News Archive Mar 2007

30 Mar Crude finally slips from record high
30 Mar Fos-Lavera strike blocking 39 tankers
No evidence of disruption to bunker markets outside the French Mediterranean ports.
In Full
30 Mar Clipper to get new Bunker Manager
Bunker trader moving to shipping side.
In Full
30 Mar Freeport: No MGO and warning for LNG ships
30 Mar Cruise ship scrubber trial confirmed
Regulators will watch HAL-BP cruise ship project to evaluate scrubber efficiency.
In Full
30 Mar Distillate shortages hit Cape Town
Bunker supplies are under pressure in two of South Africa's three main bunker ports.
In Full
30 Mar Fuel oil cargo coming off troubled tanker
Authorities in Gibraltar to oversee STS from Greek tanker towed to port after grounding.
In Full
30 Mar Engineering consultancy gives details of PTP hub
Modern terminal 'will place Malaysia at the heart of the World Petroleum Market'.
In Full
30 Mar ARA tight for prompt enquiries
30 Mar Titan signs shipyard acquisition option
Titan's Hong Kong listed arm signs MOU on a potential acquisition of a Chinese shipyard.
In Full
30 Mar Bunker demand holds steady in Shenzhen
Buyers slow to adjust purchasing patterns as new supplier undercuts regional rival.
In Full
30 Mar Singapore: Searights announces staff change
29 Mar Familiar fuel cost story for Cosco
Shipowner caught between rising fuel prices and falling freight rates.
In Full
29 Mar Uruguay supplier advises early Easter bookings
Congestion possible but Estimar reckons its improved barge capacity will help.
In Full
29 Mar Strike threatens French refineries
Bunkering still at a standstill as blockade of Fos Lavera continues.
In Full
29 Mar New bunker barges for Kuwait
KPC expects double-hull vessels to be deployed soon.
In Full
29 Mar New staff member at Dan-Bunkering
29 Mar Rotterdam market holds firm, Smit resumes services
29 Mar Refiners face 'immense problems'
Oil industry consultant says there are 'no easy solutions' in low-sulphur bunker debate.
In Full
29 Mar Singapore: Residual fuel stocks down, distillates up
29 Mar Cosmo offering spot bunker sales
Japanese refiner denies claims that supplies were interrupted.
In Full
29 Mar Fujairah: New figures suggest improved sales
Port official expects Fujairah bunker sales to hit 18 million mt by 2008.
In Full
28 Mar US Gulf bunker prices closing in on $300
Crude oil prices driving marine fuel to highest levels seen this year.
In Full
28 Mar Bunker costs hit Maersk's bottom-line
Freight rate surcharges only partially compensated increases in bunker prices.
In Full
28 Mar 'Insufficient data' to judge impact of SECA
Still too soon to say if Baltic sulphur emission control area has brought environmental benefits.
In Full
28 Mar India's bunker market shows signs of change
Private port operators now see bunkering as a natural extension of their business.
In Full
28 Mar Titan finds strategic investor
Private equity company to invest $175 million as China terminal plans move ahead.
In Full
28 Mar Rotterdam: Congestion at installations
28 Mar Tanjung Pelepas terminal moves ahead
Malaysian joint venture company says it has won the right to develop the petroleum hub and bunker terminal.
In Full
28 Mar Singapore premiums dip below $10
Buyers holding back and awaiting bunker prices to drop further.
In Full
28 Mar INTERTANKO appoints new chairman
Newly elected chairman Nick Fistes sets out his vision for the tanker industry.
In Full
27 Mar MAN opens Los Angeles facility
Engine maker expanding service offerings with new California branch.
In Full
27 Mar Steady volumes seen in Fujairah bunker market
Latest annual estimates show no growth from 2005 to 2006, suppliers concerned about competition.
In Full
27 Mar Annex VI close to law in US
Legislation enabling enforcement and SECA implementation moving ahead.
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27 Mar Norden result heads south
Hedging losses on FFAs and bunkers contribute to 47% slip in profits.
In Full
27 Mar Rotterdam: Market firms on higher crude/barges
27 Mar Tight market keeps Asian prices firm
Asian bunker prices have begun to stabilise after surging by $20-30 since March 14.
In Full
27 Mar Titan suspends share trading
Hong Kong Stock Exchange asked to wait for a 'transaction announcement'.
In Full
26 Mar Oil, US bunkers continue to rise
26 Mar Total Marine Fuels: More challenges for bunkering ahead
General manager seeing confidence in industry after 'annus horribilis'.
