Northwest Europe
VLSFO supply is said to be tight for prompt dates in the ARA ports. Lead times of at least five days are generally recommended to ensure full coverage from suppliers. Product loading delays at some terminals have largely contributed to VLSFO tightness in the region, a source says. Bunker barges are taking more time than usual to load products.
LSMGO prompt supply is relatively better in Antwerp and Rotterdam, however, securing prompt deliveries can be hard in Amsterdam, sources say. Two suppliers are unable to supply the grade due to a lack of product availability in Amsterdam. One supplier can supply LSMGO only for delivery dates in the second week of June, a source says.
Recommended lead times for HSFO in the ARA hub are around 5-7 days.
Independently held fuel oil stocks in the ARA have risen to near two-year high levels in May. The stocks have averaged 12% higher so far this month than across April, according to Insights Global data.
Meanwhile, the ARA’s gasoil inventories – which include diesel and heating oil – have managed to remain above 17 million bbls since February, partly due to higher imports from Saudi Arabia and India.
Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal for delivery off Skaw. But prompt supply is mostly subject to enquiry due to tight barge availability, a source says. HSFO availability is relatively tighter there. Recommended lead times for all grades range between 7-10 days.
VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in the German port of Hamburg, with recommended lead times of five days. HSFO supply dates are subject to enquiry.
Mediterranean
Securing VLSFO for very prompt dates (0-2 days) can be difficult in Gibraltar Strait ports. Lead times of 4-5 days are recommended for the grade. LSMGO supply is relatively better, with some suppliers able to offer prompt deliveries.
One supplier in Gibraltar experienced delays of 8-12 hours on Wednesday due to non-availability of a bunker barge, according to port agent MH Bland.
Slight congestion was reported in Gibraltar on Wednesday, with seven vessels waiting for bunkers, MH Bland says. Meanwhile, minimal congestion was reported in Algeciras and Ceuta.
HSFO availability is tight for prompt dates in Las Palmas, primarily due to fewer suppliers supplying the product there, a source says.
Bunker fuel supply across all grades is said to be normal in Malta. Some suppliers can offer deliveries for prompt dates off Malta, but these deliveries are subject to firm enquiries, a source says.
VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in the Greek port of Piraeus. Lead times of around 5-6 days are generally recommended.
LSMGO availability is normal in Turkey’s Istanbul port, where a supplier can offer stems for prompt dates.
Africa
Bunker fuel availability is normal in Durban and Algoa Bay. But recommended lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO can stretch up to seven days for both locations, a source says.
Bunkering resumed in Algoa Bay on Wednesday after being suspended since Monday due to bad weather, according to Rennies Ships Agency. However, strong wind gusts are forecast to hit the bay again on Saturday, which could trigger another suspension.
Availability is normal across all grades in Mozambique’s Nacala port, a source says. However, prompt supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is tight in Maputo, requiring lead times of at least eight days.
Source: Engine