ENGINE: Americas Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

North America Bunker demand is strong at the US Gulf port of Houston, where all three conventional grades are tight for prompt supply.

Recommended lead times across HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO run from more than five days to a week, and some suppliers may ask for more than seven days, depending on the size of the enquiry, a trader said.

Vessel traffic through the Houston Ship Channel will face night-time closures from late December, when construction begins on a new bridge at Beltway 8, a ship agency said. Ships will not be allowed to transit beneath the bridge while a closure is in force. The closures are expected to run every other night from 1800 to 0400 hrs local time, and to continue for the next 4-5 months.

At the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) anchorage, availability for all three fuel grades is tight this week.

This story was originally published by Hellenic Shipping News. Read the full story at Hellenic Shipping News →