As concerns over attacks from Houthi rebels persist and more vessels opt to bypass the Red Sea, bunkering calls at the Port of Cape Town are increasing.
According to the Cape’s Port Liaison Forum (PLF), although exact figures are not yet available, there has been a notable surge in maritime traffic around the Cape, leading to an increase in bunker callers.
“While the precise number of callers remains undefined, the outlook appears promising. We also maintain confidence in our capacity and capability to accommodate this surge and sustain it in the future,” a PLF spokesman told Freight News.
It is believed that Astron, the sole local refinery supplying the marine industry, has increased its supply to cater to the higher demand of bunkers.
It is estimated that Cape Town has been receiving as many as 15 inquiries per day from bunker callers, a notable increase compared to their usual volume. While the PLF stated they couldn't confirm if this surge was resulting in actual sales, it's regarded as a highly positive development for the Cape Town port and the broader logistics industry, presenting a tangible opportunity for growth of bunkering services.
