On June 18, Osaka was rocked by a strong earthquake that hit the western coast of Japan but bunkering operations at the port were not affected.
What happened?
In the early hours of June 18, Osaka was rocked by strong earthquake that hit the western coast of Japan.
Northern Osaka was rocked by a 5.9 magnitude earthquake that struck at a depth of about 10 km which was released by the Japan Meteorological Agency which added that no tsunami warning was issued.
Bunkering operations not affected
Despite the earthquake concerns, the bunkering operation at the port of Osaka was not affected and it went ahead with cargo loadings and barges can operate normally.
Refineries that produce bunker fuel in Osaka include JXTG Sakai, JXTG Wakayama and Cosmo Sakai.
Sources estimate monthly bunker sales volumes from JXTG’s Sakai refinery at 35,000-40,000 mt and from Cosmo’s Sakai refinery at 5,000-10,000 mt. JXTG Wakayama refinery’s monthly bunker fuel sales trail that from the other two refineries. JXTG had resumed truck and waterborne oil product shipments at the Sakai refinery after suspending them earlier.
The refiner has also maintained refining operations and oil product shipments from the Wakayama refinery.
Services suspended temporarily
A source close to Cosmo Oil said, “The company’s Sakai refinery had suspended services temporarily after the quake, but operations were back to normal in the morning itself. The impact on shipping is also expected to be limited. I am not hearing of any vessel congestion at the port either”.
Did you subscribe for our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Platts
