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Thu 18 May 2017, 06:35 GMT

New bunker supplier to launch physical operation in Houston and Galveston


GCC Bunkers focused on supplying ECA fuels and providing compliance solutions for 2020 regulations.



A new U.S.-based physical supplier focused on supplying Emission Control Area (ECA) fuels and establishing itself as a leader in providing compliance solutions for upcoming regulations in 2020 is due to begin operating later this month.

Run by principals Mark VandeVoorde and John Mafrige, GCC Bunkers LLC is scheduled to commence the physical supply of marine fuel in the Houston and Galveston area in late May, 2017.

The company will primarily focus on the supply of ECA-compliant, low-sulphur marine fuels, immediately offering DMA 0.10% sulphur marine gasoil (MGO), and RMD 80 0.10% sulphur fuel oil starting in July. In addition, the new firm says it will offer all other standard specification marine fuels to ship owners, operators, and charterers calling in Houston and Galveston area.

Longer term, GCC says it is actively evaluating several processing or manufacturing opportunities for post-2020 bunker fuels to be produced in Texas. The company has secured working capital funding from a Texas-based private equity group and has entered into agreements for physical marine fuels storage at Texas International Terminals in Galveston, beginning in July.

Mark VandeVoorde is an industry veteran with almost 30 years of experience gained at Chemoil, FAMM, Chevron and Bomin. He is returning to marine fuels after a four-year gap, during which he worked in project development in the chemical industry.

"It's great to be back. The next few years will see massive disruption in the bunker industry. GCC will be a solution provider for bunker purchasers looking for consistent, compliant ECA fuel supply in the US Gulf Coast, both now and post 2020. The need to create quality supply solutions for the new IMO regulations is an exciting opportunity," commented VandeVoorde.

John Mafrige comes to the marine fuel industry with 25 years in both corporate investments and executive management within the energy, alternative energy, fuel products and petrochemical industries.

In particular, the company highlighted Mafrige's "in-depth knowledge and experience in the profitable development of new technology enterprises that can turn disruptive market change into opportunity."

Mafrige remarked: "One has to think, that any viable solution to the issues presented by the 2020 IMO specification change will involve both new approaches and new fuel supply options. We plan for GCC Bunkers to be at the forefront of these efforts."

Contact details for GCC Bunkers have been provided below.

GCC Bunkers LLC
20 E Greenway Plaza, Suite 350, Houston, Texas, 77046
Tel: +1 713 880 9812
Mob: +1 713 898 6180
Email: marketing@gccbunkers.com
Website: gccbunkers.com


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