Articles by Dave Trotter [www.davidtrotter.co.nz]

!Image · !Image · !Image · !Image · !Image · Over the past couple of days, the fuel network has continued to function much as expected, although if you're watching vessel movements closely, you'll notice everything seems to be moving at a slower pace than normal. · My own feeling is that weather has played a part. I was recording wave heights yesterday ranging from around five metres to over ten metres in some areas, and that sort of sea state…

As we move deeper into winter, the latest tanker movements show New Zealand's fuel supply chain continuing to operate smoothly. Product is moving through the network, imports are arriving as scheduled, and regional distribution remains active. That's the good news. · The less comfortable reality is that these daily tanker movements continue to highlight just how dependent New Zealand has become on imported refined fuel products and…

As we move through the first week of June, the overall picture for New Zealand's fuel supply remains stable, with regular coastal distribution continuing and several significant international fuel tankers arriving at key ports. While there are some positive signs emerging, there are also a few areas that deserve ongoing monitoring. · The Good News · The biggest positive this week was activity at Marsden Point. · Two international product…

As we move into winter, New Zealand's fuel supply chain continues to perform well despite operating within a system that remains heavily dependent on imported refined products. The latest vessel schedules show a healthy flow of fuel arriving at key ports around the country, with Marsden Point once again acting as the primary gateway into New Zealand's fuel network. There are no immediate signs of supply disruption, and motorists can take…

After several weeks of irregular movements and tighter scheduling windows, the latest shipping activity is starting to resemble a more stable and normal fuel distribution pattern around New Zealand. What stands out in this latest update is the clear reappearance of two separate but co-joined distribution routes moving product around the country. That is generally how a healthy import-based fuel network should operate. · The northern route…

The latest shipping movements suggest the overall picture remains reasonably stable across the country, although we're beginning to see signs of a quieter period emerging in parts of the network. There is still fuel moving through the system and the larger hubs continue doing most of the heavy lifting, but a few smaller ports are starting to show lighter schedules. It doesn't automatically mean concern, but it does give us a few areas worth…

New Zealanders have increasingly been asking questions this month as NZ Fuel Watch reports continue to show an unusual pattern emerging in tanker movements and fuel origins. Normally, the flow of refined fuel into New Zealand follows fairly predictable pathways. South Korea, Singapore and occasionally Japan have historically provided the backbone of refined product shipments entering the country. · But recent observations suggest something…

The interesting thing this week is that after what felt like a very slow start to May, we're now starting to see the shipping picture fill out quite a bit. Earlier in the month there were days where you could look across the schedules and there was practically nothing new to report. That naturally raises eyebrows because people start asking whether supply issues are developing behind the scenes. But looking at where we sit now, the overall…

The interesting thing this week is that despite all the noise globally around the Strait of Hormuz situation, tanker schedules into New Zealand are still holding up fairly well. Looking through the current shipping picture, there is nothing immediately standing out that suggests supply stress is building. The ships are still arriving, distribution is still moving, and for now at least, the system appears to be functioning normally. · Marsden…

Looking at the latest interim fuel distribution charts for May 2026, the system still appears to be operating relatively normally on the surface. But the numbers also continue highlighting just how tight New Zealand’s imported fuel network has become since the closure of Marsden Point refinery. Interim Fuel Charts May 2026 · !Fuel Distribution May 2026 · Fuel Distribution May 2026 – Current distribution as of 13/05/2026 · !Fuel Distribution…