Intermittent closures disrupt bunkering in GOLA

Bad weather in recent weeks has hindered bunker deliveries in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA).

PHOTO: A vessel is moving into Galveston Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. Getty Images

Some suppliers are trying to deliver stems as and when the weather allows, but have mostly held back offers for very prompt dates due to rough weather, sources say.

Lead times of more than seven days are generally recommended there.

Bunkering is currently proceeding normally at the anchorage. The region is experiencing wind gusts of 14–17 knots, with thunderstorms forecast to hit later today.

The weather is forecast to remain rough throughout this week in GOLA, with wind speeds forecast to intensify and touch 21 knots on Thursday and Saturday, which could lead to a build-up in bunker backlogs.

Bad weather is likely to disrupt bunkering in the Port of Galveston as well, a source says.

By Debarati Bhattacharjee

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