Thu 1 Apr 2010, 12:41 GMT

Aegean completes acquisition of Verbeke Bunkering


Aegean confirms the completion of its previously announced acquisition of ARA supplier Verbeke Bunkering.



Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. has today announced that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Verbeke Bunkering N.V., a leading physical supplier of marine fuel in the Antwerp-Rotterdam-Amsterdam (ARA) region, the world's second largest bunkering market.

Commenting on the news, E. Nikolas Tavlarios, President of Aegean Marine, said: "We are pleased to complete the accretive acquisition of Verbeke Bunkering and solidify our presence in the vast ARA region. With this strategic transaction, the largest in our Company's history, we have more than tripled Aegean Marine's global reach since going public in December 2006. Management's successful track record in consolidating the fragmented marine fuel supply industry in a disciplined manner positions Aegean Marine well to significantly strengthen its global brand recognition and increase future sales volumes."

Verbeke Bunkering is majority owned by the fourth generation of the Verbeke family, which has an operating history of more than 100 years initially in shipping and subsequently in bunkering.

As a physical supplier, Verbeke Bunkering covers the entire ARA region, including key ports surrounding Antwerp, Rotterdam and Amsterdam, such as Ghent, Zeebrugge, Flushing, Terneuzen, and Sluiskil. The company provides bunkering services in port to a diverse group of ship operators as well as marine fuel traders, brokers and other users.

Verbeke focuses on purchasing quality marine fuels from refineries and major oil producers and providing same-day sales and delivery services to customers. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, the volume of marine fuel sold by Verbeke is expected to total approximately 3,500,000 metric tons.

Verbeke Bunkering operates a total of 18 bunkering vessels, of which nine are owned and nine are chartered-in. Two of the nine owned vessels are joint ventures in which Verbeke holds a minority stake. In connection with the acquisition, Aegean has agreed to purchase the nine owned bunkering vessels and assume the contracts for the nine vessels chartered-in by Verbeke. Additionally, Aegean will assume the contract for a bunkering tanker newbuilding, of which Verbeke holds a 50% stake, scheduled to be delivered in 2010.

Following the acquisition, Verbeke will continue to be led by its Chief Executive Officer, Tony Vertommen.

Commenting on the takeover in January, Mr. Vertommen said, "We are excited to merge with Aegean Marine Petroleum Network. The company has established itself as a leading independent physical supplier of marine fuel from procurement to delivery. By joining Aegean's premier global network, we expect to expand our opportunities for long-term growth and strengthen our leading position in our core markets."


Arctic Tern vessel. Wallenius Wilhelmsen takes delivery of first methanol-ready Shaper Class vessel  

The dual-fuel Arctic Tern will enter service on the Asia–Europe trade almost immediately.

Al Muraykh vessel. Hapag-Lloyd signs shore power agreement with Hamburg Port Authority  

Deal commits the carrier to using onshore power supply at all Hamburg terminals.

Dorthe Karin Bendtsen, KPI OceanConnect. KPI OceanConnect reports 21% rise in pre-tax earnings for 2025/26  

Marine fuel firm delivers 13 million tonnes and expands carbon markets capabilities amid geopolitical turbulence.

VTTI logo. VTTI Dalian completes first large-scale 'green methanol' vessel loading  

Cargo to be supplied as marine fuel in Shanghai.

Steff Tan, Oilmar. Oilmar appoints Steff Tan as marine fuels trader in Singapore  

New hire's background spans bunker operations, logistics, commercial trading, marketing, and business development.

Feng Da Hai vessel. Cosco Shipping adds methanol-ready bulk carrier Feng Da Hai to fleet  

The 64,000-tonne vessel is equipped with a methanol fuel system for future low-carbon operations.

Oilmar office in Dubai. Oilmar welcomes summer intern to Dubai branch  

Arpit Aryan will rotate across the bunker fuel trading, finance and operations departments.

Aerial view of the Dubai skyline. Oilmar takes on trading and finance intern in Dubai  

New intern to rotate across trading, operations and finance teams.

Seaspan and Maersk signing. Seaspan and Maersk deepen fleet efficiency collaboration with $75m upgrade programme  

Retrofit package for four 13,000-teu vessels includes installation of shaft generator to reduce auxiliary engine fuel consumption.

European Parliament building in Brussels. EU Parliament vote on soy biofuels could expose bloc to $5.6bn a year in trade sanctions  

MEPs reject regulation that would have phased out soy biofuels, risking WTO retaliation penalties.