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Pacific bunker supply specialist Clipper Oil has announced the launch of its new office in Singapore.

The office will be headed by Clipper Oil's new recruit Zheng Tian, formerly with Singapore-based Hin Leong Trading.

"Zheng will bring his experience in the bunker fuel and lubricant industry to Clipper Oil's new Singapore office and spearhead the Asia-Pacific expansion," the company said.

Coupled with its US headquarters in San Diego and existing coverage of the Pacific Islands, Clipper Oil says the new office will enable it to support its customers around the clock as well as communicate in multiple languages including English, Mandarin, and Spanish.

While the Pacific Islands remain a key market for Clipper Oil, the company says it presence in Singapore will likely be a key driver in its expansion throughout Asia-Pacific.

"Clipper Oil's new office in Singapore will help the company supply the finest marine fuels and lubricant oils to operators of fishing boats, oceangoing yachts, cruise ships, cargo ships and government/military/research vessels," the company said, adding that its presence in Singapore further strengthens the company's global position, allowing it to respond to customer enquiries 24/7.

Kevin Alameda, Vice President of Clipper Oil said: "We opened the new office to help us expand in Singapore and throughout Asia-Pacific, and we are making good headway. Singapore is the headquarters of the bunkering industry, so it was an easy decision to establish our next office there because of the English language and the abundant vessel activity. We also have a lot of customers and competitors based there already.

"We are confident that this will help build stronger partnerships with many of the local suppliers in Singapore now that we have a physical presence in the area. We believe that the Singapore market offers great opportunities for growth and for the company to expand further in 2011 and beyond."