North America

Bunker fuel demand is good in Houston, and availability across all fuel grades is currently tight for prompt delivery dates. High wind gusts and an Arctic Front has caused major delays to bunker operations in the port.

Earlier this week, the Houston Pilot Association suspended all outbound sailings through the Houston Ship Channel due to dense fog observed throughout the region and Galveston Bay.

The channel, a vital waterway for ports in Houston, Galveston, Baytown and Texas City, often faces closures during the US Gulf Coast’s winter season, which runs until March.

“Barges are moving around [along the Houston Ship Channel]”, waiting for better visibility, a source says.

Fog conditions in the area depend on wind directions. Southerly winds from the Gulf typically result in fog and reduced visibility in the Houston area, while colder, northerly winds can keep visibility clearer.

Bunker operations around the US Gulf Coast ports have been facing delays due to a thick layer of fog around the region, which has reduced visibility.

Bunkering has been suspended in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) since Wednesday due to rough weather conditions. High wind gusts are expected to cause further delays this week. “Prolonged delays expected over next several days,” another source says.

Several suppliers around the US Gulf Coast, including Houston, Texas City, Galveston, Beaumont, Lake Charles, New Orleans Outer Anchorage (NOLA), Pascagoula, Mobile, Tampa, Port Arthur, Freeport and Corpus Christi may face delays due to a thick layer of fog which has reduced visibility and delayed barge reloadings.

Heavy showers and thunderstorms have forced vessel pilots to suspend operations in the Sabine Pass.

In Wilmington, vessel pilots have suspended traffic due to “zero visibility.”

Suppliers in New York can offer VLSFO and LSMGO for prompt deliveries, a source says. HSFO is a bit tight and requires longer lead times. Bunker operations in the port may face delays between 14-18 February due to rough weather conditions. Tugboats are kept on standby for urgent requirements.

Prompt availability across all fuel grades is good in Los Angeles and Long Beach, with suppliers recommending lead times of 5-7 days for VLSFO and LSMGO, a source says.

High wind gusts may delay bunker deliveries in Canada’s Montreal port between 14-17 February. Barges at the port are currently working only during daylight hours. Delays to deliveries are expected due to the same.

Caribbean and Latin America

Bunker fuel availability for prompt delivery dates has been on the tight side in the Panamanian ports of Balboa and Cristobal lately, with the latter having relatively fewer barges.

Vessel transits have slowed in Balboa lately, a source says. Lead times of around 9-10 days are required for VLSFO deliveries.

Prolonged delays in bunker deliveries are expected at Argentina’s Zona Comun anchorage, amid tight VLSFO availability. Strong wind gusts forecast between 14-15 February may suspend deliveries.

Source: ENGINE