News Archive Feb 2007

28 Feb Hybrid engine to reduce emissions
Port authority sponsoring diesel/electric project to improve air quality.
In Full
28 Feb US oil products stocks decline
Crude stocks are up but key products down across the board, DOE report shows.
In Full
28 Feb O.W. Bunkers South Africa under new management
Interim management solution in place as Turnbull and Wild move on.
In Full
28 Feb Castrol expects boost from Nigerian deal
Deal is part of a renewed drive to fully utilize the potential of the Nigerian market.
In Full
28 Feb Bunker fuel pollution danger over
Government says risk of a major oil pollution incident from the MSC Napoli has passed.
In Full
28 Feb Abrupt switch to distillates 'not feasible'
European refining industry warns against rushing through a global distillate proposal at the IMO.
In Full
28 Feb Congestion continues in Rotterdam
28 Feb Tankstore adds storage space in Singapore
Oil storage operator set to increase its capacity by more than 200,000 m³ next month.
In Full
28 Feb Aramco, ExxonMobil offer fuel oil cargoes
A total of 170,000-180,000 mt of high-viscosity fuel oil on offer for late-March loading.
In Full
27 Feb US bunker prices poised to firm
Markets expecting higher numbers as fundamentals continue to strengthen.
In Full
27 Feb Fuel costs add to cruise line woes
Cruise operator reporting 2006 loss as costs escalate.
In Full
27 Feb Staff changes at O.W. Singapore
27 Feb NOL result hit hard by bunker costs
Cost per FEU higher due to fuel expenses which rose by $237 million in 2006.
In Full
27 Feb ARA market stays firm Tuesday morning
27 Feb Singapore supply extends tight run
Short-term supply squeeze triggered by a fuel oil cargo reported to be off-spec.
In Full
27 Feb Bunker fuel squeeze in Hong Kong
Shortage of key grade 380 cst bunker fuel as traders look to cargo arrivals from early-March.
In Full
27 Feb Chemoil eyes larger Singapore storage capacity
Chemoil's latest purchase, a 250,000 m³ VLCC, to be deployed in Singapore waters.
In Full
26 Feb Supplier offers special 'bunker only' rate
Ex-pipe bunker calls at Curaçao receiving discounted calling costs.
In Full
26 Feb Second cold ironing meeting to discuss new regulations
California agency convening March meeting to consider way forward for pending shore power rules.
In Full
26 Feb Barge trouble in South Africa
Cape Town's barge operations ceased and reduced capacity in Durban.
In Full
26 Feb New kit from Kittiwake
Upgraded portable lube oil test system can provide analysis of water in oil and TBN in minutes.
In Full
26 Feb Chemoil chief predicts continued strong growth after record year
Chemoil delivers 16.8% profit increase, Chandran 'not happy' with current share price.
In Full
26 Feb Rotterdam market remains firm
26 Feb Singapore confirms basic design consultant for oil caverns
Next up, appointment of contractor for the detailed design and construction of the underground oil caverns.
In Full
26 Feb Cluster of Chinese ports offering competitive prices
Bunkerworld now shows prices from China's Shenzhen port region. Data shows they are competitive to Hong Kong.
In Full
23 Feb Arctic spill fine handed out
Shipowner pleading guilty after fuel unloading incident.
In Full
23 Feb Cruise lines agree to low-sulphur fuels
Port implementing new emissions controls with fuel and shore power requirements.
In Full
23 Feb Personnel changes at D&NW
One newcomer, one departure and one returnee at London broker.
In Full
23 Feb New face at GAC Bunker Fuels
23 Feb ARA barge market quiet again
23 Feb Bunker spill 'under control'
A bunker spill in the Malacca Strait caused by a collision is expected to be cleared by the weekend.
In Full
23 Feb Container group to hike bunker surcharges
Bunker surcharges and freight rates to increase on expectations of higher operating costs.
