Zhoushan bunkering still halted by typhoon, restart eyed for 28 October

Bunkering across Zhoushan has stayed fully stopped since last week because of rough seas from Typhoon Champi. According to a source cited by Engine in its East of Suez update on 26 October, operations may restart on 28 October if the weather eases as forecast.

Prices for all grades at Zhoushan moved lower over the weekend, and the drop in VLSFO was the largest of the three main Asian hubs. The gap between HSFO and VLSFO at the port also narrowed slightly.

Supply is still the bigger issue. VLSFO and HSFO remain tight even though demand is weak. Several suppliers say their stocks are low and imports have dropped. Lead times for VLSFO came down to about eight days from 12 a week earlier, while HSFO is still at around 12 days. LSMGO has improved the most, with lead times now near four days.

For buyers: if a vessel is due off Zhoushan this week or next, expect a queue once operations resume. Book VLSFO and HSFO at least the lead times above in advance and keep a backup port in mind for tight schedules. For now, LSMGO is the easiest grade to secure at short notice.