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New developments across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe are reshaping the bunker fuel landscape. From cleaner alternatives like LNG to faster fueling technologies and expanded digitalization, the sector is entering a more dynamic phase. While geopolitical tensions have nudged oil-based bunker prices higher, operational innovation is pushing the industry forward.
Hong Kong and Japan emerged as focal points for LNG fueling progress this week:
Hong Kong conducted its largest-ever LNG ship-to-ship transfer:
Approx. 10,000 cubic meters of LNG delivered to a Hapag-Lloyd container vessel.
Refueling occurred simultaneously with cargo operations, cutting port time and costs.
Positions Hong Kong as a serious LNG bunkering hub in East Asia.
Tokyo’s Port of Yokohama completed Japan’s first LNG bunkering for a cruise ship:
The LNG-powered Asuka III received fuel over a two-day operation.
Highlights growing support for LNG in passenger shipping, not just cargo vessels.
Reinforces Japan’s position as a leader in cruise decarbonization.
Bunkering Infrastructure Leaders
Port
Key Development
Notable Metric or Date
Supported Fuel Types
Singapore
Highest monthly volume since Jan 2024; mandatory digital bunkering by Apr 1 2025
4.88 M mt in May; e-BDN mandate starting Apr 2025
VLSFO, HSFO, MGO, Biofuels, LNG
Hong Kong
Largest LNG bunkering operation completed during cargo ops (SIMOPS)
~10,000 m³ LNG bunkered on June 5, 2025
LNG
Rotterdam (ARA)
Biofuel expansion with electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDN)
e-BDN deployed by FincoEnergies, June 2025
Biofuels, VLSFO, HSFO, MGO
Duqm (Oman)
New JV bunker operations by TFG Marine and OOMCO across 3 ports
Launched June 2025 at Sohar, Duqm, Sultan Qaboos
HSFO, MGO
Yokohama
First LNG bunkering of cruise ship completed
Asuka III bunkered June 10–11, 2025
LNG
Note: Data reflects confirmed port activity and infrastructure developments. Figures rounded and verified across multiple shipping and bunker intelligence sources.
🔷 Singapore Bunker Volumes Surge
Singapore remains the world's most active bunkering port—and May figures support this status:
Total volume: 4.88 million metric tons, the highest since January 2024.
Notable drivers:
Increased demand for VLSFO and biofuel blends.
Continued vessel rerouting around conflict zones (e.g., Red Sea).
Enhanced bunker planning as fleet owners factor in longer voyages.
🔷 Oman Expands Regional Bunkering Reach
The Middle East also saw notable expansion:
TFG Marine and Oman Oil Marketing Co. (OOMCO) began new joint operations:
Ports served: Sohar, Duqm, and Sultan Qaboos.
Oman strengthens its foothold as a multi-port refueling corridor.
Focus is on traditional fuels, but infrastructure is adaptable for future LNG and biofuel supply.
🔷 Europe Embraces Digital Bunker Delivery
Europe continues its shift toward streamlined, traceable fueling systems:
FincoEnergies rolled out e-BDN (electronic bunker delivery notes) across major ARA ports.
Benefits of e-BDN:
Faster transactions.
Real-time verification and digital auditing.
Reduced paperwork and billing discrepancies.
This move supports broader maritime digitalization and cleaner fuel accountability.
🔷 Bunker Prices React to Geopolitical Shocks
Despite progress, global bunker markets remain sensitive to political instability:
Bunker prices surged following recent tension in the Middle East:
VLSFO up $18/mt to $559.50.
HSFO up $19.50/mt, and MGO up $21/mt.
Temporary demand spikes from rerouted traffic continue to affect pricing in major refueling hubs.
Bunker Fuel Price Watch (Regional Trends)
Region / Port
VLSFO (USD/mt)
MGO (USD/mt)
Weekly Change
Notes
Singapore
554.00
668.00
↑ +1.00 (VLSFO), +8.50 (MGO)
G20‑VLSFO index up ~$0.50–2 recently due to crude movement
Rotterdam
512.50
677.50
↑ +7.00 (VLSFO), +10.50 (MGO)
Sharp weekly gains aligned with crude; MGO strong
Houston
529.50
686.50
↑ +8.00 (VLSFO), +11.00 (MGO)
Widest MGO jump among top ports; tied to crude spike
Fujairah
546.00
736.50
↑ +6.50 (VLSFO), +8.50 (MGO)
Solid gains but narrower than U.S. peers
Global 20-port avg.
566.00
758.50
↑ +6.50 (VLSFO), +14.50 (MGO)
Reflecting crude-driven rally and regional boosts
Note: Prices shown are latest recorded metrics from Ship; Bunker and regional indices. Changes reference weekly movement. All figures in USD per metric ton.
This past week’s developments suggest the bunkering sector is evolving faster than many expected. LNG bunkering is gaining maturity and scaling across Asia, while digital fueling systems are improving efficiency in Europe. Rising bunker prices remain a challenge, but they’re being met with smarter fueling strategies, alternative energy investments, and stronger port flexibility.
With this trajectory, the bunkering market is no longer just about fuel, it’s becoming a platform for logistics innovation, clean energy transition, and real-time maritime intelligence.
News Summary
Theme
Location
Event
Details
Broader Impact
LNG Expansion
Hong Kong
Largest LNG bunkering operation
~10,000 m³ of LNG delivered to Hapag-Lloyd’s Hanoi Express during cargo loading operations (SIMOPS) on June 5
Proves scalability and time-saving efficiency of LNG bunkering at a major Asian container port
Cruise Sector Milestone
Japan (Yokohama)
First LNG bunkering of a cruise ship
Asuka III bunkered over two days (June 10–11), marking a major step toward green cruising in East Asia
Signals adoption of LNG for passenger vessels, not just container and cargo ships
Volume Growth
Singapore
Monthly bunker volume spike
May volumes reached 4.88 million metric tons — highest in 16 months. Includes growth in VLSFO, MGO, biofuels, and LNG
Demonstrates Singapore’s continued leadership in global bunkering and clean fuel supply diversification
Digital Innovation
Rotterdam (ARA region)
e-BDN rollout for biofuel bunkering
FincoEnergies deployed electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDN) across major European ports for biofuel transactions
Enhances transparency, reduces billing delays, and supports regulatory traceability for green fuels
Regional Growth
Oman
New joint venture launches at 3 ports
TFG Marine and OOMCO began bunkering operations at Sohar, Duqm, and Sultan Qaboos in early June
Expands Middle East bunkering capacity and increases competitive access for vessels in the Arabian Sea corridor
Market Volatility
Global
Spike in VLSFO and MGO prices
Driven by recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East; VLSFO rose $6–18/mt, MGO increased up to $21/mt in some regions
Reminds ship operators and fuel buyers of vulnerability to supply shocks and importance of diversification
Note: All developments based on confirmed activity and reported figures from global ports, suppliers, and fuel pricing platforms.
