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UAE-based bunker supplier Oil Marketing & Trading International FZC LLC. has announced that it expects to have a dedicated gasoil barge stationed in Dubai over the next few days.

Speaking to Bunker Index, bunker manager Aditya Jerath said the company already carries out bunker deliveries in Dubai, Jebel Ali, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah to meet the requirements of customers needing to refuel in these ports. However, this will be the first time that Oil Marketing will have a dedicated barge located specifically in Dubai. The company is already an established player in the Fujairah bunker market.

Jerath said Oil Marketing had not yet decided which of the nine vessels the company owns will be used for bunkering operations in Dubai, but commented that this was expected to be decided over the next couple of days.

In a message to customers, Oil Marketing said "We look forward to receving your enquiries in the Dubai, Jebel Ali, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah area and trust to have the same support we have at Fujairah."

"We will also have a fuel oil barge in the Dubai area shortly and will keep you informed."

Jerath did not provide a volume estimate for its new dedicated bunkering operation, but said that the company would have a better idea after the first month of service.

The announcement comes only a day after one of Oil Marketing's main competitors in the UAE market, Aegean Marine Petroleum announced hat it has taken delivery of the Patmos, a 6,280 dwt double-hull bunkering tanker newbuild from Qingdao Hyundai Shipyard in China. Aegean said the Patmos will be deployed to the company's U.A.E. service center.