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GAC has announced an exclusive partnership between its bunker fuels trading arm GAC Bunker Fuels (GBFL) and ENOC Global Marine.

Under the agreement, GBFL has been appointed as ENOC's exclusive sales agent and distributor for marine lubricants in South Africa.

In a statement, GAC said: "The deal marks the first time GBFL has been appointed to provide sales and distribution for a lubricants manufacturer, on the strength of the GAC Group's extensive logistics expertise, strong agency network and experienced bunker fuels team. GAC also has longstanding relationships with marine spare parts buyers who work with clients who also have bunker fuels needs."

All logistics work and inventory management services are to be handled by GAC Marine Logistics (GML), with GAC Dubai arranging lubricant freight from the UAE to the South African port of Durban.

"By combining the strength of the GAC supply chain and ENOC's marine products, which are approved by the biggest marine engine manufactures, the partnership offers vessel owners and operators a quality service at a competitive price," GAC stated.

"The marine lubricant market is expected to expand over the next few years. Simultaneously, cost pressures and a drive towards cost saving is encouraging manufacturers to seek sales partners that can offer greater logistical efficiency and lower overheads," GAC added.

Nicholas Browne, GAC Bunker Fuels Director, remarked: "ENOC is an exceptionally strong brand in the Middle East, and their business ethics and values are very similar to GAC's. Sales and distribution is a logical extension to GAC's existing service offering, and it meets a very real need. We're excited to see this partnership develop and open new avenues of growth for both parties."

Zaid Alqufaidi, Managing Director, ENOC Marketing, commented: "At ENOC, we aspire to build upon our successes by expanding our regional and international presence and are well aware of the potential that international markets present; particularly the African region and its contribution to the success of our operations. This newly forged collaboration with GAC presents ample opportunity for us to expand our network and cater to the ever evolving needs of our customers."

Headquartered in Dubai, ENOC Global Marine supplies lubricants and provides technical support services to the international marine industry. ENOC's marine lubricants division supplies in 80 ports across 16 countries. The division's product, STRATA marine lubricants, is designed for all types of marine main engines.

In Africa, ENOC Global Marine cover's some of Africa's key ports in Egypt, Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco and Mauritania and now South Africa.

The newly announced partnership with GAC Bunker Fuels will contribute to increasing ENOC's vessel delivery by 300,000 litres annually, according to GAC.