South Korean bunker fuel barge owners end strike at Yeosu port after two weeks

Bunker fuel barge owners ended their two-week strike at Yeosu port in South Korea Friday, bunker fuel traders said Monday.

The owners went on strike on June 5 to protest against the strict regulations imposed following an April 16 ferry disaster in South Korea in which nearly 300 people died, sources have said.

It could not be confirmed whether their demands had been met.

The barges carrying bunker fuel to ships have all resumed normal operation at Yeosu, said market sources Monday.

All the four South Korean refiners were able to offer bunker fuel for Yeosu delivery Friday, the traders added.

Following the strike, 380 CST bunker fuel for delivery to Yeosu had surged $10/mt above fuel for delivery to Busan port. Typically, there is no difference between bunker fuel for delivery to the two ports, Platts has reported previously.
Source: Platts