Thu 9 Jan 2014, 11:27 GMT

OW Bunker signs USD 700m revolving credit facility


Danish firm says facility provides flexibility to continue growth, including the launch of new physical supply operations.



OW Bunker, one of the world’s leading resellers and physical distributors of marine fuel, has signed a USD 700 million revolving credit facility, refinancing its current USD 450 million facility. The new facility consisting of two tranches, a 364-day and a 3-year multi-currency revolving credit facility, was more than 100% oversubscribed by the in total 13 international banks and financial institutions in a syndicate led by ING Bank N.V.

OW Bunker says it sees the over-subscription and the up to 3-year commitment as a strong sign of confidence in its business model, including a strong balance sheet consisting primarily of relatively liquid current assets, with 70-75% of accounts receivables typically insured, and a liquid inventory of fuel and gas oil. The new facility further enables OW Bunker to continue developing its business.

"Liquidity is vital to growth in the bunker industry. This facility further strengthens our financial position and the additional liquidity it brings provides us with flexibility to continue growing the business, including launching additional physical distribution operations. Our integrated business model, strong balance sheet and global footprint are key competitive advantages," said OW Bunker CFO Morten Skou.

ING Bank N.V., Nordea and Rabobank International, acting as Bookrunning Mandated Lead Arrangers, were joined by ten other financial institutions in the general syndication.

ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Danske Bank and Natixis joined as Bookrunning Mandated Lead Arrangers, while Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, Crédit Agricole (Suisse) S.A., Deutsche Bank AG, Amsterdam branch, Fifth Third Bank, Société Générale, Standard Chartered Bank and UBS AG participated as Mandated Lead Arrangers.


Sing Fuels logo. Sing Fuels seeks Asia-based supply trader to bolster bunker procurement team  

Singapore bunkering firm is recruiting a supply trader to manage marine fuel purchasing across Asia.

MOL joint naming ceremony. MOL names world's first ammonia-fuelled Capesize bulk carriers  

Naming of Ruri Mirai, Ruri Sekai and Ruri Hikari signals ammonia's arrival as a marine fuel for large bulk carriers.

Washington State Hybrid-Electric 160-Auto Ferry vessel render. ABB wins Washington State Ferries' third hybrid-electric vessel order  

ABB extends its role in the US ferry operator's electrification programme, which targets emission-free operations by 2050.

Aurora Borealis vessel. Kawasaki Heavy Industries delivers LPG-fuelled carrier Aurora Borealis  

Ship could also be modified in future to allow for ammonia-fuelled operation.

Rendering of Estonia's first shore-charged electric ferry. Estonian State Fleet's shore-charged electric ferry completes model testing in Germany  

Hull and propulsion tests show the vessel's energy consumption remains within contracted limits with room to spare.

Kypros Island vessel. Tsuneishi delivers first methanol dual-fuel Kamsarmax bulk carrier from Chinese yard  

Shipbuilder claims progress towards establishing a mass-production system for vessels designed to reduce environmental impact.

ZIM LNG container vessel. Los Angeles and Long Beach identify LNG and methanol as key near-term marine fuels  

Joint feasibility study maps out demand projections and infrastructure needs to support cleaner shipping fuels at San Pedro Bay

Alexander Treff, Christiania Energy, Christiania Energy welcomes student assistant to Copenhagen office  

Alexander Treff joins marine fuels firm while studying international business at Copenhagen Business School.

Carlotta Cosulich vessel. Cosulich Marine Energy takes delivery of third methanol-ready bunker tanker  

Carlotta Cosulich joins the group’s fleet, bringing its four-vessel bunkering programme closer to completion.

Rendering of a Wallenius Wilhelmsen vessel Wallenius Wilhelmsen orders four dual-fuel PCTCs, extends fleet renewal programme  

Shipping firm signs for LNG-fuelled car carriers with options for eight more, with deliveries from 2030.