Astounding Port Developments & Cheaper Fuels – Is Russia the Sweet Spot?

We have recently released a “Fuel Problems – The Watchdog!” alert on Russian Bunker fuels. Ships have experienced serious machinery damage when fuels have been bunkered in the ports of

1. Nakhodka,
2. Vladivostok,
3. Slavyanka and
4. Vostochny.

Most generator fuel pumps and fuel valves have been damaged. With regard to the main machinery, problems have been encountered with injection valves/fuel valves.

You can read our “Fuel Problems – The Watchdog!” alert on “Russian Bunkers” here.

With this update on fuel problems at one end, another important point to note is the price differential in Russian Bunker fuels and rest of other bunker ports.

Does this signify something?

On the commercial end, one of the leading Russian Box ship operator has commented that the Russian container terminals expect to see ships up to 10,000 TEU calling in next few years as the facilities are being upgraded.  The biggest vessels calling at Russian ports are currently around 6,000 TEU range, with quay length a major constraint, as reported in one of the leading maritime news site. With massive expansion and aggressive development of Russian ports, low bunker fuel prices would definitely add up attracting more trade openings.  When it comes to shipboard operation and technical Management, it would be wise to watch out for such problem fuels and take necessary precautions.  For more information on recent Russian Bunker fuel problems and actions for mitigation, do not hesitate to contact Viswa Lab for technical advice and testing.

• Fuel Pricing Data Low and High prices on 15th October 2015.

For more Fuel pricing trends and data – please visit – MFAME Bunker Fuel Pricing

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