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Chemoil, one of the world’s leading physical suppliers of marine fuel products, has continued to strengthen its barge fleet with the introduction of a new delivery barge that is dedicated to the supply of low sulfur fuel oil in the port of Rotterdam.

Chemoil said the newbuild will improve the efficiency and safety of its services as demand for low sulphur fuel oil (LSFO) continues to grow in the Antwerp-Rotterdam-Amsterdam (ARA) region.

Named the Laurentien after the Dutch Princess from the Royal House of the Netherlands, the new bunker barge is said to have a range of advanced capabilities that are suited to LSFO deliveries including fast pumping capabilities of 500 to 600 metric tons per hour to ensure quick customer turnaround times. It is also double-hulled and double-bottomed to meet MARPOL Annex I safety standards.

The vessel is currently operational and has been time chartered from FTS Hofftrans, one of the ARA region’s leading carriers of marine fuel products.

"Chemoil’s 49 percent share ownership in Hofftrans’ parent company, Burando Holding B.V., demonstrates the business’ ongoing commitment to investing in modern barge fleets to meet market and regulatory demands in a flexible and economical way," Chemoil said in a statement.

Commenting on the company's operatiions in Rotterdam, Chris Stoddard, Managing Director, Chemoil Europe B.V. said: “Chemoil has been at the forefront of supplying LSFO in Rotterdam for a number of years. We were the first suppliers to dedicate barges to the exclusive delivery of LSFO in order to maintain the highest quality and service standards. Going forward, it is essential that we continue to strengthen this delivery aspect of our supply chain and support this with the utilization of appropriate vessels.

“As customers face increasing cost pressures during these challenging economic times, it is essential that every aspect of our operation is focused towards providing them with the quickest, safest and most flexible service so that they can minimize time spent refueling and focus on their core business, safe in the knowledge that their bunkering needs are taken care of,” Stoddard said.