In Full
23 Feb Singapore registers lower trade index
Both domestic and foreign wholesale of ship chandlers & bunkering fell in Q4 2006.
In Full
22 Feb Bunkers slow to respond to year's record crude
Mixed picture from marine fuel markets as oil firming.
In Full
22 Feb Ship survey queries low-sulphur fuel use
California agency asking for engine and fuel details from visiting ships.
In Full
22 Feb Chemoil announces Panama expansion
Chemoil gains another bunker barge with new joint venture.
In Full
22 Feb Rotterdam market continues firm run
22 Feb Singapore: Residual fuel stocks at 11-week high
22 Feb MPA lists top 20 Singapore suppliers by volume
BP has retained its position as the biggest supplier by volume in the world's largest bunkering port.
In Full
22 Feb Oil closes above $60
Shutdown of refinery in Texas and Iran's defiance in the face of UN sanctions on nuclear issue have lifted oil prices.
In Full
22 Feb KIC to build bunker terminal
New terminal may allow Malaysia to offer bunker prices at competitive levels compared to Singapore.
In Full
22 Feb Aegean buys double-hull for floating storage
Aegean also expects delivery of eight newbuilds and aims to add two new service centers in 2007.
In Full
21 Feb Rail strike hits Vancouver hard
Container terminal congestion and concerns over bunker avails as port paralysed.
In Full
21 Feb US legislation will not lower bunker sulphur levels
New act allowing US to enforce Annex VI but no mention of 1.5%.
In Full
21 Feb West African 'hub' for marine lubricants
Nigerian firm in landmark deal with BP-Castrol for marine lubricant blending and marketing.
In Full
21 Feb No 'EU position' on Annex VI yet
Reports that the EU will urge IMO to back distillates are premature.
In Full
21 Feb Rotterdam market very quiet
21 Feb Matson to increase bunker surcharge
New bunker fuel surcharges to be effective from March 11 this year.
In Full
21 Feb Bunker supplies recovering in Japan
Prices in Tokyo Bay fall on muted bunker demand.
In Full
20 Feb Prices move little on US markets
Tentative reactions to crude shifts, while buyer takes a large stem in Los Angeles.
In Full
20 Feb US seeks stricter Annex VI enforcement
EPA joining emissions debate with new draft proposal.
In Full
20 Feb Nigerian government wants bunkering progress
Minister says regulations will be introduced to fulfil Nigeria's legal bunkering potential.
In Full
20 Feb Emissions debate rages on
ICS maintains importance of 'goal-based' approach and says its emission paper to IMO is majority view despite HKSA dissent.
In Full
20 Feb Collision causes bunker spill
Tanker departs while container vessel needs repairs after collision in the Strait of Malacca.
In Full
20 Feb Congestion reported in Rotterdam
20 Feb Japan: New group e-mail for Itochu
19 Feb Oil market stable, OPEC says
Cartel not wanting prices too high, strict compliance to output cuts not necessary.
In Full
19 Feb Spill averted after tank barge explosion
One crew member killed another requiring helicopter evacuation.
In Full
19 Feb European agency wants oil spill vessels
EMSA to tender for additional response vessels to "top-up" anti-pollution capabilities.
In Full
19 Feb Strategic changes at Statoil
Fuel and Bunker organisation now centralised in Norway but move into Danish market considered in light of company's LSFO experience.
In Full
19 Feb Bunker industry omitted from emissions workshop
IBIA not invited to seminar seeking to identify coordinated EU position on proposals to amend Annex VI.
In Full
19 Feb Sonsub getting ready for Solar I operation
Uncertainty about how much oil remains on sunken tanker.
In Full
19 Feb ARA market quite stable Monday morning
16 Feb Crude up while bunkers stay steady
US bunker markets quiet but oil prices on the move upwards again.
In Full
16 Feb Carnival closes South American suppliers
16 Feb Canada tags $6 million for cold ironing
Shore power funding announced as part of new 'ecoFreight' initiatives.
