North America
Bunker fuel availability across all grades has improved in Houston this week, with recommended lead times of less than seven days. Demand for fuel in the Gulf Coast port is a bit low, where rough weather conditions have caused major delays to operations in the recent days.
The US Gulf Coast is currently experiencing fog season, which has caused reduced visibility around the region. Bunkering operations at ports including Houston, Galveston, Lake Charles, Pascagoula, Mobile, Port Arthur, Freeport and Corpus Christi may face further delays due to fog, a source says.
A thick layer of fog forced vessel pilots to suspend operations in the Sabine Pass yesterday. The same reason saw the Houston Pilots Association suspend all inbound arrivals as well as outbound sailings through the Houston Ship Channel and the Galveston Bay, earlier this week.
The New Orleans Outer Anchorage (NOLA) also faces fog-related disruptions. 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.
High wind gusts have caused some delays to bunkering operations in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA).
Suppliers in New York can offer VLSFO and LSMGO for prompt deliveries, with expected lead times of 5-6 days. HSFO is a bit tight and requires longer lead times. High wind gusts may delay bunker deliveries in New York between 27 February and 2 March.
On the West Coast, prompt availability across all fuel grades is very tight in Los Angeles and Long Beach, with suppliers recommending more than 7 days for VLSFO and LSMGO, another source says.
Bunker deliveries in Canada's Montreal port is facing delays due to bad weather conditions. The situation is expected to persist through 1 March. Barges are currently working only during daylight hours, another source says.
Caribbean and Latin America
Bunker fuel availability for prompt delivery dates has improved in the Panamanian ports of Balboa and Cristobal. Suppliers in Balboa can offer VLSFO and LSMGO within 4-5 days, however, HSFO is a bit tight and requires longer lead times.
Operations in Argentina's Zona Comun is suspended due to severe weather conditions today. Bunker deliveries may face further delays through 3 March, according to a source. Prompt VLSFO availability at the anchorage is tight at the moment, with recommended lead times of at least two weeks.
Meanwhile, suppliers in the Brazilian ports of Santos and Rio de Janeiro have reported strong demand this week, with ample availability across most grades and recommended lead times of less than seven days.
Source: ENGINE, https://engine.online/news