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Chemoil, a wholly owned subsidiary of Glencore, is due to commence physical bunker fuel supply operations at Port Kembla in New South Wales from next month, Glencore has confirmed.

The new operation is scheduled to officially commence on April 2.

Subject to final approvals, Chemoil is to also deploy a bunker barge capable of supplying both intermediate fuel oil (IFO) and marine gas oil (MGO) to support its operations, and offer bunkering by barge in Newcastle, Port Botany and Eden.

Chemoil will partner with United Maritime Australia for its barging operations, Glencore said.

Commenting on the news, Brett Crawford, Manager of Glencore's oil business in Australia, remarked: "While Glencore does not own refineries in Australia, our global network and marketing expertise allows us to efficiently and competitively source, ship, store, blend and deliver a broad range of fuels for our customers.

"The addition of Port Kembla will further strengthen Chemoil's supply network throughout Australasia and is an important strategic step for the company as it expands its offering to ship owners, cruise lines, brokers and agents."

Established in 1981, Chemoil is one of the world's leading marine fuel suppliers. Glencore became a majority owner of the company in 2010.

Last year, Chemoil International Pte Ltd jumped 15 places (from 16th in 2014) to be named Singapore's leading bunker supplier (by volume) by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). As a result, BP was finally dethroned as the top supplier at the world's biggest bunker port, having retained the position of leading seller for 12 consecutive years.