- Fujairah to Add Jetties by 2027, No Mandate for Mass-Flow Meters.
- Crude-Linked Bunker Rates Drop as Fujairah Charts Long-Term Plan.
- Global Trade Uncertainty Looms Over Shipping, Fujairah MD Says.
The long-term effect of the ongoing tariff and counter-tariff actions between the US and other major economies is unknown, says UAE Port of Fujairah managing director Mousa Morad. Appearing on April 7 as the Fujairah Bunkering & Fuel Oil Forum (FUJCON) opened, Morad noted that time will be required before fully feeling the impact on trade and shipping, reports S&P Global.
Tariff Fallout Still Unclear, Says Port of Fujairah Chief
“It’s not clear, nobody can answer” what will happen to trade and shipping, Morad said. “I think six months, maybe one year” it will take to fully realize, he added.
Global Bunkering Hub Copes with Pressure
Fujairah is the world’s third-largest bunkering hub, behind Singapore and Rotterdam, providing close to 7.5 million metric tons of fuel to vessels in the last year. The port has a strategic position supporting local OPEC producers such as the UAE, providing services such as ship fueling, crude and product storage, oil blending, and refining.
As crude prices decline with the US-led wave of tariffs and retaliatory actions by nations like China, the stakes become higher for Fujairah ports. Tariff responses will vary from country to country, “so many things” could happen, Morad remarked.
Bunker Fuel Prices Trailing Crude Trends
With crude oil prices falling, bunker fuel prices have followed, as per Platts price assessments that are part of S&P Global Commodity Insights. This volatility in prices is creating additional layers of complexity to the shipping and refining environment.
Port Expansion Plans Continue
Despite uncertainties in the market, the Port of Fujairah is going ahead with long-term infrastructure plans. Morad discussed a “master plan” that includes 23 jetties for crude and refined products.
Tenders for two new jetties are likely to be issued in September, with the project due for completion in 2027, he said in an interview with reporters.
No Mandate for Mass-Flow Metering
Asked whether mass-flow metering technology, which guarantees more transparent and accurate fuel delivery, is to become compulsory at the port, Morad said there are no immediate plans to enforce it.
“It will be left to individual traders,” he said.
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Source: S&P Global
