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Bomin Group, a physical supplier and trader of marine fuels, announced on Monday that it has strengthened its physical operation in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region by time-chartering two bunker barges.

Bomin described the two barges as modern, state-of-the-art 3,600-deadweight-tonne (dwt) and 3,100-dwt vessels with fast pumping rates to maximize speed throughout the delivery process.

Bomin provides a range of products in the ARA region, including IFO 380 and DMA-specification marine gas oil (MGO) with a maximum sulphur content of 0.1 percent.

As a result of the additional time charters, Bomin is now also able to supply DMC-specification, 0.1 percent MGO; DMA-specification, 0.86 percent MGO; as well as ultra-low-sulphur fuel oil (ULSFO) to meet Emission Control Area (ECA) compliance requirements.

The barges are being operated out of Antwerp, but will also be used to support customers who require bunkers in Rotterdam, Ghent, and Vlissingen.

"The move supports Bomin's business strategy of investing in key regions, and developing its global infrastructure and resources to drive long-term growth and sustainability," Bomin said in a statement.

Jan Christensen, Global Head of Bunker Operations, Bomin Group, remarked: "We are continuing to make significant progress in ensuring our global infrastructure and operations are well developed to meet the fuel supply challenges of our customers. Both barges have Coriolis Mass Flow Meters installed to guarantee customers receive the quantity of products that they order, and to drive further operational efficiencies. By strengthening our physical presence in ARA we can enhance our operational flexibility and increase the choice of products we offer to customers in the region."

Bomin launched its physical operation in Antwerp in 2015. The addition of two new barges in the ARA region follows the launch of physical operations in Singapore and Mauritius in 2016.

Image: Bomin's headquarters in Hamburg.