South African bunkers remain under pressure as the country struggles to supply the new marine fuel introduced at the start of January.According to sources, vessels are waiting an estimated 15 days for low sulphur fuel oil that meets the 0.50% sulphur limit (VLSFO) implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) this year.“In South Africa the transition to the low sulphur fuel has not been particularly positive as vessels are waiting days to bunker,” said the source. “This is believed to be because the allocations were four times more than available stock.”At the same time low sulphur fuel production has dropped, while hopes for demand for high sulphur fuel did not materialise.“There is a real lack of supply of VLSFO in South Africa and promises made that this would not be the case were not delivered.”It is believed that measures are being put in place to address the current situation and improve the supply and availability of low sulphur fuel.Bunker volumes in South Africa have continued to drop in recent years despite the country’s strategic location.Bunkering facilities established offshore in Algoa Bay have also affected volumes, with fewer vessels coming into port to bunker.South Africa has not been the only country struggling with the fuel change-over. Mauritius, a firm bunkering favourite, has also had supply issues as have several Indian ports.A limited volume is being exported around the world due to local demand in key shipping hubs and refiners, it would seem, did not expect such a high demand for the fuel.According to a spokesman for the Cape’s Port Liaison Forum (PLF), it is a process of change and ultimately a positive move for the shipping industry. “As with any change it will have some complications, but we are positive that local supply will improve,” he said.
INSERT: In South Africa the transition to the low sulphur fuel has not been particularly positive as vessels are waiting days to bunker.– Source
