Bunker fuel availability in Northwest Europe, specifically the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) hub, is currently constrained for prompt High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) and Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO). This tightness is primarily attributed to loading delays at terminals, leading to recommended lead times of approximately 7-8 days for both grades. Low Sulphur Marine Gasoil (LSMGO) stems in the ARA region also require around six days' notice.
In contrast, bunker fuel availability across Africa generally appears stable. However, some regional variations exist. For instance, availability for all grades in Durban, South Africa, is reported as good. Similarly, Las Palmas in the Canary Islands has good availability for VLSFO and LSMGO, with HSFO availability described as normal. Gibraltar also maintains good availability for all fuel grades.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, these extended lead times in the ARA region could impact vessel scheduling and bunkering operations. Planning for fuel procurement will require greater foresight to avoid delays, potentially affecting vessel turnaround times and schedule reliability. While Africa generally offers more stable availability, it is crucial for carriers and forwarders to monitor specific port conditions, as localized disruptions can still occur. The increased lead times might also lead to slight price premiums for urgent bunker requirements in the affected European ports.
