SIMIC

OBTAINING timely deliveries of VLSFO (Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil) and HSFO (High Sulfur Fuel Oil) can be challenging in Rotterdam and the broader ARA hub due to product tightness at refineries, reports Singapore's Engine.

Shell's Pernis refinery near Rotterdam is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance, which is expected to conclude by the end of this month.



In the ARA region, the availability of LSMGO (Low Sulfur Marine Gas Oil) is reported to be better compared to other grades, with recommended lead times of 3-5 days.



Independent gasoil stocks in the ARA region averaged slightly higher in the first week of May compared to April.



India emerged as the top gasoil import source for the ARA region in April, accounting for 22 per cent of the total imports, up from 13 per cent in March, as reported by cargo tracker Vortexa.



Other gasoil import sources include Saudi Arabia (20 per cent), Qatar (eight per cent), Germany (seven per cent), and Italy (six per cent).



Bunker fuel availability is reportedly tight for immediate dates in Flushing, while VLSFO delivery in the UK's Pembroke port depends on inquiries.



Regarding Skaw, a source mentions that VLSFO and LSMGO are available for prompt delivery without issues, but prospects for HSFO depend on specific inquiries.



In Hamburg, Germany, the supply of VLSFO, HSFO, and LSMGO is reported to be normal, and lead times of around five to six days are recommended for all fuel grades.



Bremerhaven faces uncertainty with VLSFO and HSFO deliveries, which are subject to inquiries.