In Full
26 Mar Barges back in Libyan ports
Barge deliveries resuming at three major ports
In Full
26 Mar Ships overtake road traffic as worst polluter
Report says ships contribute more SOx than road traffic despite much smaller global fuel consumption.
In Full
26 Mar Mycorp signs Indonesian diesel supply contract
New contract for Mycorp to supply at least 250,000 mt of marine diesel monthly to 10 Indonesian ports.
In Full
26 Mar ARA market still firming
26 Mar Philippine supplier expands operations
Hoya Marine now services another Philippine port, in addition to Subic Bay.
In Full
26 Mar China: Another move towards ending oil monopoly
The Chinese government has published guidelines for firms seeking to enter its oil market.
In Full
26 Mar Guimaras salvage recovers trapped oil
At least 5 mt of fuel oil recovered; reports say Petron Corp will not be charged with criminal liability.
In Full
23 Mar Iran's muscle flexing pushes crude to record high
Bunker prices firming as markets unsettled over Gulf incident and rising oil prices.
In Full
23 Mar South African ports reopen after storms
Bunker suppliers struggle to meet demand backlog
In Full
23 Mar Strike still hitting bunker operations
French bunker hub close to a standstill as oil traffic is halted.
In Full
23 Mar Call for SECAs in Mediterranean, North Atlantic and Pacific Rim
Marine fuel standards should be no different to other sectors, says new report on ship generated pollution.
In Full
23 Mar Rotterdam market continues to firm
23 Mar Taiwan prices firm on regional shortage
CPC posted prices move higher ahead of expected demand spike as shortages in other regional markets begin to bite.
In Full
23 Mar BP to transport US bunker fuel
US military charters BP tanker to transport bunker fuel from Singapore to Guam.
In Full
23 Mar New report urges curb on HK shipping emissions
A study has urged the Hong Kong government to work with shipping companies to reduce emissions.
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23 Mar Singapore bunker premiums jump
Tight prompt avails pushed bunker premiums over $10 pmt.
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23 Mar Cockett supplies at Bandar Abbas
Bunkerworld now shows indications for 380 cst product at the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas.
In Full
22 Mar K-line joins low-sulphur bunker club
Shipowner announcing new distillate fuel policy for US West Coast.
In Full
22 Mar Norway declares its support for distillates
Government ministers welcome "aggressive, long-term" solution to pollution from ships.
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22 Mar Dan-Bunkering welcomes new staff
Trader joining an expanding Middelfart team.
In Full
22 Mar Mega-container ship to resume sea trials
Problem with fuel feed was behind sea trial glitch.
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22 Mar UK consultant joins debate on market size
Lack of consensus over bunker consumption a challenge to legislators.
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22 Mar Rotterdam market firms Thursday morning
22 Mar Singapore: Residual fuel stocks at one-month high
Build in onshore stocks fail to depress bunker prices.
In Full
22 Mar Asian bunker prices surge
Tight supplies in most Asian ports cause bunker prices to rise.
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22 Mar OPEC pledges sufficient supply
Oil supplies sufficient to meet demand in an anticipated robust world economy.
In Full
22 Mar Oil prices rise slightly
Plunge in US stocks of gasoline pushed oil prices up slightly.
In Full
21 Mar Two vessel groundings, one fuel spill
Separate incidents in the Americas leading to small quantity of fuel spilled.
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21 Mar Omani supplier restructures and upgrades
Oasis Energy ends joint venture and begins to expand.
In Full
21 Mar Mexico's state oil company to supply in Panama
Pemex signs agreement with bunker terminal operator.
In Full
21 Mar Malta sees bunker sales grow
Market recovering after restructuring triggered sharp fall in bunker volumes.
In Full
21 Mar Strike still disrupting bunker deliveries
Only RTW deliveries possible in French bunker hub.
In Full
21 Mar Rotterdam: Smit strike still on
21 Mar Aegean Tiffany arrives in Singapore
Aegean Bunkering now operates two double-hulled bunker tankers with total capacity close to 6,000 dwt.
In Full
21 Mar Asia: Fuel oil prices likely to be volatile
Insufficient storage space and poorer quality fuel upset price stability and cause supply disruptions.
In Full
21 Mar Guimaras salvage team penetrate tanker's hold
No oil found in first cargo tank of sunken Solar I after drilling operation begins.
In Full
21 Mar Singapore prompt dates pushed back
Prompt delivery dates as far back as early-April on tight availability.
In Full
20 Mar Bunker spill hits Italian coast
Heavy weather hampering response efforts as leaking fuel tank causes spill.
In Full
20 Mar California SECA mooted for 2010
State proposing main engine fuel rules based on local regulations already in place.
