North America
Prompt availability is tight for all grades in Houston. One supplier requires lead times of six days to supply VLSFO and LSMGO in the port. Some suppliers have cautioned about potential bunker delays over the weekend due to fog and reduced visibility.
VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in Bolivar Roads. One supplier requires lead times of five days to deliver both grades.
VLSFO availability is tight for very prompt dates (0-2 days) in the Port of Mobile.
Strong wind gusts are forecast to hit the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) on Friday, with wind speeds forecast to intensify further and touch 48 knots on Sunday. Strong winds could complicate bunker deliveries in GOLA.
HSFO and LSMGO availability is tight in the West Coast ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The earliest delivery date with a supplier for both grades is 18 December. Another supplier can supply LSMGO with shorter lead times of 3-7 days, but is unable to offer HSFO for prompt dates.
LSMGO availability is normal in Port Newark and New Jersey. One supplier requires six days of lead times to deliver the grade there.
VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in the East Coast port of New York. Overall, bunker demand has been robust in New York so far this week.
Caribbean and Latin America
Availability of LSMGO and VLSFO is good for prompt dates in Balboa. Several suppliers can deliver both grades with lead times of 5-7 days, a source says. However, bunker demand remains slow in Balboa and Cristobal due to fewer vessels transiting the Panama Canal.
The severe congestion in the Panama Canal, caused by reduced transit limits amid drought, has led to ships seeking alternative shipping routes. This has had a knock-on effect on bunker demand in the canal.
VLSFO is very tight in the Chilean port of Valparaiso. One of the major bunker suppliers in the region is running low on stocks, adding supply pressure on others’ supply. The supplier expects to resume offers after replenishment VLSFO cargoes arrive later this week, a source says.
VLSFO availability is tight in the Brazilian port of Rio de Janeiro. Lead times of over 10 days are generally recommended to ensure smooth coverage.
Source: Engine