---

Bunker supply firm OW Bunker says it is 'strategically placed' to carry out marine fuel deliveries to vessels travelling along the Northern Sea Route.

The Northern Sea Route has become a viable option for ship operators as a result of the retreat of the Arctic ice sheet during summer months in the Northern Hemisphere.

The route runs along the Russian Arctic coast from Murmansk on the Barents Sea, along Siberia, to the Bering Strait and Far East and can cut around 40 percent off the sailing time between Asia and Europe.

The first commercial ship to use the route crossed the Arctic in 2010. Last year, 46 vessels used it and hundreds are expected to use it in 2013.

Russia is said to have issued more than 400 permits this year for use of the Northern Sea Route. The first Chinese container ship to make the journey embarked on the Northern Sea Route earlier this month.

In an emailed message to customers today, OW Bunker said: "We expect increased activity in the strategic bunkering spot of the Northeast Passage in the coming years and also, combined with more vessels calling the west coast of Norway together with the booming offshore industry, we want you to keep this great option in mind for taking on bunkers."

OW Bunker is a physical supplier at Fuglefjord, Faroe Islands, where it has been carrying out deliveries of marine fuel since 2008.

OW Bunker's total storage capacity at the Faroe Islands is 18,000 cubic metres. Blending is also possible.

The company supplies high sulphur fuel oil (max 3,5%) 380-centistoke (cst) to 30-cst, low sulphur fuel oil (max 1%) 380-cst to 30-cst, marine gasoil (MGO) 1% and MGO 0.1%. Deliveries are ex-pipe, except MGO 0.1%, which is by truck only.

Commenting on its bunkering location in Fuglefjord, OW Bunker said: "Located between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic, Faroe Islands is ideally placed for bunker stops when transiting or trawling in nearby waters, saving you valuable time deviating to other bunker spots.

"The bunker facility in Fuglefjord is the only place north of Bergen where you will find all grades of heavy fuel oil and gasoil giving the perfect opportunity to bunker low sulphur fuel oil just before entering North Sea ECA or filling up high sulphur fuel oil just before crossing the Atlantic.

"Avails are good in Fuglefjord meaning we are ready to receive your enquiries today if required," the company added.