In Full
20 Mar Rotterdam: Smit strike continues
20 Mar US army seeks tanker for bunker transport
More than 20,000 mt of 380 cst bunker fuel to be transported from Singapore to Guam.
In Full
20 Mar Oiltanking builds first Indonesia oil storage
Deregulated oil industry spurs company to build first ever independent terminal.
In Full
20 Mar Japan: Tight supply reduces bonded bunker exports
January bonded bunker exports fell 14.6% year-on-year.
In Full
20 Mar CO2 pollution could rise on low-sulphur refining
Global pollution levels could increase on attempts to cut sulphur emissions from ships, industry source warning.
In Full
19 Mar Bunker prices start to slide
19 Mar APL makes unilateral low-sulphur bunker switch
Cuts of up to 80% in harmful emissions predicted as shipowner making fuel shift.
In Full
19 Mar Rotterdam market firm
19 Mar Rotterdam: High viscosity demand grows
Petroval confirms it is taking more storage space to keep pace with 500 cst demand.
In Full
19 Mar Asian ship operators urged to discuss Malacca costs
Voluntary funding needs further consultation: mandatory moves will not be popular, SSA says.
In Full
19 Mar Singapore bunker supplies improve
Bunker fuel supplies have improved from one week ago; no signs of tight ex-wharf loadings.
In Full
16 Mar APL, port receive environmental awards
Black-tie event honouring innovative initiatives and leadership.
In Full
16 Mar Carnival predicts higher bunker costs
Fuel price being revised upward as cruise company releasing quarterly results.
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16 Mar ARA supplier to increase storage space
Frisol Bunkering is building four new tanks with a combined space of 120,000 cubic metres.
In Full
16 Mar Rotterdam bunker market stable, barge market firming
16 Mar Bunkering halted at French port
Workers at Marseilles-Fos-Lavera hub block loading terminals.
In Full
16 Mar CCIC opens Singapore oil test lab
Chinese testing company opens lab in Singapore to certify petroleum products going in and out of China.
In Full
16 Mar HK prices firm as supply tightens
Fuel oil cargoes that arrived last week have been fully committed.
In Full
16 Mar OPEC keeps output unchanged
'The market is stable, the market is healthy,' says cartel official.
In Full
15 Mar Houston prices hold steady
15 Mar Big cat moves Russian oil terminal
Two-year battle to save the habitat of endangered cat sees oil terminal moved from originally proposed site.
In Full
15 Mar Rotterdam cuts sulphur emissions
Rotterdam port service companies and public services committed to virtually sulphur-free fuel for their vessels.
In Full
15 Mar Promotions at Dan-Bunkering
15 Mar EMTA raises bunker surcharges
Container lines raise European bunker surcharges, reminds customers of Baltic Low Sulphur Fuel Surcharge.
In Full
15 Mar Rotterdam market increasing further
15 Mar Ladyman: UK to push CO2 agenda at the IMO
UK supports further reduction of sulphur emissions from ships, but minister says reducing greenhouse gases is "overriding goal."
In Full
15 Mar Minister praises SEAaT initiative
UK minister urges shipping to be proactive in tackling emissions or face more regulations.
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15 Mar Vessels wanted for oil spill response
EMSA releases fresh tenders for contingency emergency vessels - almost $25.1 million put aside.
In Full
15 Mar Residual fuel stocks rebound in Singapore
Onshore stocks of residual fuel rose while middle distillate fell in the week ended March 14.
In Full
15 Mar New contact details for Frisol Bunkering (HK) Ltd
15 Mar Australia: Gladstone tight on supplies
Record bunker sales in January and February leave stocks low.
In Full
14 Mar Engine makers 'ready to tackle' new rules
Industry association responding to new EPA rules for diesel engine emission standards.
In Full
14 Mar Ships 'should pay' to use Malacca Strait
Japanese aid donor suggesting toll to raise $40 million a year to improve navigation and safety.
In Full
14 Mar Bunker project takes another step forward
Work on new Sri Lankan bunker hub to start within three months.
In Full
14 Mar Salvage of Guimaras undersea oil begins
Undersea salvage operations aim to retrieve more than 1,000 mt of fuel oil.
In Full
14 Mar ARA market firms Wednesday morning
14 Mar Universal Terminal close to capacity
Singapore's Universal Terminal 80% committed, nine months before completion.
In Full
14 Mar Singapore: February bunker sales up 18.3%
February bunker sales highest for over a year.
In Full
14 Mar Pakistan holds off 380 cst imports, for now
Pakistan's biggest bunker supplier says it may still be possible to secure 380 cst imports 'within this year.'
