News Archive Apr 2007

30 Apr Houston prices start week at record levels
Fuel oil adding to bullish trend as price spike continuing.
In Full
30 Apr Horizon fuel surcharge to rise
Shipowner joining Matson with higher charges for Pacific routes.
In Full
30 Apr PDVSA, Petrobras holiday Tuesday
30 Apr Car carrier to cut fuel consumption
K-line orders vessels to 'slow down' in crowded Japanese waters.
In Full
30 Apr Prices close to nine month high
Firming Asia fuel oil markets see Singapore bunker prices climb.
In Full
30 Apr EU onboard with IMO's Annex VI timetable
Commissioner Dimas pledges European support for global solutions to shipping emissions during meeting with IMO Secretary-General Mitropoulos.
In Full
30 Apr Uruguay market under pressure
But shortages in Montevideo could ease by the end of the week.
In Full
30 Apr New scrubber revealed at IBC
Advanced Vortex Chamber successfully tested on ships, but industry acceptance and take-up slow says one of four partners behind new scrubber.
In Full
27 Apr NuStar announces new appointment
Corporate appointment as new company seeking to 'capitalise on opportunities'.
In Full
27 Apr NYK expands cold-ironing ship capacity
New and existing vessels to be equipped to plug into shore power facilities.
In Full
27 Apr Dan Bunkering extends welcome mat again
Office of Danish supplier continuing to expand with appointment to bunkering team.
In Full
27 Apr EC approves refinery purchase
Regulators give Petroplus go ahead to buy UK plant.
In Full
27 Apr Strike threat in Antwerp
Beglium's refiners in negotiations to avert stoppage.
In Full
27 Apr Asian fuel oil markets expected to tighten
Worries over volumes of incoming cargoes.
In Full
27 Apr Rotterdam market remains tight
27 Apr Anti-pollution 'spy planes' spot five ships
Six countries join anti-pollution sweep of North Sea and English Channel.
In Full
27 Apr 28th IBC: No clear path to emission reductions
More questions than answers as speakers share thoughts on the way forward in limiting environmental impact of shipping.
In Full
26 Apr Supplier suspends IFO deliveries
Company redirecting its efforts to distillate supply and a new terminal facility.
In Full
26 Apr Aruba barge plans revealed
Supplier in process of evaluating requirements for improved delivery services.
In Full
26 Apr Indian port wants bunkering to grow
Kandla Port Trust prepares Feasibility Study on new bunkering facilities.
In Full
26 Apr Rotterdam market firm
26 Apr VIP speakers bolster line-up for Bunkerworld Forum
Opening addresses from Christiforos Tzouvanakis, Chairman of the Vestalco Group and George Gratsos, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping.
In Full
26 Apr Bulgarian supplier offering IFO
Petromar importing product to sell in Varna and Bourgas.
In Full
26 Apr Dispute still threatening bunker plans
Reports say Malaysian cabinet has been asked to intervene.
In Full
25 Apr Bunker prices keep firming in US
Numbers still heading higher as supply concerns creeping into markets.
In Full
25 Apr Freeport: MGO supply boost
25 Apr Chemoil to expand clean product trading
Company in talks with Singapore authorities to enlarge its storage facility on Jurong Island by 40%.
In Full
25 Apr Support for emissions trading is growing
But there won't be a scheme in place in time for the SECA that comes into force in August.
In Full
25 Apr EMTA to raise BAFs by nearly 20%
Bunker charges on the rise for the third straight month.
In Full
25 Apr New interest in buying Fujairah refinery
Oil trading and marketing company in talks with refinery owners, says report.
In Full
25 Apr Rotterdam market stable Wednesday morning
25 Apr Taiwan's state oil company predicts softer crude prices
Oil prices to be under $60 per barrel on average this year, says chairman of Chinese Petroleum Corp.
In Full
25 Apr Singapore Petroleum Company sees profits jump
Q1 profits surge on improved refining margins.
In Full
25 Apr Sharp rise in DNVPS tests of 500 cst fuel samples
Higher viscosity fuel presenting few major quality issues, says global fuel testing company.
In Full
24 Apr Port pollution experts praised
Maritime industry group recognising contribution of port scientists to reducing air pollution in California.
