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Omanoil Matrix Marine Services (MXO), a strategic joint venture between Oman Oil Marketing Company SAOG and Matrix Marine Holding GmbH, has enhanced its delivery capacity at the Port of Sohar.

The bunker firm, which was founded in April 2010 and performs fuel deliveries of RMG 380 and marine gasoil (DMA) to shipping customers at Sohar, has added three barges to cater for the growing demand from vessels calling at the port.

"The coming together of two like-minded organizations, each with its own unique set of strengths, has cemented our position as a trusted partner of choice in the marine bunkering business. As a result, we have a very competitively priced proposition in comparison to neighboring ports that combines technical knowhow with timely physical delivery services," stated Omar Ahmed Qatan, CEO of Oman Oil Marketing Company.

"In a short span of 15 months, we have established our bunker operation and remain confident that our services will attract additional traffic to the Port of Sohar," said Qatan.

"Quality and HSSE serve as the cornerstone of our business approach and operations and we aim to minimize human risks and adverse environmental impacts," added Qatan.

Since 2007, the Port of Sohar has witnessed a steady growth in vessel traffic from 556 to an estimated 1,104 vessel calls at the end of 2010, according to the latest data published by the port.

MXO says it is equipped to deliver RMG 380 by barge to the full spectrum of vessels calling at Sohar, ranging from local and international cargo vessels, fishing boats, passenger ferries to large tankers. "All products meet ISO 8217:2005 specification and Marpol 73/78 Annex VI guidelines," the company said.