Sea Odyssey Holds At Marsden As Coastal Fuel Shipments Continue South

New Zealand Fuel Watch

Sea Odyssey Holds At Marsden As Coastal Fuel Shipments Continue South

By Dave Trotter – Marsden Point News Radio

Another week, another fascinating picture emerging from New Zealand's fuel supply chain. While there haven't been any dramatic spikes in tanker activity, we're seeing a steady flow of coastal movements as imported fuel works its way through the country.

The standout this week is Sea Odyssey, which remains alongside at Marsden Point after arriving from Yeosu, South Korea on 13 July. With the vessel still in port three days later, unloading operations appear to be continuing as New Zealand's largest fuel import terminal replenishes stocks.

Meanwhile, Tauranga has been one of the busiest ports in the network.

Hafnia Petrel completed a quick turnaround after arriving from Brisbane before departing for Singapore, while Andean Sun wasted little time, arriving from Japan before loading and departing for Napier. Almost immediately, Radiant Ray arrived from Yeosu to keep product flowing into the Bay of Plenty.

That continuous rotation highlights Tauranga's growing importance as a regional distribution hub, with vessels arriving, discharging and moving product onward within remarkably short timeframes.

Napier has also sprung back into life after more than a week without fuel shipping. Andean Sun arrived from Tauranga late on Wednesday evening and remains alongside, restoring coastal supply into Hawke's Bay after the last recorded departure on 5 July.

Over in Christchurch, Challenge Pollux continues to unload after arriving from Singapore on 14 July. The vessel remains alongside Lyttelton and will be one to watch over the coming days, with Bluff and Dunedin next on its coastal itinerary.

Further north, Nelson has now cleared Stena Immortal, which has continued north toward Tauranga as part of its regular coastal redistribution schedule.

The remaining ports tell a familiar story.

There were no new fuel vessel movements into Wellington, New Plymouth, Timaru, Dunedin or Bluff during the reporting period. While that may appear quiet on the surface, it simply reflects the staggered nature of New Zealand's coastal fuel logistics. Product is constantly moving around the country, even if not every port receives a tanker every week.

Looking Ahead

The schedule over the next fortnight suggests activity will remain strong.

Marsden Point has several significant arrivals on the horizon, including Stena Convoy on 18 July, followed by Hafnia Falcon and Gem Topaz on 20 July. A further Korean arrival, Hafnia Thalassa, is expected at the end of the month.

Tauranga also remains busy, with Stena Immortal expected from the upper North Island before Hafnia Falcon, CL Pearl Buck, Lone Star Mariner and Torm Beatrice continue the steady stream of international arrivals.

One interesting observation from this week's schedule is Radiant Ray. While the vessel is currently operating through the network, it briefly disappeared from Napier's published schedule before reappearing on the South Island run. Shipping schedules frequently change, but it's one we'll continue to monitor over the coming week.

Oil Market

International oil prices edged a little higher this week, with crude trading around US$82.69 per barrel.

While wholesale markets remain relatively stable, New Zealand motorists will be hoping continued vessel arrivals and healthy inventories help maintain competitive pricing across the country.

As always, we'll continue following every tanker, every arrival and every departure as fuel moves through New Zealand's supply chain.

See you next week.

Dave Trotter NZ Fuel Watch