In Full
24 Apr ARACON 2007: We Want YOUR Views
Amsterdam to host 2nd ARACON in October 2007, still time to enter delegate prize draw.
In Full
24 Apr New supply of low sulphur MGO in Mediterranean
Kali Limenes bunker station ready to meet growing demand for low sulphur product.
In Full
24 Apr Green groups lament IMO 'delay'
FOE says ship and oil industry lobbyists have scuttled efforts to limit ship emissions.
In Full
24 Apr Sensor range offers 'early warning system'
Latest sensor for ship use offers early indications of engine failure and points to potential lubricant savings.
In Full
24 Apr Low sulphur demand hard to predict
Major supplier says low sulphur product could become 10%-20% of UK South Coast market.
In Full
24 Apr Rotterdam market quiet but firm Tuesday morning
24 Apr UK's largest bunker barge comes on station
EMMF says the delivery vessel will help grow its UK South Coast market.
In Full
24 Apr IBIA renews call against 'unworkable' rules
Safety certificates should not become certificates of bunker quality.
In Full
24 Apr HK bunker demand thin
Players blame high prices compared to US West Coast.
In Full
24 Apr Matson ups bunker surcharge
Fuel surcharge increased by 1.25%.
In Full
23 Apr US prices set to firm
23 Apr New office and key appointment for Cockett
Office opens in Australia with manager that will focus on developing business in Indian sub continent.
In Full
23 Apr INTERTANKO praises commitment to swift Annex VI action
IMO Secretary General's initiative will keep Annex VI revisions on track and 'put an end to any misinformation'.
In Full
23 Apr New manager for O.W. in South Africa
New team taking shape as manager makes the move from Danish head office.
In Full
23 Apr Rotterdam market firming
23 Apr ICS satisfied with 'ambitious' IMO agenda
Applauds decision not to opt for 'simplistic single solution without a proper analysis of the implications'.
In Full
23 Apr Titan appoints President to lead China operations
Key appointment to spearhead the development of its rapidly growing business in China.
In Full
23 Apr Gwadar port gets bunker oil import duty relief
Tax incentives for port developers include duty exemption for bunker oil for 40 years.
In Full
20 Apr San Francisco grabs West Coast business
Prices diving as supplier shifting barrels to cost-conscious customers.
In Full
20 Apr Engine maker MANages top profit result
Sales drive profit increase with order books already filled.
In Full
20 Apr No decision in sulphur debate
IMO chief calls for a 'specialist group' to consider all options for controlling emissions from ships.
In Full
20 Apr Pollution control 'not as simple' as switching to distillates
BP Marine’s Director of Environment and Sustainability calls for "informed, rational and coherent" debate.
In Full
20 Apr Worrying sodium trend reversed
Curious fuel irregularities appear to have abated this month.
In Full
20 Apr BP Marine relocates sales office
Rotterdam team to take over bunker sales previously handled in the UK.
In Full
20 Apr Rotterdam market holds steady
20 Apr Vopak expands Singapore storage capacity
Total storage capacity in Singapore will grow to 2.6 million m³ in 2008.
In Full
20 Apr Nigerian Government approves bunker licences in Niger Delta
Presidential committee says stronger bunker industry would provide employment, add value to refinery operations and increase trade.
In Full
20 Apr Singapore supplies stage recovery
Bunker prices easing this week but softer trend may not hold for long.
In Full
19 Apr US prices see little change
Crude turning bearish but bunker markets waiting to assess impact.
In Full
19 Apr Work on new shipping channel facing fresh protests
Dredging project could open new bunkering opportunities, but political and environmental objections growing.
In Full
19 Apr 'Weeks' before Sea Diamond fuel removal
Fears grow of major oil spill the longer fuel recovery operation is put off.
In Full
19 Apr Bids invited to run oil storage facilites
Maltese government to privatise what is left of fromer bunker supplier's business activities.
In Full
19 Apr Rotterdam market stable
19 Apr Regional pollution controls will 'harm' shipping
IMO chief says SECAs should be decided only on the basis of 'compelling needs'.
In Full
19 Apr Singapore: Residual fuel stocks at 8-week high
Arrival of April cargoes boosting stocks.
In Full
19 Apr OPEC members breaching production quotas, Iran says
But Iranian oil minister says oil prices are stable and there is no need for the cartel to meet.
