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V-Marine Fuels (UK) has expanded its sea-going bunker tanker fleet with the addition of the 4,700 mt dwt tanker LS Concorde [pictured]. The vessel is from the same owner as the existing tanker, the 8,400 mt dwt LS Christine, and comes into service with immediate effect.

Prior to commissioning, LS Concorde spent a period in dry-dock undergoing a full survey and modifications for operations as a bunkering tanker. Both of the V-Marine seagoing vessels are equipped with a full complement of pneumatic fenders, hoses and fittings to facilitate efficient and safe operations. They are also equipped with Tier 2 oil spill response resources including rapid deployment containment booms.

The entire operation in and around the southeast corner of the UK will be supported by a newly-built state-of-the-art 32,000 cubic meter storage terminal based in the Thames estuary at Canvey Island. There is also a Tier 1 spill response facility based at Ramsgate, on the English Channel, the only one of its kind in the region.

The two vessels will predominantly serve the Thames Estuary bunkers-only market and nearby English Channel markets, but are also able to supply further afield to most areas within North West Europe, subject to delivery schedules.

At only around one hour deviation from the main shipping lanes, but within full VTS control of the Port of London Authority’s marine traffic operation centre, the dedicated bunkering anchorages in the Thames estuary have been promoted as an economical, safe and reliable location to take bunkers since the service’s inception in 2010.

The seagoing tankers are supplemented by the 1,600 mt dwt River Thames-based bunker barge, Beringzee, which exclusively serves shipping working at the ports and wharves around the rivers Thames and Medway.

Commenting on the addition of the LS Concorde, V-Marine Fuels said: "V-Marine Fuels’ management felt the addition was necessary to enable the company to consolidate its position in the market and enhance the service offering to its customers. V-Marine fuels provides a truly value added supply service in the region and has a growing customer base which appreciates its innovative and thorough approach. This is further evidenced by the growth in the V-Marine Fuels Rotterdam business in recent months."

The company operates 3 barges in the ARA market, ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 mt capacity and says it has plans to expand this location further in the near future.

V-Marine Fuels is the recently established physical supplier which has emerged from the 50% acquisition by Vitol of the previously 100% Grindrod-owned Cockett Marine Oil Limited.

The restructuring and rebranding was aimed at enabling the group to demonstrate a clear differentiation of its physical supply activities from the well-established Cockett Marine Oil bunker trading activities and to broaden its service offer to its client base.

V-Marine said: "It is considered a natural progression for the V-Marine brand to gain further momentum as a major player in the global bunker supply sector, with more locations planned."