Bunker prices for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Biomethane (LBM) in Rotterdam have seen an upward trend. This increase is primarily attributed to growing concerns over the stability and availability of gas supplies within Europe.
The pricing mechanism for these bunkers now incorporates estimated compliance costs associated with the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and penalties from FuelEU Maritime regulations. These costs are factored into both EU-EU voyage scenarios for Rotterdam and non-EU-EU voyages for Singapore, with all prices adjusted to be calorific content-equivalent to Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO).
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this development signals potentially higher operational costs for vessels utilizing LNG or LBM as fuel, particularly those calling at European ports. The integration of EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime penalties means that the 'true' cost of these alternative fuels is increasing, which could impact carrier pricing strategies and ultimately, freight rates. Forwarders should anticipate these additional costs when quoting or planning shipments involving compliant vessels, and consider the potential for further volatility in alternative fuel prices linked to broader European energy market dynamics.
