Business

JLC China Bunker Market Monthly Report (March 2023)

China’s bonded bunker fuel sales rebounded in March, as more foreign ships refueled at Chinese ports where LSFO prices were competitive.

Published

1 year ago

May 17, 2023

Admin

Beijing-based commodity market information provider JLC Network Technology Co. recently shared its JLC China Bunker monthly report for March 2023 with Manifold Times through an exclusive arrangement:

Bunker Fuel Demand

China’s bonded bunker fuel sales rebound in March

China’s bonded bunker fuel sales rebounded in March, as more foreign ships refueled at Chinese ports where low-sulfur fuel oil (LSFO) prices were competitive.

The country tallied about 1.59 million mt of bonded bunker fuel sales in March, a rally of 130,000 mt or 8.18%from February, JLC’s data shows. Specifically, the sales by Chimbusco and SinoBunker climbed to 610,000mt and 70,000 mt, up from 550,000 mt and 60,000 mt in the previous month respectively, while those by Sinopec Zhoushan slipped to 530,000 mt, down from 550,000 mt. At the same time, China ChangJiangBunker (Sinopec) sold about 40,000 mt of bonded bunker fuel, unchanged month on month. In addition, suppliers with regional licenses sold 340,000 mt, versus 260,000 mt in February.

LSFO prices at Chinese ports, especially those in Zhoushan and Shanghai, dropped in the month, attracting more shipowners to refuel. However, the supply of bonded bunker resources was still relatively tight in South China, limiting the rise in China’s total sales.

China’s bonded bunker fuel exports plunge 23.64% in Jan-Feb

China’s bonded bunker fuel exports plunged by 23.64% year on year in January-February 2023, due to multiple downsides.

The country exported about 2.93 million mt of bonded bunker fuel in the two months, down from3.84 million mt in the corresponding months in 2022, JLC estimated, with reference to data from the General Administration of Customs of PRC (GACC).

Heavy bunker fuel exports were 2.79 million mt in the first two months of this year, accounting for 95.18%of the total.At the same time, marine oil gas (MGO) exports were 141,500 mt, making up 4.82%.

Enterprises with national and regional bunkering licenses exported about 2.41 million mt and 526,600 mt in the two months, occupying 82.05% and 17.95% respectively. Sinopec Fuel Oil and Chimbusco were still the main suppliers in this period.

In January alone, China’s bonded bunker fuel exports were roughly 1.32 million mt, a dramatic slump of 46.38% year on year. Global shipping demand was seasonally weak in January, and foreign shipowners were wary about purchases. Meanwhile, the supply of bonded resources tightened in northern regions, which also hit the exports. In addition, some bunkering business at Chinese ports was halted during the Chinese New Year holiday, and China’s customs clearing procedure for export was also affected by the holiday.

However, the exports rebounded in February when global shipping demand grew modestly. Meanwhile, the operation of China’s customs returned to normal after the holiday. China’s bonded bunker fuel exports stood at about 1.61 million mt in February, up by 22.08% from a month earlier and 17.04% from a year earlier.

On the flip side, China’s low-sulfur fuel oil (LSFO) output climbed in January-February as domestic demand rallied. China’s LSFO output settled at 2.46 million mt in the two months, an increase of 7.40%year on year, JLC’s data shows.

China may boost its bonded bunker fuel exports in March as the country’s foreign trade may improve on preferential policies, but the exports are unlikely to grow much because the recovery of the global economy and shipping demand is still slow.

Domestic bunker fuel demand grows slower in March

Domestic-trade bunker fuel demand saw slower growth in March when shipowners were more cautious about purchases. Domestic-trade bunker fuel demand settled at 360,000 mt in the month, a gain of 20,000 mt or 5.88%monthon month, decelerating from a rise of 8.82% in February. Trade cooled down with shipping demand still slow to recover.

In the meantime, domestic demand for light bunker fuel climbed to 135,000 mt, up by 5,000 mt or 3.85%, slowing down from a jump of 18.18% in February. Domestic-trade light bunker fuel consumption increased slightly when marine gas oil prices slipped, but the increase was much slower than a month earlier due to deeper wait-and-see sentiment.

Bunker Fuel Supply

China’s bonded bunker imports hit new low in Jan-Feb 2023

China’s bonded bunker fuel imports plummeted to a new low in the first two months of 2023, largely due to relatively high freight rates and ample supply of domestic low-sulfur fuel oil (LSFO).

