bunker surcharges ‘unwelcomed’

‘Container ship operators need to “fess-up” by taking responsibility and greater control of their costs.’

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The Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF) says it unwelcomes the introduction of “emergency” bunker surcharges in response to rising fuel costs.

Chris Welsh, Secretary General of the Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF) believes the container industry is still using “conference-style pricing methods” to impose surcharges on its customers.  

In most cases, the emergency surcharges are imposed on top of existing bunker surcharges, he notes.

“Container ship operators need to ‘fess-up’ by taking responsibility and greater control of their costs,” he says, “rather than announcing vaguely explained short-notice unrecoverable surcharge costs on customers.

“It is incumbent on container carriers to provide their customers with full transparency regarding bunker surcharge costs, and to explain why an emergency surcharge is warranted on top of existing bunker surcharge mechanisms. 

“Shippers will also want to know what steps have been taken to mitigate the impacts of rising fuel prices, including the impacts of fuel hedging arrangements which are designed to manage the risks associated with the single largest cost component of operating container ships.

“The imposition of emergency surcharges has no place in a modern liner shipping market where costs and prices should be mutually agreed between customers and suppliers, preferably in mutually agreed service contracts,” he continues. “Such arrangements enable the parties to build long term business partnerships, as well as providing clarity on the terms and conditions for the services provided and for appropriate remuneration.

“The use of emergency surcharges is a none too subtle attempt to impose non-negotiable charges on customers.  The liner industry needs to employ more appropriate pricing arrangements, in conjunction with its customers, if it is serious about developing partnership approaches and improving individual customer-supplier relationships.”

Published: 5 June, 2018
 

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Technology

Singapore: MPA working with industry on next phase of digital bunkering, says Deputy CE

‘We are now working with industry on the next phase, trialling capabilities to further strengthen the integrity and quality of bunker data shared between stakeholders and MPA,’ says David Foo.

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Secure systems, trusted data and reliable digital services are becoming as important to maritime operations as physical infrastructure, said Mr David Foo, Deputy Chief Executive (Operations & Technology), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), on Thursday (10 September). 

In his opening keynote speech at APPEC 2026 Shipping And Bunker Conference, Foo said OCEANS-X, Digital Bunkering and the Maritime Digital Twin are enabling trusted data sharing, better operational planning and the testing of new digital solutions.

Foo said since 2025, digital bunkering has strengthened the efficiency and transparency of bunker operations. 

“We are now working with industry on the next phase, trialling capabilities to further strengthen the integrity and quality of bunker data shared between stakeholders and MPA.” he said.

He also said MPA is taking a forward-looking approach to the energy transition.

“Over the coming decades, we are likely to see the most diverse marine fuel mix in shipping’s history. There may not be a single fuel of the future.”

“Our role as a global bunkering hub is therefore not to determine which fuel will prevail. Our role is to ensure that whichever fuels the industry adopts, Singapore is ready – with the infrastructure, standards and operational capabilities to support them.”

Foo said MPA is making concrete progress across the major alternative fuel pathways with the issuance of methanol bunkering licences and the commencement of methanol bunkering operations. 

“For ammonia, we are developing the regulatory and operational frameworks needed to support future commercial deployment. We are also facilitating greater use of sustainable biofuels,” he said.

At the same time, MPA continues to expand its LNG bunkering ecosystem, with additional licences issued this year. 

“This will broaden supply options as more LNG-fuelled vessels enter the global fleet. We have also just updated our LNG standards, while maintaining the high standards of safety and reliability that underpin Singapore’s reputation as a trusted bunkering hub,” Foo added.

Related: MPA Chief Executive: Port of Singapore begins digital bunkering initiative today
Related: Singapore: Golden Island, GET, and PetroChina to receive methanol bunkering licences
Related: Singapore: Equatorial Marine Fuel among eight selected for new LNG bunkering licences
Related: Singapore strengthens LNG bunkering framework with new SS 727 standard

 

Photo credit: Swapnil Bapat on Unsplash
Published: 10 September, 2026

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Financial Result

Singapore-based Uni-Fuels H1 2026 net income jumps 1,415% to USD 1.4 million

Company delivered record first-half financial results, achieving its highest first-half revenue, gross profit, income from operations, net income and EBITDA since its inception.

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Uni-Fuels Holdings Limited (Uni-Fuels), a global provider of marine fuel solutions headquartered in Singapore, on Wednesday (9 September) announced its unaudited interim financial results for the first half of 2026, ending on 30 June.

The company delivered record first-half financial results, achieving its highest first-half revenue, gross profit, income from operations, net income and EBITDA since its inception.

The company’s net income increased 1,415% to USD 1.4 million for the first half of 2026, compared to USD 0.1 million in the corresponding period of 2025.

Revenue increased 72% year-over-year to USD 197.1 million, from USD 114.6 million in the corresponding period of 2025 while gross profit also increased 158% year-over-year to USD 5.3 million, from USD 2.1 million in the corresponding period of 2025.

Gross profit margin expanded to 2.7% in the first half of 2026, from 1.8% in the corresponding period of 2025, representing a 50% improvement. 

For its 2026 outlook, the company is raising its full-year 2026 revenue guidance to a range of USD 340 million to USD 360 million, from its previous guidance range of USD 320 million to USD 340 million, reflecting stronger-than-expected first-half performance and continued commercial momentum.

Koh Kuan Hua, Chief Executive Officer of Uni-Fuels, said: “Our first-half 2026 results demonstrate the strength of our commercial execution and the agility of our business model.” 

“As geopolitical developments and market volatility continued to influence global oil markets, we remained focused on delivering reliable supply solutions and value-added services to our customers. 

“Our ability to respond quickly to changing market dynamics while maintaining disciplined execution contributed to significant improvements in revenue, profitability and operating performance. 

“We believe this momentum positions us well for the remainder of the year, as reflected in our increased full-year 2026 revenue guidance of USD 340 million to USD 360 million.”

 

Photo credit: Uni-Fuels
Published: 10 September, 2026

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Incident

Peninsula confirms one fatality, crew member missing from bunker tanker “Hercules Star”

Firm says one member of the crew is missing following an incident whilst at anchorage off Dubai and a specialist team is working to locate them.

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bunker tanker Hercules Star

Marine fuels supplier Peninsula on Wednesday (9 September) confirmed that its bunker tanker Hercules Star was involved in an incident whilst at anchorage off Dubai.

“It is with deep sadness and regret that we confirm one fatality. Peninsula is in contact with their family and providing all the necessary support at this time,” the company said in a statement.

“In addition, one member of the crew is missing and a specialist team is working to locate them. All other crew members are accounted for.”

The company added it is working with all relevant parties to monitor developments.

“This is an ongoing incident and updates will be issued in due course when we have more details,” Peninsula added. 

According to a Reuters report citing preliminary assessments by maritime security sources, the vessel may have been struck by a drone.

The report also said the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a report of a vessel listing while at anchor about 24 nautical miles off the UAE’s Port Rashid, with the condition “possibly indicating water ingress following an attack from an unknown projectile”.

 

Photo credit: Peninsula
Published: 10 September, 2026

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