Americas Fuel Availability Outlook 26 Feb

New York blizzard disrupts bunkering

Panama availability tightens across all grades

LSMGO and VLSFO unavailable in Rio de Janeiro

IMAGE: Tugboats and container ship in front of New York Harbor. Getty Images

North America

Bunker demand in Houston has held firm over the week. For HSFO and VLSFO suppliers have recommended lead times of 7–10 days, while LSMGO can be secured within 5–7 days.

Seasonal fog in US Gulf Coast region has continued to cause intermittent closures along the Houston Ship Channel, with vessel traffic disruptions mainly concentrated during the overnight and early morning hours, a source said.

Dense fog has delayed barges and bunker deliveries in Bolivar Roads and out-of-port deliveries in Port Arthur, Beaumont, Freeport and Lake Charles.

In the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA), disruptions are expected until Friday due to high winds and rough sea conditions.

New York has repeatedly been affected by adverse weather conditions.

"As far as the East Coast is concerned, a severe blizzard has caused delays to vessel and barge movements. Conditions are expected to improve toward the end of the week, gradually," a bunker trader told ENGINE.

HSFO requires lead times of around 8–9 days in New York this week, while VLSFO requires around 5–6 days, a trader informed. LSMGO has tightened slightly but remains comparatively more available, with lead times of 2–3 days advised.

On the US West Coast, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have normal availability, with suppliers being able to deliver all three fuel grades with 6-7 days of lead time.

Container traffic is expected to decrease slightly, with 19 vessel arrivals scheduled for next week, down from 20 this week, according to the ports’ vessel tracker, Signal.

In Canada’s Vancouver, HSFO can be delivered with lead times of 4–5 days. VLSFO and LSMGO are available with lead times of 4–8 days this week, a source said.

Latin America and the Caribbean

In Panama, bunker fuel demand has picked up this week, with traders reporting more enquiries.

All three conventional grades are tight for prompt delivery this week, with lead times ranging between 5–7 days.

Availability remains patchy and supply conditions somewhat unsettled. "Recommending bookings at least a week in advance to ensure coverage," a trader tells ENGINE.

In Brazil, VLSFO and LSMGO availability is steady in Santos, with lead times of around 5–8 days advised.

In Rio de Janeiro both VLSFO and LSMGO grades are unavailable.

Availability is decent for both grades in OPL Sepetiba, Rio Grande, Belém, Salvador and Vila do Conde. 4-5 days of lead time is recommended.

Paranaguá has normal VLSFO availability with lead times between in 4–5 days, and LSMGO is available subject to enquiry, a trader tells ENGINE.

In Itaqui, the earliest delivery date for VLSFO is 1-2 days out. LSMGO is currently unavailable in the port.

In Argentina’s Zona Comun, disruptions are possible from 24–28 February amid periods of strong wind gusts. Deliveries may be suspended if wind speeds exceed 20 knots, in accordance with local authority regulations.

Lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO at the anchorage are currently between 7-10 days.

By Gautamee Hazarika

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online