BP Confirms it Will Cease Marine Fuel Oil Retail Sales Activities in the Americas

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Tuesday January 27, 2015

BP today said that over the next few months it will cease marine fuel oil retail sales activities in the Americas, a spokesperson for the company has confirmed to Ship & Bunker.

The company intends to end fuel oil sales and supply in Houston by the end of Q1 2015, Offshore Gulf in Early February 2015, and in Panama and New York by the end of May 2015.

The energy major said the decision was made following a review of its activities in the Americas and the move will allow it to focus on improving services in other global marine fuel oil hubs in Europe, Africa, and Asia.

BP made it clear that it has no intention to make changes to other BP Marine activities or to the wholesale of other BP marine related products, including the supply of Marine Gas Oil (MGO) in the Americas.

Reports that it would "cease its bunkering activities" in the US and Panama altogether were incorrect, the spokesperson added.

In a note to customers seen by Ship & Bunker, BP said it had been committed to the Americas markets for a long period of time and had not taken the decision lightly.

"BP Marine's strategy is to participate in selective marine fuel oil retail markets globally where we believe we can deliver distinctive value to our customers," it said.

"On the back of changing market dynamics, and change over time to BP's asset footprint in the
Americas, our ability to deliver a compelling offer for our customers has diminished in the markets outlined above."

Earlier this month BP was named as Singapore's biggest bunker supplier by volume for an 11th consecutive year.