The country imported approximately 456,900 mt of bonded bunker fuel in January and February 2023, a plunge of 48.01% from the same period in 2022, JLC estimates, based on data from the General Administration of Customs of PRC (GACC).

Most distributors favored domestically-produced low-sulfur bonded bunker fuel over imported fuel as international freight rates remained high, and domestic supply was more stable and less expensive, industry sources said.

Some distributors with regional licenses to supply bonded bunker may choose to suspend bunkering business if they failed to secure domestic LSFO supplies, according to industry sources.

In China’s bonded bunker market, only high-sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) and marine gasoil (MGO) still rely on imports, while LSFO is rarely seen coming from overseas at present.

Noticeably, HSFO and MGO only account for a small percentage of market share in China’s bonded bunkering business, which may explain why imports were so low in January and February this year.

Malaysia was the top supplier of bonded bunker during the two-month period, exporting 306,400 mt to China, accounting for 67% of the latter’s total imports, followed by South Korea, which exported 109,500 mt with an import share of 24%. Japan and Singapore ranked third and fourth with 39,500 mt and 1,500 mt, accounting for 8.7% and 0.3% respectively.

Domestic heavy bunker fuel supply increases in March

Domestic-trade heavy bunker fuel supply continued to increase in March. Chinese blenders supplied about 375,000 mt of heavy bunker fuel in the month, an uptick of 15,000 mt or 4.17% from a month earlier, JLC’s data shows.

In contrast, the supply of marine gas oil (MGO) shrank to 140,000 mt in the month, a mild dip of 5,000 mt or 3.45% month on month, the data indicates.

Some blenders were wary about bunker fuel blending when downstream demand was relatively weak. As aresult, they just based their supply on actual orders.

Bunker Prices, Profits

Editor
Yvette Luo
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Sales (Beijing)
Tony Tang
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Sales (Singapore)
Ginny Teo
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JLC Network Technology Co., Ltd is recognized as the leading information provider in China. We specialized in providing the transparent, high-value, authoritative market intelligence and professional analysis in commodity market. Our expertise covers oil, gas, coal, chemical, plastic, rubber, fertilizer and metal industry, etc.

JLC China Bunker Fuel Market Monthly Report is published by JLC Network Technology Co., Ltd every month on China bunker market, demand, supply, margin, freight index, forecast and so on. The report provides full-scale & concise insight into China bunker oil market.

Note: China-based commodity market information provider JLC Technology has been providing Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times China bunker volume data since 2020. Data from that period is available here.

Photo credit: JLC Network Technology
Published: 17 May, 2023

Financial Result

CBL International gross profit down 32.2% on year for 1H 2024

Decline primarily driven by reduction in premium sold to customers; leading to lower gross profit per tonne even though there was an increase in volume sold, says CBL.

Published

2 days ago

September 13, 2024

Admin

CBL International Limited (CBL), the listing vehicle of Banle Group (Banle), a marine fuel logistic company in the Asia-Pacific region, on Thursday (12 September) announced its unaudited financial results for the six months ended 30 June.

CBL said its gross profit for the period was approximately USD 2.72 million, a decrease of 32.2% compared to USD 4.01 million for 1H 2023.

The firm said the decline was primarily driven by the reduction in premium sold to customers and led to lower gross profit per tonne, which was partially offset by an increase in volume sold.

CBL also reported its Consolidated revenue for 1H 2024 increased by 44.4% to approximately USD 277.23 million, compared to USD 191.96 million in the same period in 2023.

“This significant growth was driven by a 39.4% year-over-year increase in sales volume, attributed to the expansion of the Company's global supply network and higher marine fuel demand due to geopolitical factors,” it said.

The company announced the pricing of its initial public offering on Nasdaq Capital Market on 22 March last year.

“We are pleased with the robust growth in our revenue and sales volume during the first half of 2024, despite the challenging market conditions. Our strategic initiatives, including the expansion of our service network and our focus on sustainable fuel solutions, have positioned us well to navigate these challenges and capitalise on emerging opportunities,” said Teck Lim Chia, Chairman & CEO of Banle Group.

“While the current market environment has pressured our margins, we remain confident in our long-term strategy and our ability to deliver value to our shareholders.”

