EMEA News
Qatar Petroleum Establishes Bunkering for Qatar with "Temporary" Ship-to-Ship Facility
Qatar Petroleum today announced that it has made fuel oil bunkering solutions for all vessels calling on Qatari ports through a "temporary" ship-to-ship fuel bunkering facility.
"This vessel-borne fuelling facility is available for all vessels lifting any Qatari seaborne imports or exports. The bunkering operations have commenced successfully after meeting all international maritime and safety standards," stated the company in the announcement.
Qatar Petroleum notes that the first of several shipments carrying fuel oil for use in bunkering has already arrived safely at the Ras Laffan anchorage, and bunkering enquiries will be managed in collaboration with WOQOD affiliate, WOQOD Marine - responsible for the sale and delivery of fuel oil utilising ship to ship transfer operations.
"This is a first, and important, step towards self-reliance for fuel-oil bunkering solutions for all vessels," said Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, president and CEO of Qatar Petroleum.
"Due to the unfortunate ongoing crisis, many of our clients were impacted by regional decisions limiting their ability to meet their commitments in a timely and cost-effective manner. We took it upon ourselves to assist our clients overcome this challenge by introducing measures to ensure the continuous and reliable energy supplies."
As Ship & Bunker has reported, an ongoing diplomatic situation has impacted availability of bunkering for Qatari-flagged vessels.
"This temporary ship-to-ship fuel bunkering facility will meet our clients’ safety and commercial expectations, and will continue until a permanent solution is implemented. Qatar Petroleum is fast-tracking required studies and investments to provide independent, safe, and reliable bunkering capabilities," said Al-Kaabi.