In Full
16 Feb Japanese whaler's fuel safe, for now
Mixed views over spill potential and next move not clear for stranded vessel.
In Full
16 Feb Durban bunkering pipeline due for downtime
Bunker fuel supply in the port will be restricted for around three days.
In Full
16 Feb Record year for WW despite bunker hedge losses
Profits rise at Scandinavian shipping group despite hedging losses and lower result from partner WWL.
In Full
16 Feb IBIA announces new council members
Three out, three in, after IBIA annual general meeting.
In Full
16 Feb Rotterdam market stable, barges reported tight
16 Feb Industry must strive for 'best practice'
New chairman says IBIA must 'get involved' and build consensus on 'best practice'.
In Full
15 Feb Bunker firm appoints new manager
Mexican supplier looking to boost customer service.
In Full
15 Feb New supplier to start bunkering
Fuel retailer planning to offer marine fuel by the end of May.
In Full
15 Feb Bunker spill threatens pristine environment
Fears raised over fuel oil as whaling ship continuing to burn.
In Full
15 Feb ARA market stable this morning
15 Feb Singapore: Stocks of residual fuels up, middle distillates down
15 Feb Australia tight on bunker products
Prices surge on supply tightness which is expected to last until March.
In Full
15 Feb Pressure mounts on Singapore suppliers again
Market unsettled by recent probes, puts 'light touch' approach in doubt.
In Full
14 Feb New York welcomes new barges
Barging operator continuing to introduce newbuilds, increased capacity.
In Full
14 Feb Bunker market reforms moving ahead
Positive results from report as Panama industry association getting underway with changes.
In Full
14 Feb Oil market shrugs of US inventory draws
Expectations of warmer weather eases supply concerns despite DOE report showing high demand and fall in stocks.
In Full
14 Feb Rotterdam market stable at midday
14 Feb Chemoil prepares for shopping spree
Chemoil's board proposes acquisition of six corporations, including Singapore's Helios Terminal and vessel owners.
In Full
14 Feb Outgoing IBIA chairman backs residual fuels
Gregory predicts that by 2010, 50% of newbuilds will have scrubbers.
In Full
14 Feb Crude prices rally on oil demand report
Latest monthly report by the IEA suggests a rise in global oil demand this year.
In Full
13 Feb US prices in the red
Weakening bunker prices but fluctuating crude and fuel oil markets keeping everyone guessing.
In Full
13 Feb Port delays leave bunker market untouched
Crisis meetings looking to resolve cargo problems while bunker demand expanding.
In Full
13 Feb US gasoline policy could aid switch to distillates
Reduction in gasoline consumption could provide marine industry with distillates to replace fuel oil says Viswa Lab founder.
In Full
13 Feb Bunker Holdings expands in Kerch area
Additional barge means operations in both Russian and Ukrainian territorial waters.
In Full
13 Feb Owners warned to heed MARPOL requirements
Increasing pressure on owners to curb marine pollution or face the consequences.
In Full
13 Feb Rotterdam market very quiet
13 Feb Singapore posts strong January bunker sales
January bunker sales at more than two million mt, but down 15% month-on-month.
In Full
13 Feb Singapore fuel shortage easing
Bunker quotes may be limited this Friday as most Singapore bunker firms operating half-day.
In Full
12 Feb Minister praises 'balance' as oil prices fall
Saudi Arabia hinting at OPEC production status quo but a different situation in March not ruled out.
In Full
12 Feb West Coast follows Asia down
Weakening prices as Los Angeles follows Singapore, but San Francisco staying firm.
In Full
12 Feb Carnival lowers fuel price prediction
Cruise company seeing lower bunker costs for 2007.
In Full
12 Feb Rotterdam market stable
12 Feb Korean researcher develops oil-absorbing balls
Oil-absorbing balls developed in South Korea effective even in soaking up 500 cst bunker fuel.
