The SIRE-approved barge MT Chaser. Image Credit: FLEX Commodities

Marine fuel trading company FLEX Commodities has started physical bunker supply operations at Lomé, Togo, expanding its presence in West Africa following established operations in Walvis Bay in Namibia.

The firm will use the SIRE-approved barge MT Chaser fitted with Yokohama Fenders for deliveries of ISO spec VLSFO and LSMGO at Lomé, the company told Ship & Bunker on Wednesday.

Lomé, Togo: A New Strategic Supply Hub

The company sees physical bunker supply operations at Lomé as an important step in expanding its presence in West Africa.

“Building on its Namibian experience, FLEX has expanded its physical bunker supply operations to Lomé, Togo, where deliveries are conducted at Lomé Anchorage, typically within 12 nautical miles, subject to the necessary approvals from the Togolese Navy and relevant maritime authorities,” Maaz Ahmed, trading director at FLEX Commodities, told Ship & Bunker. 

“Unlike Namibia, where approved offshore deliveries form part of the operating model, FLEX’s Lomé operations are conducted at anchorage.”

“Vessel operators are required to appoint local agents for their calls, in accordance with the applicable local requirements.”

FLEX Commodities identifies bulk carriers, tankers and container liners as its main customer segments at Lomé, alongside offshore and other specialised vessels.

“Its strategic location also supports FLEX’s wider ambition to serve vessel demand across the Lomé–Abidjan corridor and the wider West African coastline, including offshore areas off Ghana and the Abidjan region, subject to applicable authorisations and operational feasibility,” Ahmed said.

Existing Operations in Namibia

FLEX Commodities supplies VLSFO and LSMGO at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz in Namibia through its SIRE-approved bunker barge MT Splendour Opal, which is equipped with Palfinger fenders.

The company had launched physical supply operations in Walvis Bay last year in partnership with GAC investment CC.

Its Namibian operations cover both offshore and sheltered port deliveries, depending on weather conditions, operational requirements and local approvals.

“Approximately 30–35% of FLEX’s bunker deliveries have been completed offshore, within 50 nautical miles of Walvis Bay Port, subject to suitable weather conditions and official approvals from Namibia’s Directorate of Maritime Affairs,” Ahmed said.

The remaining 65-70% have been conducted within Walvis Bay's Inner Port Limits, with the required approvals from Namport, he said.

FLEX serves a range of vessels in Namibia, including heavy-lift ships, tankers, bulk carriers, offshore drilling vessels, rigs and other specialised vessels.

Further Expansion Across West Africa

FLEX plans to expand its West African presence through the deployment of additional bunker barges, extending its geographical reach and capacity to serve more vessel operators across the region.

The company aims to develop a dependable physical bunker supply network across the region to serve various vessel requirements.

“FLEX Commodities sees its West African expansion as a long-term commitment to building sustainable physical supply capabilities, supported by operational flexibility, strong partnerships and a continued focus on customer service,” Ahmed said.