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OW Bunker, one of the world’s leading suppliers and traders of marine fuel, has today announced that it has launched physical operations in Uruguay.

OW Bunker said the move supported the company’s strategy of expanding its services in the key global regions where it has a significant presence.

Commenting on the launch O.W Bunker said "The new Uruguay operation will extend the company’s commitment to its customers, who look to realise the opportunities of the growing South American economy and the positive impact this will have on the shipping industry. Quick and reliable access to quality fuel oil and services, as a means of speeding up efficiencies within operations is central to achieving this."

OW Bunker will use its double-hulled bunker barge M/T OW Baltic to carry out deliveries, providing customers with a full range of fuels up to 380-censtistoke (cst). The company said that all products are tested to full ISO specifications, adding that customers will also be provided with a quality certificate as proof.

The OW Baltic has a pumping capacity of up to 700 cubic metres (cbm) per hour. OW Bunker said that it will use a flow meter to measure the precise quantity of fuel that is delivered to ensure that customers receive exactly what they have requested.

Customers will be able to take deliveries either in port at Montevideo as well as at anchorage areas.

In a statement, OW Bunker said that it could offer a range of added value services for customers in South America including the ability to provide immediate quotes either for a contract, the spot market, or over any time frame.

"As global market makers, OW Bunker has the capability to be flexible in its pricing to ensure that customers have the best deal," the company said.

Customers will also have access to the company’s global risk management division. OW Bunker said it will work closely with them to develop hedging strategies that manage the volatility of fuel and crude oil prices.

Götz Lehsten, Vice President, OW Bunker, commented: “South America is a critical market for our customers. We are wholly focused on ensuring that we can provide quality products and supply, as well as developing our physical operations as part of our ongoing commitment to customers.”

“It’s a rapidly expanding market, which will see an increase in demand for fuel oil and related services. Based on our knowledge of the region and understanding of the market, combined with our global capabilities to quickly source product as well as our flexibility in pricing, we believe that we are well positioned to meet any demands or challenges that our customers might face.”