In Full
12 Feb HKSOA disagrees with ICS emission paper
The Hong Kong Shipowners' Association rejects views in an ICS emission paper put forth for updating MARPOL Annex VI.
In Full
12 Feb MPA: Bunker industry will be regulated with 'a light touch'
Singapore official defends port's record on fuel quality and points to ''unique'' set of standards and procedures protecting buyers and sellers.
In Full
09 Feb US prices part ways
Mixed market signals as Asia down but crude up.
In Full
09 Feb Annex VI could threaten local pollution measures
California fuel rules may be superceded by federal-level legislation.
In Full
09 Feb Report: Shell returns to Platts window
Major places offer on Platts Singapore fuel-oil trading window after a break of almost three months.
In Full
09 Feb Gibraltar bunker sales dip
Western Mediterranean hub sees bunker sales fall in 2006.
In Full
09 Feb Barge delivery starts in South East African port
Bunker company plans to grow Maputo operation.
In Full
09 Feb Rotterdam market firms Friday morning
09 Feb Hong Kong faces heavy barge congestion
Congestion at the terminals to ease only after Chinese New Year, local bunker traders say.
In Full
09 Feb Barge with heaters debuts in Hong Kong
Supplier takes takes delivery of barge with heating devices to allow delivery of 500 cst bunker product.
In Full
09 Feb East Asian ports apply holiday surcharges
Bunker delivery surcharges to be imposed in many ports during Chinese New Year holidays.
In Full
08 Feb Crude threatens $60, bunkers may firm
Oil markets push yearly high and firming across the board expected.
In Full
08 Feb US to implement Annex VI in 'six months'
Observers expecting MARPOL pollution legislation to allow enforcement later this year.
In Full
08 Feb Chemoil signs Fujairah joint venture
Storage terminal giving supplier operations in the world's three largest bunker markets.
In Full
08 Feb Bunker prices hit NYK profits
Fuel costs and falling container freight rates cast a shadow over 2006 results.
In Full
08 Feb Rotterdam: Some suppliers fully booked
08 Feb Singapore: Stocks of residual fuels at 14-month low
Onshore stocks of middle distillates also fell in the week ending February 7.
In Full
08 Feb Japan: January retroactive bunker price up
NYK, Nippon Oil agree retroactive bunker price.
In Full
08 Feb Singapore: Tunneling work begins on underground oil storage caverns
But start date for the caverns to become operational has been put back.
In Full
08 Feb Russian supplier opens Singapore trading arm
CEA Bunker eyes broader customer base and expansion with new head office in Singapore.
In Full
07 Feb Matson takes profit knock
Familiar story of bunker costs impacting on bottom line, but surcharges offset damage.
In Full
07 Feb 'Wild ride' in bunker market puts suppliers at risk
18 months of rising bunker prices have taken their toll with bad debts accumulating.
In Full
07 Feb Traders on buying spree in Rotterdam
Arbitrage gathers momentum as West/East spread remains wide.
In Full
07 Feb Shipping association warns against hasty anti-pollution rules
Rules to cut sulphur emissions should not inadvertently lead to an increase in greenhouse gases, says ICS.
In Full
07 Feb Strong prospects for container lines
Share prices surge as investment bank says downturn is over for container shipping lines.
In Full
07 Feb Price hikes unlikely to hurt Canal traffic
High bunker prices and strong charter rates mean Panama Canal will remain cost effective.
In Full
07 Feb Rotterdam market expected to remain firm
07 Feb Cold US weather supports oil prices
Crude oil prices settled near $59 per barrel as demand for US heating fuel climbs.
In Full
07 Feb Horizon to expand again on strong demand
Singapore's Horizon Terminal will add another 250,000 m³ of storage space by end-2007.
In Full
06 Feb Royal Caribbean makes fuel cost prediction
Cruise line seeing lower prices after high numbers impact last quarter's results.
In Full
06 Feb Slower ships save money in Long Beach
Port announcing increasing compliance with restrictions and lower fees.
