Africa and Indian Ocean ports tighten, with Port Louis at 10-14 days notice

ENGINE's Europe and Africa availability outlook for 21 October shows prompt dates are hard to cover at a number of ports along the African coast and in the Indian Ocean.

• Port Louis: availability is described as very tight, and a trader advises booking 10-14 days ahead.
• Durban and Cape Town: tight, with 10-15 days of notice recommended.
• Walvis Bay: prompt dates are tight, and 5-7 days is advised for VLSFO and LSMGO. Swells above 2 metres are forecast on and off between 21 October and 5 November, which could halt offshore work and keep bunkering inside port limits.
• Lome: tight, with 5-7 days suggested for VLSFO and LSMGO.
• Nacala and Maputo: prompt supply is tight, and 5-7 days is the usual guidance.
• Lagos and Luanda: VLSFO needs 10-12 days at Lagos anchorage, while at least one Luanda supplier has run out of VLSFO and offers LSMGO only.

For a ship heading into the region, the practical point is to fix the stem before the vessel is within a week of arrival at Port Louis or the South African ports. At Walvis Bay, check whether the weather will push the delivery inside the port, since that can change timing and berth plans. Where VLSFO is short, as in Luanda, confirm the grade early or plan to load it at an earlier call.