Increased demand for refueling at African ports as ships navigate around the Cape

African ports such as Walvis Bay in Namibia and Port Louis in Mauritius are increasingly being used as refueling stations for ships looking to avoid security threats in the Red Sea, according to shipping giant AP Moller – Maersk A/S. These ports are seen as “top options” for refueling en route if necessary, with shipping lines making minimal detours to reach them. The shift in usage of these ports is not limited to container lines, as tankers, bulk carriers, and other cargo ships are also making use of them.

However, these detours come at a cost, as a journey around Africa can be about 5,000 miles longer than using the more direct route through the Suez Canal. Despite this, companies like Trafigura’s TFG Marine are positioning themselves to supply fuel to vessels diverted from the Suez Canal, with operations in ports like Walvis Bay and Algoa Bay in South Africa. However, the company declined to comment on volume forecasts in response to the increased demand for fuel in these African ports as a result of the Red Sea security threats.

Overall, African ports are playing a growing role in providing refueling services for ships looking to avoid the security risks in the Red Sea, as they offer convenient stopovers with minimal detours and access to necessary fuels.

Source .