In Full
06 Feb Fresh look at scrubbers
Wärtsilä says its marine scrubber portfolio will include scrubbers with a difference.
In Full
06 Feb Lube producers brace for REACH Legislation
New European chemicals legislation will challenge lube manufacturers but may have limited cost impact for marine lube buyers.
In Full
06 Feb ARA market remains firm
06 Feb Hopes fade for an end to Mumbai bunker crisis
State authorities "still deliberating" as bunker volumes fall.
In Full
06 Feb Asian market faces price surge
Taiwan's CPC raises posted prices to curb "huge buying demand" from owners searching for fuel in tight East Asian market.
In Full
05 Feb Weaker oil gives little bunker price relief
Crude shy of $60 but key US markets firming to open week.
In Full
05 Feb Tesoro scoops up Shell refinery
Refining and marketing company expanding operations with refinery and terminal purchase.
In Full
05 Feb Double-digit growth predicted for global shipping
Growth in Asia and Middle East boosting demand for shipping and port expansion.
In Full
05 Feb Singapore's carbon footprint skewed by bunkers
Report puts Singapore per capita energy consumption near top of list and above US.
In Full
05 Feb ARA market holds firm
05 Feb Cruise vessel in Antarctic pollution alert
Fuel leaks into water during transfer to reduce spill risk following grounding.
In Full
05 Feb Bunker oil slick spotted
The Philippine Coast Guard find bunker oil in a mangrove area in Palawan.
In Full
05 Feb Titan seeks calmer seas
Titan CEO seeks to reduce earnings volatility and to address concerns regarding its single-hulled vessels ahead of MARPOL regulation.
In Full
02 Feb Owners blame bunker prices for weak results
Ship operators hope last year's bunker markets will prove an exception.
In Full
02 Feb BP to sell last UK refinery to Petroplus
BP is selling its last refinery in the UK to Petroplus Holdings.
In Full
02 Feb Durban suppliers challenge alert
Player says there is "no reason" to suspect IFO is not on spec.
In Full
02 Feb Napoli: French authorities say 'polluter will pay'
Oil washed ashore in France is from the stricken container vessel. UK minister says beaching ship on English coast prevented "serious, long-term environmental damage".
In Full
02 Feb Rotterdam market extends firm run
02 Feb Aegean to launch series of new supply operations
Phasing out of single-hull tankers boosts company's prospects.
In Full
02 Feb Hong Kong prices attract buyers
Hong Kong still competitive against other East Asian ports as prices sky-rocket across the region.
In Full
02 Feb Singapore bunker premium surges
Acute shortage in fuel oil supplies pushed ex-wharf 380 cst bunker premium to 15-month high.
In Full
01 Feb Tight avails hit markets
Supplies dwindling in key US ports and shortages in Singapore also affecting prices today.
In Full
01 Feb PDVSA boosts barge fleet
Supplier launching two new barges to service Venezuelan ports.
In Full
01 Feb Greece to host unique Bunker Summit
Bunkerworld teams up with Petrospot to deliver a unique four-day Bunker Summit in Athens in May 8-11.
In Full
01 Feb BP Shipping in emissions control technology deal
First tanker with scrubbing equipment could soon be a reality.
In Full
01 Feb New Fuel Manager at ZIM
01 Feb 'Scrubbers are not the answer'
Shipping industry should support "a global 'one-fuel' solution" says owner.
In Full
01 Feb Rotterdam market continues to be firm
01 Feb Helios terminal will have 'competitive edge'
Marine fuel supplier still aims to acquire entire Singapore terminal.
In Full
01 Feb Singapore: Stocks of residual fuel and distillates down
01 Feb Singapore faces acute fuel oil shortage
Bad weather in the Baltic and Black Sea delays loadings for Asia-bound cargoes.
In Full
01 Feb Asia sees average Western cargo influx in March
More than two million mt of Western cargoes are expected into Asia in March.
In Full