World News
Maltese Players Protest WFS Exclusive Storage Deal, Officials Say They Were Unable to Tender Local Companies
Maltese oil trading companies Sunday were said to be objecting to an agreement signed between Malta's government and World Fuel Services Corp. (WFS), local media reports.
In October, the Maltese government signed a partnership agreement with WFS for the exclusive use of state-owned Mediterranean Offshore Bunkering Co. Ltd.'s (MOBC) Marsa storage facilities.
The deal was struck between the government and WFS without first issuing a tender to give other companies a chance to bid for the business.
According to the report, member companies of Malta's Association of Shipping Agents and its Chamber of Commerce are insisting that a tender process should have preceded any decision to enter into such an agreement with the U.S. company.
However, Maltese Energy Minister Konrad Missi said he was unable to tender any local companies.
"All local bunkering companies are involved in some kind of court action or are currently under investigation".
In October, Malta said "the partnership agreement will solidify Malta's aim of becoming a fuel services hub in the Mediterranean region."
Key Bunker Prices More
| VLSFO | MGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $/mt | +/- | $/mt | +/- | |
| Singapore | 649.50 | 2.00 | 778.50 | 8.50 |
| Rotterdam | 602.00 | 0.50 | 748.00 | 6.00 |
| Houston | 624.00 | 5.00 | 792.00 | 3.50 |
| Fujairah | 649.50 | 2.00 | 898.00 | 3.00 |
| Global 20 Ports Average | 662.00 | 2.00 | 855.00 | 1.50 |
| Global 4 Ports Average | 631.00 | 1.00 | 804.00 | 0.50 |
| Global Average Bunker Price | 717.50 | 0.50 | 913.50 | 1.00 |
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