Red Sea Bunkering is set to launch its first owned bunker barge that will operate in Djibouti waters, the physical bunker supplier has told Ship & Bunker.

"Red Sea 1 is a 9,600 deadweight tonne (DWT) double-hull tanker, with total capacity of products approximately 10,000 CBM and is equipped with three cargo pumps of 500 cbm / hour each, a bow thruster and a stern manifold." a spokesperson for the company explained to Ship & Bunker.

"She can supply simultaneously both IFO 380 cSt and both regular and Low Sulphur MGO."

The barge is currently completing dry-dock repairs in Dubai and will be in operation on January 1, 2017.

"Djibouti has now become a strategic bunkering hub in Red Sea Channel for both commercial and military vessels, and Red Sea Bunkering will continue to accommodate various vessels in Djibouti territorial waters," the spokesperson added.