Prompt bunker supply remains tight in the ARA

Good prompt availability off Malta

HSFO and VLSFO supply good in Durban

IMAGE: Tankers during a bunker operation off Malta. Getty Images

Northwest Europe

Prompt bunker availability is currently tight in Rotterdam and in the wider ARA hub, a source said. Lead times of 7-8 days are advised for all grades in the region.

The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks have averaged 3% higher so far in May than across April, according to Insights Global data. At 7.22 million bbls, the region’s fuel oil stocks have started to recover after hitting an 18-month low in April. However, they remain below their five-year average for this time of year.

The region has imported 181,000 b/d of fuel oil in May so far, down compared to April’s 198,000 b/d, according to data from cargo tracker Vortexa. 

Saudi Arabia has emerged as the region’s topmost import source, with 26% of the total share. Other import sources include the UAE (21%), Poland (16%) and Denmark (12%).

The ARA's independent gasoil inventories - which include diesel and heating oil – have averaged 1% lower in April. The ARA hub has imported a total of 319,000 b/d so far this month, a significant increase from last month’s 202,000 b/d, according to Vortexa data.

Prompt bunker supply is good in Germany’s Hamburg port, a trader said. All bunker grades require lead times of 3-5 days.

Mediterranean

Securing prompt bunker deliveries can be difficult in Gibraltar Strait ports due to tight supply, a trader said. Lead times of 8-9 days are recommended for all fuel grades.

Gibraltar continues to face some congestion, according to port agent MH Bland.

On Wednesday, Gibraltar had six vessels awaiting bunkers due to limited bunker barge availability and a lack of space available for vessels, the port agent said.

There are also some bunker delays in Algeciras, where suppliers are running 2-16 hours behind schedule. One supplier in Algeciras is fully booked until early next month, a trader said.

Meanwhile, bunkering is progressing normally in Ceuta and Malta Offshore. Two vessels were scheduled to arrive for bunkers in Ceuta on Wednesday, according to shipping agent Jose Salama & Co.

Supply of all conventional fuel grades is normal off Malta and lead times of up to five days are recommended for VLSFO and HSFO. LSMGO requires 3-4 days, a trader said.

Supply of LSMGO and HSFO is good in Ceuta. Prompt deliveries within 2-3 days are possible.

Availability of all fuel grades has improved in the Greek port of Piraeus this week, with prompt deliveries available, a trader said.

Suppliers in the Turkish port of Istanbul can offer prompt LSMGO and ULSFO deliveries, while HSFO and VLSFO supplies remain very tight.

Africa

Availability of HSFO and VLSFO is good in the South African port of Durban. Deliveries of both grades require lead times of 2-4 days, a trader said. However, LSMGO supply is still dry in Durban.

Supply of VLSFO is normal in Richards Bay. Lead times of 7-10 days are typically advised for deliveries.

In Mozambique’s Nacala port, bunker supply is good, with prompt deliveries available for HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO grades, a source said. Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is good in Maputo as well.

Supply of all grades is normal in Lome, with lead times of 5-7 days recommended. Bunker availability is normal off Walvis Bay, requiring lead times of 3-6 days.

Securing prompt deliveries of HSFO and VLSFO grades can be challenging in Mauritius’ Port Louis. Lead times of 7-10 are recommended. LSMGO is more readily available there, with lead times of 3-5 days.

By Shilpa Sharma

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