Know Your Counter Party: Bunkernet

Nicholas Argyrou, General Manager, Bunkernet

Cyprus-based Bunkernet this year is celebrating 10 years in the industry, and to mark the occasion the company has undergone a brand refresh as well as the launch of a new website. Ship & Bunker recently spoke to Nicholas Argyrou, Bunkernet's General Manager, to learn more about the company's history, where it is today, and what its plans are for the future.

S&B - Tell us about the company's origins.

The company was founded by Gregoris Gregoriou, our Managing Director, in 2007. Bunkernet started as a specialised back to back trader focused in the regional markets of Greece, Cyprus, East Med and the Middle East. Over the years our growth has enabled us serve a truly global client base with customers in most markets around the world.

S&B - So from those beginnings, where is Bunkernet is today?

Over the last 10 years Bunkernet has grown to be one of the most trusted names in bunker and lubricant procurement, with an emphasis on customer care and industry leading after-sales service.

Our core business is the supply of residual and distillate fuels worldwide according to ISO 8217. Our track record validates our commitment to delivering fast, flexible and innovative solutions at our key ports and through our worldwide supply network with a clear commitment to delivering tangible value and peace of mind. Our customer-centric approach defines Bunkernet as a unique supplier with a trading team constantly available to effectively deliver solutions to a non-stop industry.

S&B - How does Bunkernet differentiate itself in today's market?

Bunkernet is more than a typical trading house. We differentiate ourselves by delivering solutions to our customers across the Bunkering Value Chain. We work closely with our customers to exceed the expectations of a typical client-supplier transaction. We view our customers as partners with whom we share common goals and challenges.

Examples of this collaborative relationship include reliable, cutting edge technical support, real time supply related support and demystifying complicated supply procedures in complicated ports around the world. We take pride in providing industry knowledge that reflects our motto of "delivering solutions".

This customer centric approach coupled with our technical expertise were the grounds of our long running service supply contract with German and Greek Navy vessels. Bunkernet supplies at the port of Limassol for the UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon). Additionally, we are a trusted name in the Cruise Industry, supplying cruise and ferry vessels based in Cyprus and Greece or worldwide, with spot deliveries, term contracts and forward buying solutions.

Bunkernet is one of the few Bunker trading companies which understands and excels in the supply and production of Marine Lubricants. Through our sister company Navilub, we blend, stock, and distribute lubricants for Total Lubmarine. We are the only supplier in Cyprus that can deliver Bulk Lubricants from a major lubricant brand.

S&B - 2017 marks Bunkernet's 10-year anniversary - tell us what what you have done to mark to occasion.

In February, we released our new website as part of the company's overall rebranding campaign. After 10 years of delivering solutions to the maritime industry, Bunkernet is entering a new era of growth and great achievements. This is manifested, in the most clear-cut way, in the new slogan "Solutions.Delivered" and the design & structure of the new website: solid forms, inspirational images, infographic elements and advanced technology are put together to create an immersive, user-friendly, interactive experience.

Clearly, the purpose of the new website is to bring Bunkernet closer to our customers and partners. By presenting our philosophy and vision, introducing our people, and communicating our strong belief that the essence of trading is openness and solid relationships, built in an environment of trust and transparency.

S&B - What is Bunkernet's vision for the future?

We will continue to consolidate our position as a trusted leader in providing quality Bunker and Lubricant solutions in the East Med. Our vision is to be the supplier of choice both as a trader and physical supplier from the Black Sea down to the Med, North Africa and up to North Europe and the Baltic.

We see Bunkernet as a leader in LNG supply in the Med, being part of the Poseidon Med II project as a physical distributor of LNG in the East Med.

Overall, we will strive to offer reliable and consistent world-class solutions to our customers world-wide.