North West Europe
LSMGO and VLSFO availability is normal in Rotterdam and other ARA hub ports, sources say. The recommended times for both grades in Rotterdam are 3-4 days and 5-7 days for HSFO, according to a source.
Independently held fuel oil inventories in the ARA fell to their lowest level since mid-May last week, according to data from Insights Global. The region’s fuel oil inventories fell by 160,000 barrels to 6.49 million barrels in the week to October 20 and remained below their five-year average position.
According to data from Vortexa, ARA’s net import surplus declined in October, which may have contributed to recent inventory declines. ARA’s total fuel oil exports rose from 65,000 bpd in September to 214,000 bpd in October so far, according to Vortexa cargo tracking estimates. Imports into the region increased by just over 18,000 bpd to 338,000 bpd. Most of these import volumes came from Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Greece and the United Arab Emirates.
The region’s diesel stocks fell slightly last week. Inventories fell 30,000 barrels to 12.35 million barrels.
The supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal off Skaw, according to a source. Recommended lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries are approximately seven days. HSFO requires a longer lead time of around 10 days.
LSMGO availability is normal in the Spanish port of Santander. Bunker supply is normal in the German port of Hamburg and recommended delivery times are around five days for all grades.
The supply of LSMGO is normal in Bremerhaven, but it can be difficult to ensure VLSFO and HSFO deliveries on specific dates, according to a source.
The supply of bunkers is still limited in the main ports of France, including Dunkirk and Le Havre, according to a source. Workers at ExxonMobil’s 140,000 bpd Fos and 240,000 bpd Port Jerome refineries have stopped striking. But the resumption of normal supply to these refineries could take a few more days.
Mediterranean
Obtaining fast delivery from VLSFO can be slightly difficult in Gibraltar, where a supplier’s restocking stocks have been delayed. Meanwhile, the port’s VLSFO benchmark is discounted compared to several other regional ports, including Algeciras, Las Palmas and Ceuta. But that’s at a slight premium in Malta. HSFO availability is also limited for specific dates at ports in the Strait of Gibraltar. Some suppliers may offer limited quantities. Recommended times for HSFO delivery are up to seven days there, according to a source. LSMGO supply would be normal in the region and some suppliers may offer deliveries on fast dates.
The availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is normal in Algeciras, Ceuta and Las Palmas, according to sources. Both grades would be tight for a quick supply in Malta, where supply is expected to improve from early next month, a source said. Supply is also tight in the Greek port of Piraeus.
Minimal congestion was reported in Gibraltar and Algeciras this week, according to port agent MH Bland. Bunkering operations are proceeding normally in Ceuta and Malta with no reported congestion this week. 10 ships were due to arrive for bunkers on Wednesday, shipping agent Jose Salama & Cia said.
Bunkering operations normally take place in Las Palmas. Strong waves are expected to hit Las Palmas on Friday evening, which could disrupt deliveries in the port’s weather-exposed outer anchorage area.
All bunker areas are open for refueling off Malta. 10 ships were due to arrive for bunkers in Malta and offshore on Wednesday, according to Seatrans Shipping.
Africa
VLSFO and LSMGO grades are readily available for quick deliveries to Maputo and Nacala in Mozambique. HSFO can also be supplied quickly to Nacala, sources say.
Bunkering is progressing normally in Algoa Bay, and no backlogs were reported on Wednesday, according to Rennies Ships Agency. Six ships are due to arrive this week for bunkers in Port Elizabeth and Algoa Bay, it says. High winds and swells are expected Thursday and Friday, which could cause delays and disruptions in bunker deliveries.
Bunker supplies would be good in Durban and Algoa Bay, sources said. The price of VLSFO continues to be considerably lower in Algoa Bay than in Durban.
The recommended turnaround time for VLSFO and LSMGO to Durban is around seven days.
All port operations are proceeding as normal at South African ports after the strike by port and rail workers ended last week. Two unions, which represent workers at state-owned logistics company Transnet, ended the strike last week after reaching a pay deal with the company.
Source: ENGINE, by Shilpa Sharma (https://engine.online/)