Wed 24 Nov 2010, 05:51 GMT

OW Bunker launches physical operations in Panama


Company further expands its physical presence in the Latin American bunker market.



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

The move continues the company’s strategy of expanding its physical supply base to meet the needs of its customers and also represents O.W. Bunker’s continued focus on Latin America as a market for future growth following the recent commencement of physical operations in Uruguay.

M/T OW Otilia, a state-of-the-art double-hulled vessel from O.W. Bunker’s global fleet, will support the company’s physical operations. M/T OW Otilia is one of the largest bunker barges operating in Panama with a capacity of 8,000 metric tonnes (mt). It has a pumping rate of up to 700 cubic metres (cbm), flow meters and an electronic cargo control system.

The vessel will be supplying a full range of fuel up to 380-cst as well as distillates. It also has digital onboard blending equipment so that products can be delivered according to required specifications.

Andrew Huzzard, Branch Manager, OW Bunker Panama, commented: “We have already built a good reputation as a highly experienced, responsible and flexible trading operation in Panama. The launch of our physical presence will not only further strengthen our offering, but also consolidate our position as one of the leading suppliers in the region. Fundamentally, we know what our customers want, and have the knowledge, experience, product quality and infrastructure to deliver it.”

Götz Lehsten, Vice President, OW Bunker, added: “South America is a critical market, and we are wholly focused on ensuring that we can provide quality products and supply, and developing our physical operations as part of our ongoing commitment to our customers. It’s a rapidly expanding market, which will see an increase in demand for fuel oil and related services. Based on our knowledge and understanding of the region, 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.”


RINA employee on board vessel. RINA unveils Mermaid propulsion concept to navigate uncertain decarbonisation landscape  

Fuel-agnostic design claims savings of more than 1,000 tonnes per year in some applications.

Adinkerke and Aalter naming ceremony. Exmar names third and fourth dual-fuel ammonia-powered vessels  

Midsize gas carriers Adinkerke and Aalter named at formal ceremony.

Professor Lynn Loo, GCMD. GCMD outlines practical approach to quantity assurance in marine biofuel supply chains  

New report addresses verification of both total fuel volume and renewable content in biofuel transactions.

Steel-cutting ceremony of London Express class vessel. Hapag-Lloyd cuts steel for first vessel of new London Express class  

16,800-TEU LNG dual-fuel vessel is first of 12 newbuildings in the class.

Vessels at sea. DNV report warns regulatory uncertainty complicates fleet investment decisions  

CEO urges greater clarity to provide the confidence needed for long-term investment.

Blue Whale NxtGen Energy battery system. Corvus Energy launches LFP battery system developed with BYD Energy Storage  

Blue Whale NxtGen Power targets tugs, ferries and workboats with high power demand.

Welcome ceremony of Yampu vessel. World’s first battery-powered self-unloading bulk carrier enters service in Australia  

MV Yampu connects South Australia’s limestone trade with a battery-electric propulsion system.

Skipanes vessel. E-methanol-ready ro-ro vessel delivered to Smyril Line  

190-metre vessel is built for year-round North Atlantic operations and designed for future e-methanol conversion.

Belgium flag. Sunoil Biodiesel secures approval to supply biofuels in Belgium  

Dutch biofuel supplier expands its European footprint with Belgian market entry.

Tacoma Maersk naming ceremony. Maersk takes delivery of dual-fuel methanol-capable Tacoma Maersk in China  

9,000-TEU vessel is one of six mid-sized dual-fuel ships joining Maersk's fleet.