North America
Demand for all fuel grades has improved in Houston this week. VLSFO and LSMGO grades are generally in good supply with suppliers in the Houston area. Most suppliers are able to deliver stems with 2-3 days of lead time, as well as on dates further out. HSFO needs a longer lead time of 6-7 days with most suppliers. However, one supplier can deliver it on very prompt dates.
Several cases of contaminated VLSFO stems supplied in the US Gulf Coast region have been reported in the past month, particularly in Houston and New Orleans. Several vessels using these fuels have reported loss of power.
Prompt delivery of VLSFO and LSMGO is possible in Bolivar Roads with a recommended lead time of 3-4 days. However, deliveries there are subject to weather conditions and anchorage space, a source says.
Similarly, availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is good in Beaumont and Port Arthur, but demand has been low in these ports this week.
Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal for prompt dates in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA), a source says. The offshore area is forecast to experience favourable weather conditions this week, which would allow smooth bunker deliveries there.
Most suppliers can offer VLSFO for prompt dates at the New Orleans Outer Anchorage (NOLA) within five days. However, LSMGO availability can be tight with few suppliers and prices can fluctuate greatly between suppliers at the location, a source says.
Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is good in the West Coast ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Recommended delivery time of several suppliers are between 5-7 days, which is better than normal in the West Coast ports. HSFO stems can also be secured, and has a longer lead time of more than seven days.
Bunker operations have not been affected in the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert due to the port workers’ strike in Canada’s British Columbia., a source said. Availability of all fuel grades is tight for prompt dates in Vancouver.
Securing HSFO deliveries in New York is difficult for prompt dates. Only three suppliers are able to offer HSFO stems in the port now, according to a source. Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO in the port remains good for prompt dates.
Caribbean and Latin America
Prompt availability of all fuel grades is normal in Panama’s Balboa and Cristobal. One supplier is able to deliver HSFO stems in the ports with a lead time of three days, up from last week’s 10-day lead time. Several other suppliers can deliver HSFO stems in Balboa only within 4-6 days of lead time.
Meanwhile, some bunker buyers have been keen to book Panama stems for dates between the end of August and September.
HSFO is tight for prompt dates off Trinidad. VLSFO and LSMGO can be secured with a lead time of 5-7 days.
Demand has been low this week in the Brazilian ports of Santos, Rio Grande and Rio de Janeiro. Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO remains good for prompt dates with most suppliers.
Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO stems is tight at Argentina’s Zona Comun anchorage. The earliest delivery dates with several suppliers in Zona Comun stretch up to 22-23 July, a source said.
Bunker operations have been suspended in Zona Comun due to rough weather conditions. The area is currently experiencing strong gale-force wind gusts of up to 35 knots. The weather is expected to clear up from Thursday evening and deliveries are expected to restart. However, delays are expected as a large number of vessels is due to arrive.
Source: Engine