In Full
13 Mar Stable prices for 07 predicted
Crude prices could be $55-65 for remainder of year, OPEC member saying.
In Full
13 Mar Port boosts environmental role
Chief scientist promoted to new position as port gives high-level focus to clean air.
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13 Mar Oil dumping fined in Australia
Successful prosecution of Panamanian car carrier reported by another vessel.
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13 Mar Return to Praxis
Former broker returns to take up position in management team.
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13 Mar Marine lubes and additive companies in supply deal
Chevron Fuel & Marine Marketing to complement global marine lubricants product line with fuel additives from Infineum.
In Full
13 Mar ARA market defies soft crude
13 Mar Cargoes arrive to ease Hong Kong supply squeeze
Prices soften as shortage of 380 cst alleviated.
In Full
13 Mar OPEC leaves output options open
Cartel would be 'flexible' at its Thursday meeting on oil production for the coming months.
In Full
13 Mar Singapore: Transocean Oil buys Titan barges
Singapore bunker supplier acquires three single-hulled barges at a 'fair price.'
In Full
12 Mar Bunker markets in US slow to respond to weaker oil
12 Mar US bags another magic pipe offender
Hefty fines and possible jail time as authorities launching pollution prosecution.
In Full
12 Mar Smit strike ended by court
Court case initiated by refinery sector ends strike and regulates future action.
In Full
12 Mar Fuel costs hurt OOIL profit
11% drop in 2006 profit, but shareholders to cash in on sale of terminals.
In Full
12 Mar Vopak predicts continued double-digit profit growth
Global storage operator will boost capacity by more than 1.7 m³ in 2007 and 2008.
In Full
12 Mar Prompt supply reported tight in Rotterdam
12 Mar Global Energy targets JV or IPO options
Singapore bunker supplier is planning either to penetrate the Chinese market or to launch an IPO this year.
In Full
12 Mar MPA publishes Singapore bunker quality values
Singapore's average tested values of bunker samples are updated every month on a MPA website.
In Full
09 Mar Bunkers stay steady, for now
Little movement in US prices but some softening expected with improving avails.
In Full
09 Mar Ship emissions 'lower' than expected
New study pointing the finger at ship pollution but good news in the fine print.
In Full
09 Mar IMO: We have CO2 action plan
IMO says any attempt to play the shipping industry against the aviation sector 'seems futile and meaningless'.
In Full
09 Mar Sri Lankan players would welcome new bunker hub
Hambantota project could bring down bunker prices in Colombo.
In Full
09 Mar Limited activity in ARA barge market
09 Mar OPEC output likely to remain unchanged
Analysts expect cartel to keep output steady when it meets on March 15.
In Full
09 Mar Singapore grapples with shortages
Local suppliers rush to clear backlog of orders on arrival of fresh cargoes.
In Full
08 Mar Hybrid-powered tug at 'leading edge'
Foss securing more funding for its dual power, diesel and electric vessel.
In Full
08 Mar Portable viscosity meter saves time
Supplier seeing benefit from conducting viscosity checks "quickly and accurately".
In Full
08 Mar Staff changes at GAC Bunker Fuels
08 Mar BP Marine looks at challenge of environmental regulations
Hong Kong conference will help players operate against background of tighter controls.
In Full
08 Mar Fujairah shortages drive up fuel oil prices
Middle East Gulf players look for product to make-up for Iranian shortfall.
In Full
08 Mar NYK agrees price hike for February bunkers
Retroactive bunker price climbs almost $23 per metric tonne, but still undercuts spot prices.
In Full
08 Mar ARA market: Smit strike continues
08 Mar Singapore: Stocks of distillates up, residual fuels down
08 Mar Tokyo bunker prices fall sharply
Weakening prices may help the market to shrug off current thin demand.
In Full
08 Mar Oil prices rise on fall in US crude stocks
Crude oil prices further supported by push for tougher sanctions by US on Iran.
In Full
08 Mar Singapore takes bunker cargo from Venezuela
07 Mar Colombian bunker supplier staff change
07 Mar Supplier rejects fuel quality alert
Concern over 'confusion' for buyers as impact of warning widening.
In Full
07 Mar 'Too early' to judge Fujairah fuel oil futures contract
Market needs 'familiarisation and eduction'.
In Full
07 Mar Cape Town still without barge
Return of the 'Pelican' will probably be delayed.
In Full
07 Mar Rotterdam: Smit strike continues for another 24 hours
07 Mar New bunker facility will take three years to build
First phase of Sri Lanka's Hambantota port project includes building a $87 million bunkering terminal.
