EMEA News
MXO Expands Physical Bunkering Operations
Fuel supplier Oman Oil Matrix Marine Services LLC (MXO) is expanding its physical bunker operations in Oman, the company has announced in an emailed statement.
The 7,535 DWT MV Stephanie will join the Azalea in supplying RMG 380 and marine gas oil in the Port of Sohar and anchorage areas, MXO said.
The company says the addition of the new vessel is expected to increase efficiency during the port's peak hours, and was in line with its plans to expand physical operations on a global basis.
“Developing our physical infrastructure means that we have more control over the end-to-end bunkering supply chain from order through to final delivery,” said Stephen Robinson, managing director of MXO.
“This enables us to ensure the quality and quantity of products, the reliability of supply, as well as minimizing costs and maximizing operational efficiencies within the bunkering process."
The company added that the port has been a strategic location to serve the Europe-Asia route, and MXO is also reportedly in discussions to offer ex-pipe deliveries from the Oiltanking Odfjell terminal to further expand its physical offering for customers.
“Sohar has grown exponentially as a shipping hub over the last five years and we are confident that it will continue attracting the world’s biggest shipping lines," said Commercial Director Murthed Al Kharusi.
"Over 2,000 ships called at Sohar last year and as commercial shipping continues to relocate from the capital Muscat to Sohar, the importance of a quick turnaround for vessels and their cargo cannot be overstated."
The company first announced that it would be expanding at Sohar last summer, where at the time it was reported that the company was the only supplier at the port.
