Bunker fuel availability across all grades is good in Houston, with no major supply constraints. A stretch of favorable weather has allowed for smooth bunker deliveries, keeping operations on track. “We have had a patch of good weather, so deliveries are running smoothly at this point in time,” with lead times of less than seven days for all fuel grades, a source says.
Vessel transit along the US Gulf Coast faced delays due to thick fog earlier in March, but the situation is expected to improve as the month progresses, according to another source. Fog conditions in the region depend heavily on wind directions. Southerly winds from the Gulf typically result in fog, while colder, northerly winds keep visibility clear.
Bunkering operations are currently running smoothly in the US Gulf Coast ports, including Houston, Galveston, Lake Charles, Pascagoula, Mobile, Port Arthur, Freeport and Corpus Christi.
High wind gusts have caused some delays to bunkering operations in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA). Operations at the anchorage may be suspended tomorrow, the source says. Longer delays are expected until Monday, the source adds.
In New York, VLSFO and LSMGO are readily available, with suppliers recommending shorter lead times of around 3-5 days, from last week's 5-6 days. HSFO, however, remains tight and may require longer lead times.
Strong wind gusts may cause some delays to bunker deliveries in New York this week.
On the West Coast, fuel availability has improved in Los Angeles and Long Beach amid high demand. Suppliers advise extended lead times of more than seven days for VLSFO and LSMGO.
Bunker deliveries in Canada's Montreal port is facing delays due to bad weather conditions. The situation is expected to persist through 8 March. Barges are currently working only during daylight hours, another source says.
Caribbean and Latin America
Suppliers in Panamanian ports of Balboa and Cristobal can offer VLSFO and LSMGO for prompt deliveries, but HSFO is very tight and requires longer lead times.
Operations in Argentina's Zona Comun may face possible suspension over the weekend due to strong wind gusts over 20 knots.
Source: ENGINE, https://engine.online/news