Vessels calling at the Port of Cape Town have continued to bunker without disruption despite recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with diesel and fuel oil supplies remaining stable, according to the Port Liaison Forum (PLF).
Terry Gale, chairperson of the PLF, an initiative of the Cape Chamber of Commerce, said vessels had continued to bunker normally despite concerns that instability in the Middle East could disrupt fuel supplies.
"There have been no significant disruptions to fuel supply within the Port of Cape Town," he said. "Vessels continue to bunker as normal and fuel availability remains stable."
Market conditions have also improved in recent weeks, with bunker fuel prices softening following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil transit routes.
"There was an initial reaction in the market when tensions escalated, with some suppliers increasing purchases due to concerns about potential price increases," Gale told Freight News.
However, supply levels remained stable, demonstrating the resilience of South Africa's fuel supply chain and the importance of maintaining reliable bunker services for vessels operating along key international trade routes, he said.
"Bunkering is an important service offering for ports and shipping lines require certainty around fuel availability," Gale said. "The fact that supply has remained stable despite global uncertainty is positive for the maritime sector and for vessels calling at Cape Town."
