EMEA News
Mauritius To Expand Storage Facilities for Onshore Bunkering, Start Offshore Bunkering Before End of 2015
Offshore bunkering at Port Louis in Mauritius is expected to begin before the end of 2015, local media reports.
In addition, there are reportedly plans to "significantly" expand storage facilities for onshore bunkering with the help of international petroleum companies.
The efforts are part of a master plan to transform the city's harbour into a regional hub for bunkering, seafood, transshipment, cruise and petroleum bunkering, rather than just a destination port, according to Mauritian Finance Minister Vishnu Lutchmeenaraidoo.
"There will be unprecedented high investments over the next five years in the port infrastructure," he said.
''It will enable thousands of vessels to drop anchor in our harbour while supplying a wider variety of port and maritime services."
Lutchmeenaraidoo added that the updated port would kickstart development of ocean economy, which in turn should create both jobs and opportunities for small-to-medium-sized businesses.
"This project will connect Port-Louis to almost all the ports in the region and many more beyond our region," he said.
In February, it was reported that Mauritius plans to triple its bunker volumes "in the medium term."
