North America
Bunker demand has remained good in Houston and several other locations along the US Gulf Coast this week. Availability of all fuel grades has been normal for prompt supply in Houston. Several suppliers in Houston have ample VLSFO and LSMGO availability and are actively offering stems for prompt deliveries. VLSFO stems for non-prompt dates were being fixed at as low as $567/mt on Thursday.
Prompt VLSFO and LSMGO supply is available in Bolivar Roads and Beaumont. However, bunker deliveries in these locations remain subject to weather conditions and the availability of anchorage spaces, a source says.
Availability has tightened in the New Orleans Outer Anchorage’s (NOLA) this week. One supplier requires 7–10 days to deliver VLSFO and LSMGO stems in NOLA.
Bunkering was proceeding normally in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) on Thursday amid good weather conditions. The weather is forecast to remain calm over the weekend and into next week. Overall, demand has been very low this week at the anchorage.
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach on the West Coast have experienced a notable surge in demand this week. One contributing factor could be the competitive bunker prices in the twin ports compared to prices seen in other West Coast ports like Seattle and Vancouver.
VLSFO and LSMGO availability has been better than normal in Los Angeles and Long Beach. One supplier can supply both grades with a lead time of just four days, which is much shorter than the typical 7-9 days observed in these ports.
Prompt VLSFO and LSMGO are available in the East Coast port of New York.
Baltimore’s main shipping channel has been restored to its full depth and width after the removal of debris from the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Bunker demand has been steady there, and most suppliers are able to offer stems with a lead time of 5-7 days.
Caribbean and Latin America
Bunker fuel availability has been normal in the Panamanian ports of Balboa and Cristobal. At least four suppliers can offer all bunker grades in Balboa, with lead times of up to seven days.
Demand has surged for Balboa compared to Cristobal for prompt dates.
Bunker operations were suspended in the Bahamas’ Freeport on Thursday due to strong wind gusts of up to 27 knots. The weather is expected to remain rough until Saturday, which could cause prolonged delays and disruptions.
Operations were also suspended in Argentina’s Zona Comun anchorage on Thursday due to adverse weather conditions. The area was experiencing strong wind gusts of up to 30 knots, making barge deliveries difficult there.
Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO remains tight in Zona Comun for prompt dates. One supplier can offer VLSFO stems at the anchorage only for deliveries after 20 June, a source says.
In Brazil, bunker demand has been low across most ports, including Santos and Rio de Janeiro. Several suppliers are able to offer stems with a lead time of 5-7 days.
Source: ENGINE, https://engine.online/news