Despite rising VLSFO prices over the past week, VLSFO still remains the most affordable bunkering alternative for dual-fuel ships without scrubbers in both Rotterdam and Singapore, even when you factor in estimated EU Allowances (EUAs) costs.
Rotterdam’s B24-VLSFO premium over pure VLSFO has widened by $13/mt in the past week and reached $175/mt. It has also climbed $138-148/mt above the price of fossil LNG in the port.
VLSFO
Rotterdam’s VLSFO benchmark increased by $12/mt in the past week, which is slightly less than the $22/mt ($3/bbl) bump in front-month ICE Brent futures. When the VLSFO price is adjusted with estimated EUA costs, it has gone up by $7-9/mt.
The price rise has been partially driven by the uptick in Brent futures, but steady availability of the grade in the Rotterdam has limited sharper gains.
Biofuels
Rotterdam’s B24-VLSFO HBE price has spiked by $21-25/mt in the past week, which includes the estimated EUA costs. A steep gain in the price of palm oil mill effluent methyl ester (POMEME) has pushed the benchmark higher. PRIMA-assessed POMEME price in the ARA has gained by $35/mt to $1,393/mt in the past week.
Bio-bunker demand remains sluggish in Singapore. At least two suppliers can offer B24-VLSFO stems with lead times of 10-14 days. Biofuel demand has also been low in Hong Kong.
LNG
Rotterdam’s LNG bunker price has gained $13-17/mt amid growing concerns over natural gas supply disruptions in Europe.
Russian gas deliveries to southern and central Europe could be suspended, and increased competition for LNG cargoes with Asia is also adding pressure on LNG supply, Energi Denmark said.
Australia exported around 81.2 million mt of LNG in the year to February, primarily to Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan, according to data from the Government of Western Australia. As a major supplier, any supply disruption in Australia could potentially impact LNG prices in Asian countries.
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Source: Engine.online
