Houston faces delivery uncertainty as US Gulf fog season persists

The US Gulf Coast is currently in its fog season, which usually lasts from January until mid-March and has the potential to disrupt vessel movements and bunker deliveries.

IMAGE: ENGINE via ChatGPT.

Visibility risk due to fog conditions around the Houston and Galveston Offshore Bunkering Area (GOLA) are forecast to fluctuate between moderate and high risk through 23–24 January, with the greatest risk during overnight and early morning hours.

"Conditions are expected to improve from 25 January onwards, though patchy fog could continue to disrupt vessel movements and keep bunker deliveries weather-dependent," a trader told ENGINE.

Houston last experienced heavy fog conditions in late December 2025, which persisted for a prolonged period of up to 1-2 weeks.

This led to frequent suspensions of vessel traffic through the Houston Ship Channel, resulting in congestion and significant backlogs.

Currently, some suppliers have refrained from offering guaranteed delivery dates amid ongoing weather uncertainty in Houston. "Deliveries are weather permitting, not sure on exact dates, we’re hearing we have a few foggy days ahead," a supplier said.

Others have reported tight prompt availability due to scheduling constraints. "We are fully booked for 28-29 January, so unable to offer," another supplier said.

Weather-related challenges are also shaping routing and execution decisions.

One supplier advised prioritising inbound deliveries via Bolivar Roads, warning that outbound operations at the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) could prove difficult.

"Put us for Bolivar Roads inbound. Outbound at GOLA is going to be tough with the weather," the supplier said. "It’s looking like an estimated delivery date of 27-28 January, but it’s really hard to say at this point."

GOLA has been impacted by reduced visibility and is expected to face possible disruptions during periods of dense fog today.

High winds and elevated sea conditions also remain an additional concern in the anchorage location and are expected to delay deliveries until at least 26 January.

Vessels seeking to avoid delays at Houston may consider diverting to Mobile, though this option comes with limitations. "Mobile is a smaller port with no anchorage option, so vessels would have to call a layberth, which is pretty expensive," a bunker trader said.

By Gautamee Hazarika

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online