In Full
07 Mar Delayed cargoes aggravate HK shortage
Fuel oil cargoes re-scheduled to arrive from March 9 onwards.
In Full
07 Mar Singapore accredited suppliers down to 75
Singapore-based firm has recently given up its bunkering licence.
In Full
06 Mar Kennedy snubs Norfolk, takes bumper Boston stem
Carrier choosing to fill up with gasoil before final voyage to Florida.
In Full
06 Mar US EPA proposes new engine standards
Agency targeting emissions reductions across the board.
In Full
06 Mar New face at Bunker Holdings
Trader leaves one Cyprus-based supplier for another.
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06 Mar BP to gain full control over Rotterdam refinery
Deal seen as continued reduction of Chevron's European presence.
In Full
06 Mar Scrubbers 'will be part of the solution'
Krystallon convinced scrubbers will play growing part in ship emissions control, even above and beyond LSFO or distillates.
In Full
06 Mar ARA market: Smit strike started again
06 Mar Iran says 'no' to reduced OPEC production
Iran's OPEC governor says current demand and supply equilibrium is healthy.
In Full
06 Mar Satellites take role of 'environmental police'
EMSA employs aerial spy to track down illegal oil spills and accidents.
In Full
06 Mar Hanjin confirms stake in S-Oil
Deal will allow Hanjin Group to secure a steady supply of jet fuel and bunker fuel.
In Full
05 Mar Hess files 2006 results
Supplier reporting profit increase but mixed and sales results.
In Full
05 Mar Meeting to consider main engine fuel rules
California seeking further discussions with new regulations already at planning phase.
In Full
05 Mar Supplier alliance resumes supply
Bulgarian firm back in business in Romania but home market still at a standstill.
In Full
05 Mar Sales manager leaves Black Sea supplier
05 Mar Shipping CO2 emissions worse than thought
New studies show CO2 contribution from global shipping is twice that of airlines.
In Full
05 Mar ARA market: Smit strike ended
05 Mar Hong Kong 'balance only momentary'
Fresh cargoes expected to arrive today to alleviate fuel oil shortages in the bunker market.
In Full
05 Mar Deal signed to develop Sri Lanka bunker facility
China and Sri Lanka have signed an agreement to develop the latter's bunkering facility in the Hambantota district.
In Full
02 Mar Little change for US bunkers at week's end, oil easing
02 Mar Fuel alert irks suppliers
Concerns that off-spec fuel by smaller players giving whole market a bad reputation.
In Full
02 Mar World Fuel Services sees massive profit jump
A healthy 60% increase in yearly numbers giving boost to company's fortunes.
In Full
02 Mar 'Alpha' marks first double-hull for ARA player
Another two double-hulled barges will be added to the company's fleet in 2008.
In Full
02 Mar Rotterdam market remains firm, congestion persist
02 Mar March fuel oil arbitrage shipments to Asia at 7-month high
Market expected to stay balanced despite high level of Western imports.
In Full
02 Mar Singapore falls short on supplies
Shortage of 380 cst fuel as traders await re-supply.
In Full
02 Mar Bunker bill dents profits
Two Asian shipping firms post lower 2006 net profits on higher bunker costs and lower freight rates.
In Full
02 Mar Distillate debate continues in Singapore
Bunkerworld speaks to three players from the shipping and bunkering industry on the impact of a 1% global sulphur cap.
In Full
01 Mar Backlog still to be cleared after rail strike
Port working hard to shift container and cargo volumes after shutdown of national rail operations.
In Full
01 Mar Bunker spill clean up underway
Agencies swinging into operation after Puget Sound accident yesterday.
In Full
01 Mar Marketing manager moves on
Lubeoil Manager and Bunker Trader at Turkish company resigns.
In Full
01 Mar 2006 a 'momentous year' for Aegean
Q4 and annual results show growth in the year Aegean bagged $185.2 from IPO to continue expansion.
In Full
01 Mar Singapore: Stocks of residual fuels down, distillates up
01 Mar ARA market firms further
01 Mar Court doubles bill for diesel spill
New Zealand-based firm ordered to cover costs of cleanup works resulting from a diesel spill in 2005.
In Full
01 Mar New bunker firm starts in Australia
Independent bunker trading firm has established an office in Sydney this year.
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01 Mar High bunker costs cut STX Pan Ocean profit
Singapore-listed bulker owner blames high bunker costs and losses in derivatives trading for its 2006 profit cut.
In Full
01 Mar Crude up after US inventory report
Oil prices up slightly after US inventory data and Iran's intention to continue pursuing its nuclear research.
In Full