Monjasa has reflagged the first of three United Arab Emirates-based tankers from the Liberian registry to the UAE flag.

The reflagging of Monjasa Shaker (9,600 dwt) took place on 9 April during a scheduled drydocking campaign at Dubai Maritime City. Monjasa said the move reflects its long-term operating focus in the UAE and is being carried out under the country’s new maritime law framework.

The marine fuels supplier is primarily engaged in cabotage shipping between key UAE ports, including Dubai, Fujairah and Abu Dhabi.

With the change, Monjasa noted it is among the first international shipowners to place tanker tonnage under the UAE flag.

Anders Østergaard, group CEO, said: “Reflagging Monjasa Shaker to the UAE registry supports our core operations in the region, where our fleet serves customers daily across multiple UAE ports. It also reflects our strong connection to the country following 20 years of maritime operations in the Emirates.”

Monjasa acquired Monjasa Shaker in 2022. The reflagging marks the start of a wider transition involving two other wholly owned tankers, Monjasa Server (9,600 DWT) and Monjasa Shipper (7,991 DWT), which are due to move to the UAE registry at their next planned surveys.

The bunker supplier added that UAE registration offers advantages for ships trading domestically, including closer cooperation with national maritime authorities and oversight suited to regional trading conditions.

The current drydocking at Dubai Maritime City, carried out at Damen Albwardy shipyard, includes a third-class renewal expected to be completed this month. Work has included deck and engine overhauls, hull blasting, repainting and advanced coating ahead of the tanker’s return to service in the Arabian Gulf.

The Middle East and Africa account for 33% of Monjasa’s annual marine fuel supply, totalling 6.8 million tonnes.

Monjasa is a marine fuel trader and physical bunker supplier headquartered in Fredericia, Denmark, with offices across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas.