EMEA News
Horizon Energy Group Amongst Applicants for New Mauritius Bunkering Facility
United Arab Emirates-based Horizon Energy Group is among a number of companies who have submitted an application to establish a bunkering facility in Mauritius, Reuters reports.
The facility would reportedly be part of a $113 million fishing port that the country is developing in partnership with China-based LHF Marine Development Ltd, with the aim of turning Mauritius into a maritime hub for Africa.
"We are moving out from being a small port in the Indian Ocean to become the most important maritime hub in this region," Finance Minister Seetanah Lutchmeenaraidoo said.
Dubai-based DP World will also reportedly be submitting a business plan next month to run a trade transhipment port to serve Africa.
Lutchmeenaraidoo reportedly said that due to the country's lower-than expected growth forecasts for 2015, much of the planned expansion of the country's maritime infrastructure would be relying on private investment.
Earlier this month, Ship & Bunker reported that International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) Chief Executive Peter Hall had noted that the potential to develop the country as an international bunkering supplier and hub was "significant."