In Full
19 Apr Recycling gives used lubes value
New technology could remove temptation to 'dump' used lubes in bunker fuel.
In Full
18 Apr New barges for NuStar
Bunker supplier updating and upgrading barge fleet over next 18 months.
In Full
18 Apr ConocoPhillips expands European ship supply operations
Direct sales to ships of LSFO from own refineries begins in UK with moves afoot for similar service in Germany.
In Full
18 Apr Arbitration court asked to intervene in St. Petersburg dispute
Supplier fights challenges to use of loading berth.
In Full
18 Apr EU won't wait for IMO action on CO2
Commission confirms plans to add ship emissions to CO2 trading scheme, green group says its 'not enough'.
In Full
18 Apr 'Bunker 60' publishes its final edition
Lloyd's List ends publication of its specialist marine-fuel news service.
In Full
18 Apr Rotterdam market remains quiet
18 Apr China to issue 15 oil import licences
The 15 new firms will need to meet strict criteria before being granted the import licence.
In Full
18 Apr Pirate attacks fall in Southeast Asia
Report says attacks fell to their lowest level in five years in Q1, 2007.
In Full
18 Apr Maersk raises bunker surcharge
Surcharge to be increased on services between the Mediterranean and US/Canada
In Full
18 Apr Port authority, traders at odds on Busan sales
Busan Port Authority expects year-on-year bunker sales to increase, but traders think otherwise.
In Full
17 Apr Poll result: No end in sight for residual fuel
Industry survey concluding that tank switching and abatement will keep fuel oil bunkers in use.
In Full
17 Apr 28th IBC ready with 'Zero Emissions' agenda
International Bunker Conference opens next week in Stavanger, Norway's 'oil capital'.
In Full
17 Apr Agents want reform of South African bunker sector
Refiners have been 'very, very lax' in their treatment of the bunker market.
In Full
17 Apr New refinery offers first fuel oil tender
Product is likely to end up in the Fujairah bunker market.
In Full
17 Apr Sea Diamond's fuel still causing concern
Locals unhappy at slow pace of fuel recovery operation.
In Full
17 Apr OPEC lowers oil demand forecast
Oil cartel says there is no need to increase production quotas.
In Full
17 Apr Work to start on Singapore oil caverns in November
The first two underground oil storage caverns should be operational by December 2010.
In Full
17 Apr Tokyo prices competitive to neighbouring markets
Tokyo demand 'tame' despite prices dipping below Busan.
In Full
17 Apr Japan: February bonded bunker sales fall
Bonded bunker fuel sales dropped more than 20% both month-on-month and year-on-year.
In Full
16 Apr US bunker prices off the boil
Numbers easing amid quiet trading and slipping from record highs in major ports.
In Full
16 Apr Lubricant buyers to benefit from new service
Chevron's onboard drip oil analysis service aimed at 'loyal customers'.
In Full
16 Apr Sulphur solution may evade IMO
IMO sub-committe will struggle to find consensus this week as it meets to move forward MARPOL Annex VI revision.
In Full
16 Apr Scrubber coalition seeks to clear the air
Champions of scrubber technology hit back at objections.
In Full
16 Apr Quiet start to the week in Rotterdam
16 Apr Saudi Arabia seeks fair oil price
Saudi King says a fair oil price is needed to protect the interests of both consumer and producers.
In Full
16 Apr Singapore prices firm to nine-month high
Cargo values remain strong although some traders note no supply tightness.
In Full
13 Apr Friday the 13th brings bad luck for bunker buyers
Prices in major ports reaching record highs for the year, US Gulf avails tighten.
In Full
13 Apr NGO joins call for cleaner shipping
IMO needs to act or shipping may face unilateral EU action on emissions.
In Full
13 Apr Chevron to launch onboard drip oil analysis service
New service aims to help ship operators optimise lubricant usage as fuel oil quality varies.
In Full
13 Apr Congestion in Rotterdam market
13 Apr Rising voyage costs weigh down Britannia Bulk
Baltic operator says 45% rise in voyage expenses mainly due to increasing bunker and port costs.
In Full
13 Apr Singapore: March bunker sales dip
First quarter bunker sales up 13.7% from year-ago levels.