Other Financial Highlights:

Operating Expenses: Operating expenses rose by 64.0% to approximately USD 4.12 million, up from USD 2.51 million in 1H 2023. This increase was attributed to higher selling and distribution expenses related to our sales growth, strategic expansion in the Company's supply network to new geographic areas, and the development of our biofuel operations.
Net Income: The company reported a net loss of approximately USD 1.62 million, compared to a net income of USD 1.15 million in 1H 2023. The loss was driven by lower gross margin and higher operating costs.
Cash Flow: Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately USD 2.30 million, a significant improvement from a cash outflow of USD 7.24 million in 1H 2023, reflecting better management of working capital.
Cash position: As of June 30, 2024, Banle's consolidated cash balance increased by approximately USD 2.29 million, or 30.9%, to USD 9.69 million, compared to USD 7.40 million as of December 31, 2023. This increase was primarily driven by improved working capital management. The Company also reported a significant increase in accounts receivable and accounts payable balances, reflecting the growth in its sales activities.

Operational Highlights:

Global Network Expansion: As of June 30, 2024, Banle expanded its global service network from 36 ports at our IPO in March 2023 to over 60 ports across Asia, Europe and Africa. This strategic expansion has enabled the Company to secure new bunkering business opportunities, particularly in European markets where environmental regulations are increasingly stringent. The opening of the Company's new office in Ireland in late 2023 has bolstered our market coverage and enhanced local sourcing capabilities. Notably, the Company completed inaugural bunkering services through a local physical supplier in Mauritius in May 2024, further strengthening our market presence.
Biofuel Initiatives: Banle continued its commitment to sustainability by expanding its B24 biofuel operations, obtaining ISCC EU and ISCC Plus certifications in 2023. The Company successfully commenced biofuel bunkering services through local physical suppliers in Hong Kong, China, and Malaysia, positioning itself as a pioneer in sustainable fuel solutions. The B24 biofuel blend, which includes 24% UCOME (used cooking oil methyl ester), offers a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional marine fuels, aligning with global decarbonisation efforts.
Response to Macroeconomic Environment: The global economy has shown signs of moderate growth in 2024, with emerging markets, particularly in Asia, driving this recovery. However, the shipping industry continues to face challenges such as fluctuating freight rates, port congestion, and disruptions in major trade routes due to the ongoing Red Sea Crisis. Banle has proactively adapted to these conditions, coordinating increased fuel supplies in Asian ports to meet heightened demand, ensuring that our customers' needs are met despite logistical challenges.

Looking ahead, Banle said it remains focused on expanding its market presence, particularly in the biofuel sector, and continuing to enhance its global supply network.

Photo credit: Essow on Pexels
Published: 13 September, 2024

Alternative Fuels

KPI OceanConnect expands Asia footprint with new Tokyo office

New office will help existing and new clients navigate increasing operational complexity in the marine energy sector, from new alternative bunker fuels to tightening environmental regulations.

Published

2 days ago

September 13, 2024

Admin

KPI OceanConnect expands Asia footprint with new office in Japan

Marine energy solutions provider KPI OceanConnect on Thursday (12 September) announced the opening of its new office in Tokyo, Japan, to strengthen its regional presence and support to local customers.

The office is KPI OceanConnect’s fifth in Asia, reflecting an increasing commitment to strategic growth in the region.

Japan is a leading innovator in the maritime industry, operating the third largest merchant fleet and is an important market for KPI OceanConnect.

The new office, led by Ken Kobayashi, Head of Japan, will help existing and new clients navigate increasing operational complexity in the marine energy sector, from new alternative fuels to tightening environmental regulations.

The announcement follows KPI OceanConnect’s recent publication of robust financial results for the year 2023/2024 and demonstrates its continued commitment to investing in building strong partnerships across the marine fuels value chain worldwide.

The expansion of the local team in Japan will enable KPI OceanConnect to actively engage with Japanese buyers and suppliers on a daily basis to exchange knowledge and expertise to support the development of innovative energy transition strategies for its clients.

The launch of the new office was celebrated with an opening reception on 10 September. The event was attended by the group’s owner, Nina Østergaard Borris and the Executive Management team of KPI OceanConnect, including Anders Grønborg, CEO, Dorthe Bendtsen, COO, and Jesper Sørensen, Global Head of Alternative Fuels and Carbon Markets.

To celebrate this milestone, KPI OceanConnect hosted an opening reception at the XEX Tokyo restaurant, just steps away from its new office in the Burex building. The event also featured music by DJ Yumi.

