In Northwest Europe’s Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) bunkering hub, the prompt supply of High-Sulfur Fuel Oil (HSFO) is reportedly facing constraints, leading to lead times of approximately 7-9 days. Traders note that suppliers’ barges are encountering loading delays in the region. Despite these challenges, independently held fuel oil stocks in ARA have averaged 13% higher in the first three weeks of the month. Notably, the region has imported around 217,000 barrels per day (b/d) of fuel oil so far this month, showing a slight decrease from the 243,000 b/d imported in October, as reported by cargo tracker Vortexa.
Turkey has emerged as the primary fuel oil import source for ARA in the current month, accounting for 32% of the region’s total imports. The UK follows at 26%, with Germany at 8%, Belgium at 7%, and Ivory Coast at 6%.
In contrast, independent gasoil inventories in ARA, which include diesel and heating oil, have experienced a 5% decline on a monthly basis, according to data from Insights Global. While Very Low-Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and Low-Sulfur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO) availability remains normal off Skaw, HSFO supply is reportedly tight for prompt delivery dates.
In the Hamburg port in Germany, all three bunker fuel grades are available with lead times of 3-5 days recommended due to good availability.
Mediterranean Reports Normal Availability Despite Adverse Weather in Malta
Moving to the Mediterranean, the availability of VLSFO and LSMGO grades is reported to be normal in Gibraltar, with recommended lead times of 5-7 days. Minimal congestion has been reported in Gibraltar and Algeciras. However, one supplier in Algeciras faced delays of 12-24 hours on Wednesday morning, according to port agent MH Bland.
In Malta, adverse weather conditions since Saturday have made securing prompt bunker fuel deliveries challenging. Bunkering was reportedly progressing only in bunkering area 3 on Wednesday morning due to rough weather conditions.
Similar weather challenges have impacted port operations in Istanbul, causing severe congestion in the port this week. Tight supply for all bunker fuel grades is reported for prompt delivery dates.
In Piraeus, Greece, bunker fuel supply is also reported to be tight, according to traders.
South African Ports Experience Tight LSMGO Supply and Bunkering Challenges
In Africa, LSMGO supply remains tight in the South African ports of Richards Bay and Durban. Recommended lead times for LSMGO are more than ten days at both ports, while VLSFO deliveries have lead times of 5-7 days.
Offshore bunkering at the Algoa Bay anchorage has been suspended for over a month. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) detained bunker barges in September over import duty disputes, leading to a standstill in bunker deliveries. Discussions between bunker suppliers and South African authorities are ongoing to resolve the situation, with an expected announcement next month.
In contrast, bunkering operations are progressing normally in the adjacent Port Elizabeth.