HSFO tightness easing slightly in the ARA

HSFO supply tight off Malta

Bad weather disrupts bunkering in Algoa Bay

PHOTO: View from the Rock of Gibraltar, UK to Algeciras, Spain. Getty Images

Northwest Europe

HSFO availability in Rotterdam and in the wider ARA hub has shown signs of improvement, a source says. Some suppliers that were previously reluctant to supply the grade are now eager to offer it, the source adds.

However, some traders still argue that securing HSFO stems for prompt delivery dates remains difficult across ARA ports. Lead times of 5-7 are still recommended for the grade, unchanged from last week, another source says.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in the ARA hub. Lead times of up to four days are recommended for both grades.

Meanwhile, product loading delays of around1-3 days still persist at oil terminals, two sources say. As a result, LSMGO supply pressure is building in the ARA, and some suppliers are holding back on offers for very prompt delivery dates (0-2 days).

Overall bunker fuel demand has improved this week in the ARA hub.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability remains normal for delivery off Skaw, a source says. Recommended lead times for both grades remain unchanged at 7-10 days.

In the German port of Hamburg, VLSFO and LSMGO availability are normal, while HSFO supply is tight. Recommended lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO are about five days.

Mediterranean

All grades remain in good supply in Gibraltar. Lead times of 3-5 days are recommended for VLSFO and LSMGO in Gibraltar, down from 4-6 days last week, a source says.

HSFO availability is normal in Gibraltar, with unchanged lead times of 4-6 days.

Minimum congestion was reported in Gibraltar, Algeciras and Ceuta on Wednesday, according to port agent MH Bland. One supplier in Gibraltar and three in Algeciras were behind schedule.

In Las Palmas, availability of VLSFO is said to be steady, and lead times of 4-6 days are recommended by suppliers. Securing HSFO stems for prompt delivery dates remains difficult there, a source says.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is good in the Portuguese ports of Lisbon and Sines.

Other bunker delivery areas in the Mediterranean such as Piraeus, off Malta and Istanbul have tight availability of VLSFO and LSMGO, a source says. HSFO supply is very tight off Malta, partly because the few suppliers that offer the grade are almost out of stock.

Africa

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in the South African ports of Durban and Cape Town, where lead times of up to seven days are still recommended, a source says.

Bunkering was on standby in Algoa Bay on Wednesday morning due to rough weather conditions, according to Rennies Ships Agency. Deliveries may resume on Thursday with improved weather, but could be suspended again between Friday and Sunday, when conditions are set to deteriorate again.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is good in Mozambique's Nacala and Maputo ports. On the other hand, HSFO availability is very tight in Nacala, with delivery dates stretching to early September, a source says.

By Nithin Chandran

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online