North America
Earlier this week, Houston and other US Gulf Coast ports removed all port restrictions, allowing barge traffic to move both ways, according to a source. Since many loaded tankers and bunker barges were unable to leave oil terminals last week due to draft restrictions, there was a significant backlog.
However, congestion subsided by Wednesday, and most suppliers were able to reload their barges.
Bunker demand has been low in Houston this week. Availability of all fuel grades has been normal for prompt supply in Houston. Several suppliers can deliver stems with lead times of 5-7 days.
Bunker demand has picked up again at the New Orleans Outer Anchorage (NOLA) this week. This uptick is due to VLSFO and LSMGO prices in NOLA dropping below those in Houston. Bunker fuel availability is good in NOLA, with several suppliers able to offer both fuel grades for prompt delivery dates.
Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO has been good for prompt dates in Bolivar Roads. Deliveries there are still subject to weather conditions and delivery schedules, a source says.
Bunkering was proceeding normally at the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) as of Thursday morning. Most suppliers are able to deliver VLSFO and LSMGO stems within 3-5 days of lead time.
Demand has been normal in the West Coast ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles this week. Availability of all grades is normal, with lead times of around 5-7 days.
VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in the East Coast port of New York. HSFO requires a longer lead time of more than five days, a source said.
Caribbean and Latin America
Bunker fuel demand has been low in Panama’s Balboa and Cristobal. VLSFO and LSMGO availability is also good in both locations, and several suppliers are able to supply all fuel grades with a lead time of 5-7 days.
Bunker deliveries are expected to be disrupted in St. Eustatius later today due to strong wind gusts of up to 31 knots, which could intermittently disrupt bunker deliveries until Sunday.
VLSFO and LSMGO grades are readily available at Argentina’s Zona Comun anchorage. However, limited barge availability has continued to cause bunkering delays in Zona Comun. The bunker barge Gustavo U has been dry docked since 5 July due to periodic inspections and repairs. A source said the barge is now at the berth and is expected to be operational again later this week.
Bunker demand has remained low in the anchorage, a source says.
Bunker fuel demand has been mostly low in most of the Brazilian ports this week. VLSFO availability is good in most of the ports, according to most suppliers.
Source: ENGINE, https://engine.online/news