Wed 11 Mar 2009, 13:26 GMT

Bunkers International expands operations in Colombia


Supplier launches new gasoil barge and raises IFO delivery capacity in Cartagena.



Bunkers International Corp, the leading independent marine fuel supplier in Colombia, in collaboration with its joint venture partner, Vanoil S.A., has launched a new barge the Opita into gasoil service in Colombia.

The Opita is a dedicated gasoil barge with 1300 mts capacity capable of pumping 300-400 tons per hour.

“We are excited about the launch of the Opita”, said John Canal, President of Bunkers International. “We now have a barge that is capable of pumping 1000 mts of MGO to a ship in just a few hours. Prior to the launch of the Opita, this kind of operation would have take 10-15 hours with the other barges available in Colombia. We have also expanded many of our IFO barges to carry 200-300 mts of MGO, eliminating the need for two-barge deliveries.”

All MGO products sold by Bunkers International in Colombia are fully certified by the state run refinery and meet all ISO designated specifications with sulfur levels below 0.5%, typically 0.3 – 0.4%.

The Opita will serve Cartagena port and surrounding areas and complements the existing fleet of IFO barges operated by the joint venture. The Opita is in full operation and the company is now accepting enquiries for gasoil.

Bunkers International has been expanding operations globally since 2000, creating new operations in Colombia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Turkey, South Africa, and recently in New York. The company says that it has significantly increased its trading division, which in turn has helped drive a seven-fold increase in revenue in the past four years.

"With strong capitalization, a global customer base of thousands of ship operators, and supply operations on both coasts of Colombia, Bunkers International is well positioned to serve the South American market and beyond," the company said.

Customers with enquiries for any ports in Colombia may contact the company’s headquarters in Orlando, Florida or any of its global sales offices.


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