BGN has launched its first US-based retail marine bunkering business, partnering with Houston-based Centerline Logistics to supply marine fuels to vessels operating across the US Gulf Coast.

To support the new operation, BGN has chartered two barges — the Jackson Eades and the MGI 2100 — from Centerline Logistics, a marine petroleum transportation company. According to BGN, Centerline’s double-hulled fleet of bunker and terminal barges is designed to maximise safety and minimise environmental impact.

The operation will supply high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO), very-low-sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) and marine gas oil (MGO) to vessels calling at ports along the US Gulf Coast.

BGN says the service will initially support its own fleet of around 40 owned and chartered LPG vessels, which transport US LPG exports to customers worldwide. The company also intends to provide marine fuel services to third-party shipowners operating throughout the region.

The launch forms part of what BGN describes as a wider strategy to expand its marine fuels business across key global shipping hubs, serving its international maritime customer base.