Anders Grønborg, CEO of KPI OceanConnect, said: “KPI OceanConnect has worked closely with clients in Japan for a very long time. As a key market for our sector and our business, this new office allows us to be closer to our customers and other important local stakeholders.”

“It is a time of transformation in the maritime value chain, and we are ready to work with our partners to identify opportunities for further collaboration and innovative solutions. We believe that our values of decency, good governance, transparency and long-term sustainability resonate well in this market.”

Ken Kobayashi, Head of Japan, KPI OceanConnect, said: “KPI OceanConnect is here to support its clients in turning today’s challenges and future uncertainties into opportunities for growth and innovation. From new fuels to new regulations, our network of experts is focused on delivering tailored, value-adding services to clients to future-proof their decision making, no matter the complexity.

“With a partnership-driven approach, we’re enabling greater transparency and innovation and are helping rewrite the bunkering playbook to support clients through the energy transition.”

Photo credit: KPI OceanConnect
Published: 13 September, 2024

Alternative Fuels

European shipowners and bunker fuel producers launch Clean Maritime Fuels Platform

Members of the initiative include ECSA, FuelsEurope, eFuel Alliance, European Waste-based & Advanced Biofuels Association, HydrogenEurope and Methanol Institute.

Published

2 days ago

September 13, 2024

Admin

European shipowners and bunker fuel producers launch Clean Maritime Fuels Platform

The European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) on Thursday (12 September) announced the launch of the Clean Maritime Fuels Platform.

The new Clean Maritime Fuels Platform is a bottom-up industry initiative aiming to enhance communication between the shipping sector and fuel producers and to identify common challenges and possible solutions, considering the implementation of the Fit for 55 package and the transition to a net-zero economy by 2050.

Members of the initiative include ECSA, FuelsEurope, eFuel Alliance, European Waste-based & Advanced Biofuels Association (EWABA), HydrogenEurope and Methanol Institute.

According to ESCA, access to clean maritime fuels is a top priority for the decarbonisation of the shipping sector.

The recently published Draghi report on the Future of European Competitiveness identifies shipping as one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonise, requiring around 40 billion in annual investments between 2031 and 2050.

The report highlighted that, while the EU is a world leader in sustainable renewable and low-carbon fuels for the decarbonisation of transport, it has limited installed capacity and planned production. The EU needs to start building a supply chain for clean fuels, or the costs of meeting its targets will be significant.

Representatives of ECSA, FuelsEurope, eFuel Alliance, EWABA, HydrogenEurope and Methanol Institute held their first meeting on 12 September and agreed on the objectives and the working principles of the new platform. Members also started to discuss the key topic of infrastructure gaps.

The platform will focus on policies and tools to support the production and uptake of clean maritime fuels in Europe including areas such as maritime in EU ETS and funding opportunities.

The platform will hold regular meetings with ECSA taking care of the secretariat’s tasks.

“Today, the shipping and energy industry join forces and launch a dialogue platform that can facilitate better flow of information about the common challenges we are facing. We need all hands on deck to make the energy transition happen. In order to meet our targets, we need clean fuels available in the market in sufficient quantities and at an affordable price. European shipowners are proud to launch with the fuel producers the Clean Maritime Fuels Platform”, said Sotiris Raptis, ECSA Secretary General.

“We are very excited to launch the Clean Maritime Fuels Platform today. Our 55+ members from across the EU are working tirelessly to produce waste-based and advanced biodiesel of the highest quality requirements and GHG savings to bring a new era of clean shipping to Europe. We believe that a closer collaboration between renewable fuel suppliers and ship owners will significantly reduce technical, operational, and financial barriers across the supply chain for the development and uptake of renewable maritime fuels”, said Angel Alvarez Alberdi, Secretary General of EWABA.

“The energy transition is a gradual journey, not an overnight change. It demands a robust regulatory framework and collaboration among all stakeholders involved to drive effective decarbonization. As we work alongside our 100 members through the complexities of this transition, the Clean Fuels Maritime Platform will play a crucial role in accelerating our shift to cleaner fuels and innovative technologies. By combining our collective expertise and efforts, we are not only tackling the pressing need for emission reductions but also laying the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable maritime industry”, said Greg Dolan, CEO of Methanol Institute.

Photo credit: European Community Shipowners’ Associations
Published: 13 September, 2024