In Full
13 Apr Dialog, Trafigura to build Malaysia terminal
Rights have been awarded to Dialog Group to jointly develop tankage facilites with Trafigura Beheer BV.
In Full
13 Apr New Busan storage facility to import marine fuel
International traders and tank operators may soon be able to supply marine fuel into the South Korean bunker market.
In Full
13 Apr India concludes oil spill exercise
Mock exercise conducted in the Gulf of Kutch, which may see higher crude oil transportation traffic.
In Full
12 Apr US Gulf fuel oil heads for Asia
Arbitrage window open but concern that avails not sufficient to meet demand.
In Full
12 Apr China Shipping hedges to manage fuel costs
Shipowner looking to offset bunker price impact and reduce consumption.
In Full
12 Apr Marine Bunkering takes on temporary staff
12 Apr Greeks battle cruise ship bunker spill
Efforts ongoing to stem fuel leak from cruise ship which sank near Santorini.
In Full
12 Apr Rotterdam market remains tight
12 Apr Singapore: Stocks of residual fuels up
Stocks of middle distillates fall to 7-week low.
In Full
12 Apr Horizon Terminal expands capacity
Oil terminal adds capacity to meet Singapore's booming physical oil trade market.
In Full
12 Apr Hong Kong 180 cst supplies run 'dry'
Traders find it difficult to quote for bunker fuel stems above 500 mt.
In Full
11 Apr Crude could hit $80-100, experts say
Analysts predicting sky-high oil prices amid long-term bullish trend.
In Full
11 Apr New study reveals ship pollution levels
Ports looking at emissions measures as numbers raising concerns over ship movements.
In Full
11 Apr Oil prices firm after US inventory report
Latest drop means gasoline stocks have plunged 12% in the past nine weeks.
In Full
11 Apr Back to basics as Fratelli Cosulich marks 150th anniversary
Bunker tankers mark return to shipowning for family firm which aims for larger role in Singapore.
In Full
11 Apr EMERA & IPBCC raise bunker charges
Review of bunker costs prompt raised surcharges for cargoes from Middle East and Asia to Europe.
In Full
11 Apr Rotterdam market tight, prices rising
11 Apr Singapore prices rebound
Singapore bunker prices maintain slight competitive edge over Malaysia's Port Klang.
In Full
11 Apr Singapore: UBT moves to new office
11 Apr Korean marine fuel imports on the cards
Some refiners, however, maintain that cargo imports for the marine fuel market is 'prohibited'.
In Full
10 Apr Bunkers down despite crude price rally
10 Apr Fuel bill hits China Shipping bottom line
Profit reduced for 2006 and container line remaining cautious about 2007.
In Full
10 Apr Fujairah projects 'will go ahead'
Abu Dhabi's IPIC says it will go ahead with new oil refinery at Fujairah despite the possible withdrawal of JV partner.
In Full
10 Apr German owners launch bunker unit
Major owners to pool bunker buying with United Fuel Services.
In Full
10 Apr Rotterdam market quiet Tuesday morning
10 Apr Titan affirms interest in Chinese market
Titan Petrochemicals Group to establish stronger bunkering business in the Shanghai region.
In Full
10 Apr Mundra terminal to have new operator
Mundra Port, Indian Oiltanking in JV to build liquid products terminal with bunker fuel storage capacity.
In Full
09 Apr Oil slides as markets relax
Lower crude and fuel oil numbers seen as markets turning to refinery and stockpile issues.
In Full
09 Apr Indian supplier looks to local fuel sources
Adani Bunkering moving away from imports to sourcing all products from domestic refineries.
In Full
09 Apr Japan raises March bunker price
Retroactive bunker price up slightly as supply tightness persists.
In Full
09 Apr Titan chief upbeat on investment outlook
Nansha oil terminal to lease out 'not less than 85%' of total capacity to international or large Chinese customers.
In Full
06 Apr California gets new bunker barges
Barge operator launching two newbuilds and planning three further fleet additions.
In Full
06 Apr Not so good Friday in Genoa
Italian market open but with little activity apart from attempts to solve supply issues in Genoa.
In Full
06 Apr Slight slip noted in high viscosity fuel quality
Viswa Lab study indicates a slight deterioration in quality of increasingly popular fuels.
