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Gulf Petrochem Group has today announced the launch of a new trading office in London as part of its global expansion strategy. The company has also appointed Neil Lamerton [pictured] as the global head of its bunkering division.

Lamerton joins Gulf Petrochem from KPI Bridge Oil, where he held the position of director. He will be based at the new London office.

In a statement, Gulf Petrochem said Lamerton had been tasked with managing the growth of the company's global bunkering business, which includes the supervision of its existing bunker businesses in the U.A.E, India and Singapore.

Lamerton has also been charged with developing new supply locations outside Gulf Petrochem's existing network.

Commenting on the appointment, Prerit Goel, director at Gulf Petrochem, said: "Neil fills a strategically important role with Gulf Petrochem, and we're delighted that he has joined the group bringing with him the necessary technical and operational expertise which is particularly valuable as we develop GP's international footprint in the bunker industry. The launch of our London office is a significant step towards increasing the group's global footprint as it's a strategic location to cater to European and West African markets."

Lamerton remarked: "Gulf Petrochem has tremendous growth prospects as it has positioned itself as an asset backed physical supplier and trader. I therefore have a unique opportunity to expand and strengthen its bunkering team and global supply facilities that will enable the group to fulfil its mission to be amongst the leading bunker suppliers in the world."

Lamerton will be supported by a team of bunker traders with Mark de Claiterosse in London, Gaurav Dwivedi and Swati Reddy in U.A.E., Anil Keswani in Mumbai and Liz Ho in Singapore.