Northwest Europe
Bunker fuel availability is good in the ARA hub. Lead times of 5-7 days are recommended for HSFO and VLSFO, while comparatively shorter lead times of 4-5 days are recommended for LSMGO, according to a trader.
The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks have grown to average 2% larger this month than they were in November, according to Insights Global data.
The region has imported 248,000 b/d of fuel oil this month, up from 225,000 b/d imported in November, according to cargo tracker Vortexa.
The ARA hub’s independent gasoil inventories — which include gasoil and heating oil — have increased by 1% so far this month.
Off Skaw, recommended lead times are 5-7 days for LSMGO and VLSFO, a trader said. HSFO availability continues to be tight, with only non-prompt deliveries with 7-10 days of lead time available.
Meanwhile, availability for all bunker fuel grades is good in Germany’s Hamburg port. A trader recommends lead times of 3-5 days for all three grades.
Mediterranean
In Gibraltar, bunker fuel availability is normal, a trader says. LSMGO and VLSFO are available for prompt deliveries, with recommended lead times of 3-5 days. For HSFO, the trader recommends lead times of 4-5 days.
The port has been reeling under adverse weather conditions over the last few weeks. Strong wind gusts of up to 23 knots are forecast in the Gibraltar Strait on Wednesday. Calmer weather is forecast for the rest of the week.
Bunker fuel availability is normal off Malta, according to a trader. The earliest delivery date for all grades is 25 December.
Bad weather conditions continue around the island and bunker operations have been delayed. There is a possible weather disruption coming up on Thursday, which will continue into the weekend. Wind gusts of 36 knots are forecast on Friday.
In Turkey’s Istanbul, inconsistent weather conditions may disrupt bunkering, but prompt deliveries are available in the port for all grades, the trader added.
In the Greek port of Piraeus, prompt deliveries may be difficult, with the earliest delivery date available on 28 December, according to a source.
Africa
Bunker demand is growing in certain African ports as shipping companies divert their vessels from the Suez Canal region to the Cape of Good Hope to avoid Houthi militant attacks in the southern entry to the Red Sea.
South African ports of Durban and Richards Bay have witnessed an uptake in demand, two traders confirmed.
Availability for VLSFO is good at these ports, a trader confirmed. Recommended lead times are 5-7 days for the bunker grade for optimal coverage.
LSMGO availability is very tight in these ports and is subject to enquiry, two traders confirmed.
Mozambique’s Maputo and Nacala ports have also registered a spike in bunker fuel demand, a shipping agent told ENGINE.
The heightened demand has contributed to tightening barge delivery schedules in Maputo, the shipping agent added.
Meanwhile, Nacala has good availability for HSFO. On the other hand, the earliest delivery date for VLSFO stretches out to 28 December.
In Maputo, VLSFO availability is slightly better, with deliveries available as early as December 25. Availability of LSMGO is tight at the port.
Source: ENGINE, By Manjula Nair, https://engine.online/news