In Full
06 Apr Asian bunker fuel prices still firm
Demand is sluggish with brokers expecting prices to hold steady at current high levels early next week.
In Full
05 Apr Americas Easter weekend holidays advised
05 Apr Alaska Tanker, OOCL have 100% green record
Shipowners posting best figures for compliance with port's emissions control initiative.
In Full
05 Apr 2006 growth for Lubrizol
Lubricant additive supplier overcomes increases in raw material price and lower Q4 sales volumes.
In Full
05 Apr EMTA raises bunker surcharges again
New round of increases announced after review of bunker costs.
In Full
05 Apr Rotterdam market firms despite lower crude
05 Apr INTERTANKO: Scrubber retrofit 'not easy'
Tanker association continues to call for switch to distillates, cites difficulties with scrubber option.
In Full
05 Apr Australia: Gladstone supplies recover
Fresh cargoes have arrived to replenish marine fuel stocks.
In Full
04 Apr Oil dips on Iran news, bunkers follow
Crude prices easing but other factors holding the market above $64 as marine fuel prices slide.
In Full
04 Apr California issues fuel mix directive
Agency clarifying distillate requirements to meet auxiliary engine regulations.
In Full
04 Apr Emissions group will look for 'compromise'
IMO committee likely to call for a greater use of distillates and abatement technology.
In Full
04 Apr Concern over bunkers' sodium content
Viswa Lab findings in Ceuta and Barcelona confirmed by other agencies.
In Full
04 Apr Supplier favoured in sampling dispute
Lawyer describes ruling as 'significant'.
In Full
04 Apr ISO expands in yacht fuel sector
Global bunker player secures leading position in yacht fuel market with second acquisition.
In Full
04 Apr 'Clean Seas' award goes to WWL
'Low sulphur' shipping company wins award for second year running.
In Full
04 Apr ARA market very quiet
04 Apr Hong Kong prices 'to stay firm'
Players give mixed reports on demand and availability.
In Full
04 Apr Tight supplies likely to support Tokyo prices
Japanese refineries cutting back on bonded fuel supplies in April.
In Full
03 Apr US supplier re-brands
Service uninterrupted as one arm of company going its own way.
In Full
03 Apr Contract awarded for pipeline to Fujairah
Pipeline will allow oil exports to bypass Strait of Hormuz, feed new refinery.
In Full
03 Apr Supplier offers alternative in Freeport
FOCOL providing options for MGO supply in the Bahamas.
In Full
03 Apr Shipping firm opens bunker department
Team of two to look after bunkering needs of substantial global fleet.
In Full
03 Apr Distillate debate on collision course again
Senior Greek shipping figure slams 'misinformation' regarding emissions from ships.
In Full
03 Apr ARA market continues firm
03 Apr Busan port development could boost bunker sales
Busan Port Authority affirms plans to attract higher container traffic and improve port infrastructure.
In Full
03 Apr Soaring Dragon boosts fleet
Second bunker tanker with heating devices enters Hong Kong waters.
In Full
03 Apr Bunker supplies improve in Singapore
Bunker prices soften, demand remains below average.
In Full
02 Apr Port emissions dues plan underway
New scheme launched on April 1 is no joke as port offering reduced fees for clean fuels.
In Full
02 Apr Fuel oil transfer from damaged tanker complete
Gibraltar minister pleased with handling of incident.
In Full
02 Apr US rig fined for marine diesel spill
$70,000 penalty imposed for incident during fuel transfer.
In Full
02 Apr Director leaves Black Sea supplier
02 Apr Chemoil expands fleet
Oil tanker to be used for fuel oil transportation will reduce chartering costs, says CEO.
In Full
02 Apr ARA market holds firm Monday morning
02 Apr JP Morgan: Chemoil outlook bright
JP Morgan rates Chemoil's target share price at $1.00 per share and points to continued growth.
In Full
02 Apr France: Port workers' strike ends
Fos/Lavera oil terminals back in use.
In Full
02 Apr Philippine fuel oil recovery operation ends
Guimaras salvage operation has retrieved about nine mt of bunker fuel oil from sunken tanker.
In Full
02 Apr Operators should look at energy content
Global fuel testing agency says protecting the environment does not necessarily mean higher bunker costs.
In Full
02 Apr Singapore: Prestige moves to new location